When I was growing up in the world, I was told I was going to college from my parents. The “American Dream” has always been to get some kind of education or training, get a good job, get married, buy a house, get some cars, have some kids, and live the “good life.”
I did this! And I never wanted to be average, so I tried hard as hell to try and separate myself from everyone else. I chased more degrees and certifications and licenses, etc. I eventually earned a PhD, a license in multiple engineering disciplines in multiple states, and countless certifications and credentials. This would help me stand out! This would help me advance! This would ensure that if times were tough or slow and it was me or someone else at risk of losing their jobs, I would be the better choice to stay!
Wrong, wrong, wrong, and haha wrong!
One of the questions I always got asked during job interviews and during performance reviews: “What would you say are your biggest weaknesses?”
During school and job interview training, the trick was to take your response to this question, twist it and turn it into a strength.
“I care too much.” “I’m too detailed oriented.” “I work too much!”
Barf!
I even got to the point where I was teaching construction engineering and business at the college level. One of the things we teach in formal education is that we should attempt to work on our weaknesses to make ourselves better. Companies set annual goals based on our weaknesses and how much we make progress on working on them. It’s completely fucking backwards!
There is zero momentum gained from struggling to improve on your weaknesses.
You want to see massive momentum? Have someone offer to help you on something that would make your life easier. Pick one of your daily tasks that you’re weak at for whatever reason and have them do it for you. You will be blown away at how amazing this is!
First off, you’re not strong in this area, so it takes a lot of time; you most likely are stressed out by it; you most likely procrastinate on it because you know it’s a weakness; and this unfinished task creates more stress. When you no longer have to do this task, you have more time to focus on what you are really good at. You are less stressed because you aren’t worrying about it any longer and you don’t have the nagging unfinished business on your plate.
Most importantly though, you are free to focus on what you ARE good at!
I know I said that already, but it’s so important it needed it’s own line.
If corporations wanted to increase productivity, morale, and profitability, they would have everyone focus on what they are good at and what they enjoy and find someone else to do the rest. You’d be amazed at how many people love to do what you hate to do! We are all different and wired in our own way. Some of the things I can’t stand doing are some of other people’s most favorite tasks each day!
BOOM! Synergy! Efficiency! Joy! Productivity!
You want to work on your weaknesses? Identify them, and go hire someone to do those things for you so you can double down on your strengths!
Take two of these today and thank me in the morning!
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