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Working a strength or cultivating a weakness?

by Daryl Lim
8 replies
The Question : Is it better to make better use of a strength that we have, or get out of our comfort zones and work on a weakness? What are your thoughts/opinions about this?

For example, I'm a very theory-type person. I'm an INTP in the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator test. INTPs are excellent analysts, we think we can and we will analyse everything down to the greatest detail. That said, we are highly impractical people. I would strongly prefer studying Physics (which is one of my greatest interests) to actually working it out, i.e. being an engineer/inventor.

If you've noticed, my strength : theory/ideas (in general), my weakness : application/action.

You can see where this is going... I think more than I take action! (By far, taking action is one of the most important ingredients in IM, isn't it?)

Would it be better to leverage on my strength and continue generating great ideas and theories, or to improve on applying and doing things instead?

Now I don't want to base this thread on myself... back to the general question. Is it better to make better use of a strength that we already have, or get out of our comfort zones and work on a weakness (i.e. turning it into a strength)?
#cultivating #strength #weakness #working
  • Profile picture of the author spectrefax
    Spend 100% on your strength, outsource your weakness to someone who has that particular strength.

    A wiser man/woman will be strong enough to realize they have weaknesses and instead of trying to be strong in all areas, they will absolutely dominate on their strong areas and simply partner with others who dominate where they are weak.

    An example would be I'm not good at graphic design, but I'm good at logistical SEO stuff, instead of being moderately strong on the SEO aspect for a long time while I try to gradually be moderately strong at graphic design, I would be better off spending time becoming a cutting edge leader in the SEO field and just hire someone who excels at graphics.
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    • Profile picture of the author BBryanB
      Excellent post.

      I find that most people prefer to work on doing the same thing, cultivating a weakness, then to take the time to get out of their comfort zone and work on a strength.

      Bryan
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    • Profile picture of the author nesvarbu
      Originally Posted by spectrefax View Post

      Spend 100% on your strength, outsource your weakness to someone who has that particular strength.
      One million worth tip ;]
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      • Profile picture of the author Matthew Shelton
        It can be a balancing act - there are some weaknesses I can't outsource until I've learned the lesson contained in them.
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        • Profile picture of the author hireava
          Originally Posted by Matthew Shelton View Post

          It can be a balancing act - there are some weaknesses I can't outsource until I've learned the lesson contained in them.
          I agree. Their should be a balance between the two. Both strength and weakness has their own role on honing a person/s life.
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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    I think both are important. While you should focus on working in your strengths, overcoming your weaknesses is important too. By dedicating time to each you will grow as a person and a businessman.
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  • Profile picture of the author zannix
    I think you should keep one thing in mind: your ultimate goal.

    Why are you doing all the things you are doing? What things do you absolutely need to do in order to obtain your ultimate goal?

    If your strength appears to be one of the things you don't really need to obtain your ultimate goal, then don't reinforce it! It's that simple.

    Figure out what your ultimate goal is, and then write down what you need to be doing to get it (regardless of your strengths and weaknesses) and then work on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Insane1
    It’s disappointing that most people are lead to believe they must work on their shortcomings and focus on strengthening your weaknesses… From early on in life, we are generally taught by our parents, teachers, professors and employers to continue improving what were not great at.

    One of my top ten game changing books is; Now Discover Your Strengths – By Marcus Buckingham… In nut shell, find out what you’re your naturally good at and exploit those gifts. Don’t waste your time and resources focusing on what your not good at….


    Everyone, regardless of their place in life, should read this book.
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