"Lean into your strengths. Compensate for your weaknesses."

This quote is common advice, but when I hear it, I can't help but disagree.

I don't believe in weaknesses.

I used to feel like there were two halves of me.

On one side, there's grit, creativity, passion, curiosity, and empathy. I called these strengths.

On the other side was unoranized, people-pleasing, obsessiveness, overly optimistic, and overthinking. I called these weaknesses.

I felt self-aware. In some scenarios, my strengths gave me confidence. I felt on top of the world. On the contrary, I tried to avoid moments that revealed my weaknesses—moments when I felt inadequate.

I've since questioned the concept of "strengths and weaknesses," and I'm starting to break out of its box. I found myself trapped in its illusion, and you might be, too.

To love yourself more, I challenge you to embrace your weaknesses just as much as you embrace your strengths because here's my newfound truth:

Weaknesses are strengths applied in the wrong areas.

Impatience is imperative in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making is crucial, such as an emergency response. Perfectionism isn't paralyzing in meticulousness fields like graphic design, quality assurance, or scientific research. Procrastination is a superpower when it's time to execute under pressure. Sensitivity breeds deeper connections. Shyness breeds keen observation. Impulsiveness breeds spontaneous lives.

Every quality about you is beautiful.

This one idea can unlock more self-love, happiness, and success.

I hope it reframes your perspective a bit. Reflect on your weaknesses, and reimagine them as untapped strengths. Redirect their energy towards areas where they serve us best.

Reframe. Reflect. Redirect.

Dwayne