An Alternative to Strengths and Weaknesses

Today, I want to take an idea that's talked about often – but I want to look at it through a high performance lens. This idea is that of strengths versus weaknesses.

Instead of seeing these as two different things – strengths and weaknesses – I challenge you to think about it in terms of QUALITIES. We all have qualities about ourselves, ways that we show up. When that quality shows up to the degree that's appropriate for the moment, we call that a strength. But when that quality is used either too excessively or too sparingly than is appropriate for the outcome we're seeking, then that's a weakness.

When you look at your “strengths” and “weaknesses” instead through this lens of qualities that need to be used to the right degree, then your approach to reaching your goals can really transform. Instead of trying to change who we are, we are simply adjusting our qualities to be appropriate for the moment and for the results that we're seeking. That is the message today.

I'm going to give you a couple examples to help you translate this into something practical. Let's imagine that you have the quality of being a disciplined person. Maybe when it comes to your physical energy, you're very disciplined. It’s a strength in that it shows up to the correct degree for the results you're seeking. You think about what you eat, you get up at a certain time so you can get your meditation in or your exercise in. By applying discipline as a quality in this way, you've achieved the results you're looking for – you feel great energy and stamina during the day.

However, let's say in the area of your productivity, you feel like you're just not making the progress you want. Think about how you can take that successful quality of discipline and apply it in the area of productivity. It's not something you need to change about yourself, it's bringing more of the quality into this area that you're struggling in. So how can you apply discipline to productivity? Maybe with time blocking or prioritizing? These are ways you can think about adjusting versus feeling like you need to change yourself to be successful.

Let's imagine that you're a person who has a good attention to detail. Imagine that's showing up great for you in your work environment. You're able to find the issues that need to be raised, to pay such close attention to things in your work, that you are really helpful to the team and you're able to lead the team successfully. Now let's say you're struggling in a relationship; you're not feeling that connection. This quality of attention to detail can be brought into the area of relationship to bring you greater success. When you're with that person, some attention to detail can really bring a deep connection – you're paying attention to what they're saying, what they're feeling. That same quality that you already have can be brought to that new area to bring the success you're looking for.

So this is my message to you today – think about where you're successful and how to bring that quality into areas where you're struggling. Throw out the idea of strengths and weaknesses. Instead think about qualities that you possess, that you meter to the right degree to bring you the results that you're looking for.

If you're looking to work with someone one-on-one on this, I am a Certified High Performance Coach – message me and we will set up a free strategy session for you!