I am dyslexic and as a result, reading and writing are very tedious for me. I naturally struggle to comprehend what I am reading, and trying to capture my thoughts in writing is a real struggle.

While these are real issues of struggle for me, I have lived most of my life trying not to let others see my weaknesses. I tried to appear as I perceived others to be: without weaknesses.

Why do we try so hard to not let others see our weak places? Why is it we always want to come across as strong and in control to those around us? Why do we deny our weak places when others point them out to us?

Something about our human nature makes us always want to appear perfect and in control. As a result we do everything we can to not let others see our weak places. The reality is we all have weak places. Places that make us feel inadequate and incapable. So rather than trying to appear to not have any, maybe you should learn how to embrace and live with them in a positive way. Here is how you can start doing just that.

Recognize and accept your weak places. It is important that you recognize your weak places. It might be how you handle money; how you manage or fail to manage conflict; how you struggle to allow others to get close to you. Whatever the weak place(s), maybe the starting point is to recognize it and accept the fact that it is an area of struggle for you.

One way of doing this is to ask those closest to you for honest feedback regarding areas where they see you struggle.

Acceptance is very important in dealing with weak places. When we accept our weak places, we give up trying a pretend we don’t have them. As a result we gain confidence because we know where we need to reach out for help.

Recognizing and accepting our weak places does not give us an excuse to not try to do our best. Rather it becomes a form of motivation for doing better. I know what I want and how I want to do it. So now, rather than saying I can’t do as well as I would like, I reach out for the help I need to rise above my weak places.

I may be a slow reader and find writing difficult, but rather than not try to write, I reach out to those who can help me rise above my weak places.

Had I not recognized and accepted my weak places, I would not have gained the confidence to reach out for help in order to do the best I can in an area where I struggle.

I have learned it takes far more energy to live in denial or try to hide my weak places then to recognize, accept and embrace them. There is a freedom that comes when you can fully accept who you are with your strengths and weaknesses.

What are you weak places? Are you living in denial, telling yourself you don’t have any weaknesses, or do you know them but try to appear as if you don’t have any?

Take some time this week to explore your weak places and share them with someone you haven’t shared with before.

If you would like help in achieving your goals as a leader or in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.