I find it amazing how many people try to focus on improving their weaknesses when they should be focused more on playing to their strengths. A lot of people ask me why I am so confident. I think the biggest reason is that I actually know where I am strong, but I also know where I’m weak. Leading different teams throughout many various industries and organizations, I have worked incredibly hard to make sure that the stuff that I do is in the areas where I am strong. I delegate those tasks and responsibilities to others who might be stronger, where I am weak. My goal is to create an environment where I allow everyone to play to their strengths.
Self-Awareness is Key
But how does one know where they are strong and where they are weak? It comes down to self-awareness. Now self-awareness is something that a lot of people struggle with, whether they know it or not, and whether they accept it or not. We’ve got this problem in our society. Far too many helicopter parents for the last couple of decades have shielded their children from the realities of life. Instead of people winning or losing, everyone has been given a participation trophy. What that has done has created a generation of people who have no idea how hard life actually is. It’s through overcoming adversity that people understand what it takes to win or to lose, or develop their strengths and overcome weaknesses.
Play to Your Strengths While Getting Introspective
There is an element of introspection and reflection required to be self-aware. Sometimes you also need to be open for feedback from others. Whether it is people that you work with those you are in close relationships with, ask others what they perceive your strengths and weaknesses to be. I’ve seen some people display a sense of false confidence, believing that they’re strong in a specific area when everyone around them knows and feels differently. That’s why it’s essential to have excellent feedback and a good understanding of what you do well. Feedback will help you play to your strengths.
Don’t Bother Trying to Improve Your Weaknesses
Now I’ve coached a lot of people throughout my career, and one of the things that I also share is not to focus on improving your weaknesses. There’s only so much time in the day. The reality is this, if you are a 4 out of 10 in a particular area, the best you’re probably going to be able to do is move yourself to a 5 or 6 on the scale. Focus your efforts on your areas of strength. Make sure you maximize the value in your area of strength. You might be in 8 in something, but if you actually focus on it, you can become a 9 or 10 because you’ve got more of a desire and will to succeed.
Operate in Your Strength Zone
Work in your strength zone. In a previous post, I talked about staying in your lane, and this is essentially what this is. Operate in your area of strength by finding out what you’re terrific at and do that. When you’re really good at something, you’re going to develop confidence. You’ll have a level of excitement and passion for something because you’re actually doing what you’re meant to do. Don’t just follow your passion, either. People need to follow their talent. If your abilities take you in one direction, then that’s the direction you should go instead of resisting it. To be authentic, you need to be yourself, and do you, whatever that is.
Final Thoughts
We all make choices in life. My choice is wanting to be happy. There is a quote in my home office that says: “Excuse me while I succeed.” For some, that’s a bold statement. I believe in it because I’m confident that I have chosen my path, knowing my strengths and where I’m going to focus my efforts to bring me happiness. If you want to become more confident, you need to work in your strength zone. Be the best you possible. Ultimately, play to your strengths.
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