Maximizing our strengths

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

Not too long ago, I listened to a talk given on the topic of strengths and weaknesses.  The gist of the message revolved around those assessments we take which give an idea of our employment aptitude: what we would do best and where we would fit in.  One of the results discussed that instead of working on our weaknesses, perhaps we should maximize, or build up, our strengths.  It went on to recommend surrounding ourselves with others who then complement our strengths in order to successfully get the job done.   Whether we’re at work or in our personal lives, I think this is a viable concept to consider.  Of course, if we have a weakness like control or anger issues, it wouldn’t hurt to work on improvement in this area.  Maybe focusing on what we do right will result in doing it even better, ultimately minimizing the negative while emphasizing the positive.   It’s definitely worth contemplating.

Do you prefer to maximize your strengths or focus on your weaknesses?

Disappointment: opportunity or drawback

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

Setbacks are badges of honor for those who try
to achieve something worthwhile. ~ SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

At one time in our lives, we may find ourselves in a position when we’re 100%-without-a-doubt certain of a particular outcome, only to have our hopes dashed when we discover we’re wrong.  Once we finally wade through the disillusionment, it’s possible we will question the error of our ways.  Going forward, we might second-guess every decision while looking for loopholes.  Some say it helps us, however, when we’re faced with similar situations in the future because we’ve been down that road before.  But in a way, I think we could feel a bit jaded or untrusting (see Regaining your balance).  Although I believe it’s possible to pick up the pieces and look at the world with fresh eyes, again, it may take more than an honest assessment of what makes us tick.  Perhaps it will require a change of scenery to start over.

Do you consider disappointments opportunities or drawbacks?

Regaining your balance

[Image credit: ponsuwan]

It can be a rude awakening when the rug is suddenly pulled out from under you.  It can shatter that vulnerable part of you, the side of you who lives transparently and trusts fully.  You may be left with shattered hopes and dreams, as well as feelings of stupidity, betrayal, confusion or worse.  Perhaps the hardest thing isn’t the brokenness, but that you’re forced to take a good hard look at yourself.  And you may conduct an honest assessment of your entire belief system and discover you don’t like what you see.  There may be skeletons lurking under the surface called selfishness or greed.  However, instead of dealing with them, you might be tempted to stuff them into the back of your closet and ignore them.  Of course, overlooking these “ickies” will not make them go away.  But once you address them, you can right yourself and begin to regain your balance.

How do you regain your balance when the rug is pulled out from under you?