I’ve been thinking about the differences between weaknesses or handicaps compared to flaws or negative traits.
It’s an interesting subject if you ponder on it…
The opposite of a weakness is a strength.
The opposite of a flaw is a virtue.
You don’t need to have every ability to do well in life. So because you are weak or handicap in an area, it often allows you to be strong in another.
For example, if you have problems seeing, you’ll likely have a highly developed sense of hearing and or speaking. You may even have a greater imagination than the average person.
I’ve recently begun having a friendship with Jim Stovall, a very successful businessman, motivational speakers, best selling author and movie producer.
After suffering for close to 10 years with a weakening eye sight, at the age of 29, Jim was completely blind. But now 20 or so years later, he has overcome that setback by becoming an incredible thinker, speaker, visionary and writer.
No matter what your weakness, I bet there’s an opportunity to develop tremendous strength in a complementary area.
But what about flaws? Character issues, defects or debilitating habits?
For these, my feelings are similar to weaknesses. In that, you don’t always get the chance to fix them or change them, but your greatness or strengths standout so much that you just don’t worry about the flaws.
The main example that comes to mind is Steve Jobs.
I read his biography when it came out and the one thing that stood out most about him was his character issues and quirks. He had them his entire adult life. And I personally didn’t like him much after I finished the book.
But who cares?
We all remember him for his greatness in spite of his issues. Do you think he could have achieved all he did by spending his time introspectively trying to fix himself?
Many of us are always trying to work on our issues and reach some type perfection before we do what we’re passionate about.
Weaknesses and flaws are apart of life. But the people who achieve success have learned to produce and do good outside of their limitations.
Of course your definition of success will also determine what flaws you need to ignore. You can have monetary success at the expense of healthy body or meaningful relationships. You can have a rich and passionate marriage at the expense of becoming a touring musician and being adored by millions of fans.
You know your weaknesses. But do you know what you want? And are you willing to sacrifice to gain what matters most?
“but what I lost I think of as sewer trash, so that I might gain Christ” Phil. 3:8 (CEB)