By Caylin Smith
A key component of the CliftonStrengths philosophy is that we should focus on our strengths, not our weaknesses. This concentration on positive psychology is certainly a valid, empowering perspective. Though, in the midst of all this positivity, it is important to clarify that not focusing on our weaknesses does not mean we should pretend they do not exist. Maybe this is my Strategic strength talking, but I actually think about my weaknesses quite often. These thoughts are not negative or self-deprecating. They are objective, gracious, and forward-thinking. We do not have to be resigned to the fact that we do not excel at a particular thing; there is something we can do about it! There is room to focus on our strengths during the moments we experience our weaknesses.
It has been a process for me to accept that writing is a weakness of mine. Here is where I explore (not focus on) my weakness a little further. I am an extrovert who likes to process through my thoughts externally, and I have zero executing strengths. Achiever, Focus, and Discipline are almost certainly nowhere near my top 5 strengths. I see writing as a solitary task in which I look at my computer or a piece of paper for extended periods of time. My computer does not respond to my thoughts or make eye contact. I can’t hug it or ask for feedback after I share my ideas with it. My words hang on the page in cold, pixelated form. The steady blink of the cursor is the closest thing this machine has to a heartbeat, and I sit wondering what is happening in the world I am not currently exploring. I may be relatively good at writing, but ultimately I am relieved—and ready for a nap—when the process is over. I think writing will always be somewhat draining for me, and by the CliftonStrengths definition of a weakness, it will be.
But that’s okay! Because I have SO MANY other things that I LOVE doing. I can focus on my strengths even when I write. Here’s how I do it….
Strategic:
Even the simple act of identifying a problem (e.g. writing) kicks my Strategic strength into high gear. I think about why it’s problem. What resources do I have to help me in this situation? How can I change the way I look at the situation? What are my options in fixing this problem, and what is the best route to take? The process of problem solving is fun for me so viewing writing as problem that is waiting for a creative solution helps me tackle it. Even writing this blog piece is an example of my Strategic in action.
Empathy:
The lack of direct human connection I find that comes with writing is difficult for me. However, indirect human connection is a good alternative. The thought that people will read this piece, agree with it, disagree with it, whatever the case may be, is exciting to me. When I write, I remind myself that I’m not talking to the computer, I’m talking to each of you. If anyone has a thought or feeling prompted by these words, I feel connected to that moment (p.s. Connectedness is also a strength of mine). If you and I ever run into each other in real life, we can certainly continue this conversation.
Also, some people love writing. When I find myself writing, I think about the people who do love it. I pay greater attention to my process and my experience. Then I have conversations with people about writing to learn more about them, their process, and their experience. This opportunity to connect with and understand another human being gives writing a greater purpose for me.
Ideation:
I have plenty of ideas that are worth writing down. It’s just that my preferred channel of communication is oral discussion (remember I like to externally process). So that’s what I do. I find a friend and engage them in conversation, giving me a space to talk about my ideas and learning from what they have to share as well (here you also see Input, my second strength). Then I go back to my computer, energized from this interaction, and the words to write come much easier.
When we know that we are good at something, that gives us permission to not be good at everything. The point of this self-awareness is not to fix our weakness, but to take advantage of another opportunity to use our strengths. I have peace in knowing writing is not my strongest talent; I feel freedom in claiming my weaknesses. I know where my strength comes from, and it is in my weakness that strength can be made complete.