TURNING WEAKNESS INTO STRENGTH We all have weaknesses, and we tend to try to work on eliminating them - on changing ourselves in order to become better. But change is difficult- very difficult. What if instead of trying to eliminate our weaknesses, we embraced them for what they were and turned them into strength? 2 Corinthians 12: 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Let me share with you the story of a one arm boy who won a judo match because he turned his weakness into strength. A 10-year-old boy decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training the master had taught him only one move. “Sensei,”(Teacher in Japanese) the boy finally said, “Shouldn’t I be learning more moves?” “This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you’ll ever need to know,” the sensei replied. Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training. Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals. This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. “No,” the sensei insisted, “Let him continue.” Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: he dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion. On the way home, the boy and sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind. “Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?” “You won for two reasons,” the sensei answered. “First, you’ve almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.” The boy’s biggest weakness had become his biggest strength. MORAL: Sometimes we feel that we have certain weaknesses and we blame God, the circumstances or ourselves for it but we never know that our weaknesses can become our strengths one day. Each of us is special and important, so never think you have any weakness, never think of pride or pain, just live your life to its fullest and extract the best out of it!” The weaker you are ,the louder you bark! Rudeness is the weak mans imitation of strength! Think about your biggest weaknesses at work and in life. What qualities are you most unhappy about? Of the following list of typical weaknesses, look carefully and choose the three that resonate most with you: 1) Disorganized 2) Inflexible 3) Stubborn 4) Inconsistent 5) Obnoxious 6) Emotionless 7) Shy 8) Irresponsible 9) Boring 10) Unrealistic 11) Negative 12) Intimidating 13) Weak 14) Arrogant 15) Indecisive 16) Impatient Got your three biggest weaknesses? Great. (Dont be too depressed, the rest of this activity is more fun). Next, look at the below list, find the same three weaknesses, and look at the traits to the right of each of your three biggest weaknesses: 1) Disorganized ---> Creative 2) Inflexible ---> Organized 3) Stubborn ---> Dedicated 4) Inconsistent ---> Flexible 5) Obnoxious ---> Enthusiastic 6) Emotionless ---> Calm 7) Shy ---> Reflective 8) Irresponsible ---> Adventurous 9) Boring ---> Responsible 10) Unrealistic ---> Positive 11) Negative ---> Realistic 12) Intimidating ---> Assertive 13) Weak ---> Humble 14) Arrogant ---> Self-Confident 15) Indecisive ---> Patient 16) Impatient ---> Passionate The three qualities to the right of your three weaknesses are all strengths. REMEMBER: Hidden in your weaknesses are your strengths. Every weakness has a corresponding strength. The idea here is simple: Instead of trying to change your weaknesses, accept them. Dont try to fix them - its too difficult. Instead, be sure to leverage your associated strengths. You can look to colleagues, direct reports, and even supervisors to fill in the gaps where you are weakest. Dont be afraid to ask people for help- they can add value where you are weaker. But be sure to embrace your strengths, and build upon them. After all, your strengths (even those disguised as weaknesses) - will get you far in your career, and in life. Stay BLESSED and SAFE as you learn to turn your weaknesses into strength Please do not just LIKE, but READ, TAG, COMMENT and SHARE for you friends to benefit.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 07:16:24 +0000
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