“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Always do what you are afraid to do.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.” ~Dorothy Thompson
What is the fight or flight syndrome?
When our brain interprets a situation and tells us we are in danger and we have two choices, either to stand and fight or to flee from danger. That is known as the fight-or-flight response.
What does this have to do with our weaknesses?
Well, when we take a good hard look at weaknesses, we may see fear underlying many of them. On many occasions, that fear is what makes us flee and opt for flight.
However, there are ways we can overcome fear and even turn our weaknesses into our biggest strengths.
Overcoming Fear
Sometimes the only way to overcome a fear is to face it head on; but this can be daunting and even frightening at first. If you take small steps in the beginning, however, you will see and recognize your small successes. Then, chances are you will go on to bigger and better things.
Overcoming fear is one way to face your weaknesses to find your strength.
Take Inventory
If you have areas hat you would like to improve (as we all do), then you should definitely take inventory. Consider where you feel you are lacking, but also take inventory of where your strengths lie.
For example, if you are weak in networking and social gatherings, you may want to look at some videos, take a class or attend a seminar on the subject. You do not need to spend countless hours on therapy in order to identify your weaknesses. You just need to look within and find the answers you know are already there.
Once you have identified your weak areas, then it is time to take action.
Take Action
Another great way to face your weaknesses to find your strength is to take action. Taking action means you take those areas you have identified and taken action in each one of them. Now, you don’t have to take action in all areas at the same time, as that may be too much at once.
Start with one small area and when you have finished working on that area, move on to another area. Let’s say for example, you are weak in public speaking. Take a class, watch a video, read a book, talk to a professional and you will begin to feel more empowered right away.
After all, knowledge is power and when you take action you give yourself the ability to minimize your weaknesses and enhance your power.
Take an Inside-Out View
Sometimes your strongest suits are the ones where your weakest areas live. For example, if you always disliked the fact that you were quiet, shy, and withdrawn, perhaps you have a creative side that simply needs an outlet.
If you look at your weak sides and find a way to turn them inside out and turn them into your strong suits, you will find the seeds of success were there all along.
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