How to Manage Any Weakness Using Two Basic Steps
By definition, a weakness is only a weakness when it’s something that gets in the way of your goals. For example, being bad at math is not a weakness if your goals don’t require you to be good at math. Instead, this is simply a non-talent. However, if for some reason math becomes important to your goals, then this non-talent transforms into a weakness.
If you find yourself in a situation like this, then obviously you will have to address the reality of the weakness. But the end game is not to “fix” the weakness, the end game is to reach your goal. What’s more, research shows that by and large, most people can’t fix their weaknesses by turning them into strengths. Therefore, you only really need to manage a weakness, not fix it.
In order to manage a weakness, focus on these two basic steps.
- Invest the minimum amount of time needed to improve the area of weakness to a basic level of proficiency. (i.e. learn the minimum amount of math you need instead of trying to master advanced calculus)
- Spend the rest of your time learning how to leverage your talents and strengths to overcome any deficits that may remain as a result of the weakness. (i.e. you may be a really good leader, so you use those leadership skills to build a team around you to support you with your math problem areas.)