On weaknesses and closed minds
And what of our weaknesses? What about those things we suck at? Do we do them? Do we delegate them? Do we work on them while we delegate them? Do we hate them with such strong emotion that we cannot even discuss them?
Depending upon your point of view and your job title, your answer may vary. Working on weaknesses can be a vital trait if you’re an entrepreneur or solopreneur. There are certain things that you cannot do well right now that may be vital for success in the future. Look at all the people who are scared of tech. They were scared of tech 25 years ago and they’re still scared of it today. Many people were scared of computers in the mid-90’s and some still are scared of computers. Even with tech evolving as much as it has where it is simply a mobile device in your hands — people are still scared. They never opened their minds to learning and allowing themselves to suck and being OK with that. Tech is easiest to learn with a mentor, you know, the kid next door to you who is better than you on the Technology. And yet here they are, 25 years later, still intimidated by tech.
25 years later — still intimidated by Tech.
Many of us are scared to death of speaking in public. It’s an irrational fear, and one that you can conquer with practice (as usual). If you never work on your fear of speaking, you never face, let alone overcome, your fear. It is always with you. What if there is an opportunity 18 months from now that is presented that may open significant doors for you that otherwise would not open? What then? What if you had those same 18 months to prepare and to get good? Would you take them?
We stand in our own way.
Almost all of us are scared to death of being on camera. This, again, is a common weakness. We cannot bare to view ourselves through the lens. It is painful. That cannot be me! We say. I don’t look like that! We snort. Do I really sound like that? we plead. Camera work is quite uncomfortable for people because they’re green. People lack experience being in front of the camera, have little to no experience being on camera, and thus have no desire to be filmed, let alone in HD. This weakness is another classic case of us standing in our own way. What if we create a hit and another creative type wants to interview us for their popular Web show? What then? Do we tell them we hate being on camera? Thanks, but no thanks? What if the Today show producers call and want you to be on set next Tuesday at 6 AM Eastern to discuss your work? What about that?
We were never good writers. No one has good memories of writing papers in college.
We were never good writers. We hated it in high school. Writing papers in college was pure hell. We procrastinated. We napped. We ate. We played with our hair. We washed our hair. We did anything to avoid writing those damn college papers. Why did those professors make us write? Bah! Oh, the boss wants me to write now. Really? A writing project for me in the real world? A 3 page pitch on why I think it is a good idea that we buy this new SAAS software? Can’t somebody else do it? How about the intern? He can write. I think. Writing is more for those young people anyway, right? I know that SAAS software is definitely for those young people to use, whatever SAAS even means. I’ll have to check with him to see if he has the time because I don’t have the time to do that.
We are exceptional at using time as an excuse to get out of doing that which we don’t want to do. Working out today? I don’t have time. Running today? Running!?! Are you out of your mind!? Eating right/clean today? Hey, the Sonic drive-thru’s right there. Spending time with the kids today? I’m too busy. That’s what child care is for. Gonna be on camera today for the big shoot? Oh, look at the time — I don’t have any. Knock out that blog post today that will be as good today as it will be two years from now? ZZZzzzzzz. It is fascinating that we have plenty of time for social media, for TV, for Netflix Originals, for Bravo, for HBO, for Couch Surfing, for IG, for Snap, for Giphy, that we do not have the time for the other things that we know are good for us and that will benefit us even in the near term. Alas, the Netflix siren song is a strong one. The Housewives’ fights won’t settle themselves.
A mind closed to learning is a mind shut-down.
Arguably the saddest weakness is close-mindedness. While close-mindedness takes many forms, it is most pernicious when it pertains to learning. A mind closed to learning is a mind shut-down. Why even leave the house if that is your attitude? You won’t be fun to be around. You won’t be great at conversation. You won’t be open to new experiences. You won’t be good on the Technology. You won’t add value to any employers. You’ll be terrible in relationships. You won’t allow the Tesla Model S to engage in autopilot and drive you around the city. You won’t read anything. You wouldn’t even watch the news at 5, 6, and again at 10 because you already know the Gossip that happened in your city and nation that day. There may be a sadder, more sinister way to go about life, but it is hard to think of one. A mind closed to learning is a mind shut-down.
