Weaknesses Strengths and Confidence

I believe I figured it out! I think I know why my writing skills are not up to snuff. When I speak, I just speak and say what I have to say with no editing. When I write, I read and reread—adding and deleting words, creating a mess with words that are not needed. So this morning I decided to just write. Write how I speak with little to no editing, no JUDING my own words.

You be the JUDGE, you tell me if less is better.

Most people run hiding their weaknesses. I on the other hand show everyone what my weaknesses are because just like you I’m human too. I have my own set of weaknesses, the only difference between you and me is I’m not afraid to show them.

I’m a firm believer that one should focus on strengths not weaknesses, BUT sometimes a weakness is the missing link in a strength. Take me for example; I’m a Life Coach, my strengths involve helping people achieve their goals and to live their dreams. It’s a great strength to have but unless I tell people what I do, how will they ever know? So I had to find a way to communicate my strengths to the masses.

After researching my options, it was clear that I could either pay big bucks for someone to do it for me, or I could learn it for myself. I chose the latter and fortunate for me the latter entails writing. Although my writing skills are nowhere near where I’d like them to be, I know the more I write the stronger my skills will become.

I had no CONFIDENCE in my writing skills when I first started to blog. My FEAR was I would be JUDGED based on my writing skills, but after 125 blog posts not only have my writing skills improved, but along the way I also learned that the thoughts of others could not hurt me. Even if someone did JUDGE me based on my writing skills, how would I ever know unless they left me a comment to read?

Confidence takes practice and often time it requires you to step outside of your comfort zone, to do the things you wouldn't normally do – doing these very things expose your weaknesses and when a weakness is exposed so is the false belief that goes with it.

While working with a client yesterday morning in a bookstore, I asked my client to ask a stranger what confidence is and where does it comes from. My client froze and said, “NO WAY, they will think I’m crazy.” So she refused.

I looked around and noticed a mature couple seated directly behind us in the next alcove. ‘Excuse me’ do you know what CONFIDENCE is, and where does it come from’ I ask. My clients face turned three shades of red. She was so embarrassed--she couldn’t believe I asked complete strangers those questions.

The man responds, "Yes’ CONFIDENCE is the thing that comes from inside of you, it helps you overcome your fear." The lady chimes in, “CONFIDENCE is knowing that you are good at something and doing it well.” I continued to ask, 'Could you see when someone lacks confidence?' The man replies, “Oh Yes, you could see it, they hesitate.” ‘Do you know anybody that is completely confident?’ “Oh no” says the man, “I have yet to meet anybody that is completely confident.” ‘Thank you for your time’ as I greeted them with a headshake.

My client almost had a panic attach in the bookstore because I asked strangers what confidence is. I then noticed a store clerk walking down the isle. “Excuse me, do you know what confidence is and where does it come from? This time my client was quite attentive, she listened to what the young lady said about confidence.

My client finally relaxed. I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes. So I asked her if she still believed others would think she was crazy. She said no.

Master Life Coach, Toronto native Bruno LoGreco

Weaknesses Strengths and Confidence