No two people are alike…and that’s a very good thing! Each of us is radically unique with our own set of strengths and weaknesses. In the same way no one has the same fingerprints, no one has the same blend of strengths and weaknesses. Some people are simply good at some things and not as good at others. It’s completely natural.
As adolescents, being as similar as possible is part of the developmental process. Fitting in or sameness matters much more than being unique and set apart. Even so, strengths and weaknesses become evident over time. After a certain age, it’s important to identify strengths and weaknesses in order to maximize what comes easily and determine what to do about things that don’t come so easily.
A healthy blend of strengths and weaknesses is normal. We can’t all be wonderful at everything and we should celebrate our unique combination of strengths and weaknesses. Some people are comfortable with their weaknesses and have a healthy relationship between their competence and incompetence. Sadly, some people experience significant negativity surrounding their weaknesses which can create a lot of problems.
It’s important to embrace the fact that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and remember why that’s so important. Stop and think about how diverse the world is. It takes all types of people to keep things going. It’s because of the unique blend of strengths that commerce, medicine, law, education, and government are possible. Without these vast differences it would be nearly impossible to carry out the functions of modern-day society.
There are three areas of strength that are building blocks for a wide range of careers, expertise, and pastimes-
- Intellectual strengths
- Physical strengths
- Emotional strengths
Intellectual strength includes reasoning and problem-solving skills. People who have higher intellectual strengths make up a large part of the STEM community. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. While a strong intellect is required for many careers, it also benefits everyday life.
Physical strength includes health, wellness, and overall strength of the body. Physical fitness can be an advantage on and off-duty and plays an important part in longevity and life expectancy.
Emotional strength includes the ability to regulate mood and manage personal relationships. Having high emotional strengths can compensate for areas of weakness by building and managing important relationships.
While it’s possible to have degrees of strength in each area, some people tend to shine in one area more than others. It’s important to celebrate your unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, whatever they may be. See the balance of what you do well, co-mingled with what you don’t, as important and completely natural. What you excel at sets you apart and wherever you may lack, someone else shines. In this way, all the needs of the world are met through a diverse network of skill sets.
