Weaknesses Versus Challenges

Usually, I try not to use the word weaknesses. I’ll tend to talk about challenges.

I know it’s a matter of semantics, but no one likes to feel weak and I believe most people like to overcome challenges so using a positive word gives’em a head start.

So, what are your challenges and what are you doing about them?

Here are 3 easy-to-do steps that will get you closer to overcoming the challenges. Altogether, this should take no more than 5 minutes:

- Write a list of 3 work challenges you’d like to overcome or, at least, improve. They could be time management, organization, communication, delegation, software skills (such as using Excel or Outlook)…the list can be anything you want. Don’t worry about finding the biggest, worst or #1 Challenge. Just pick 3.

  - For each challenge, write down three steps to making it happen. The steps could be things like make a phone call, schedule a seminar, buy a book, talk to someone who has overcome the challenge.

 -  Finally, pick one challenge topic and Google it (or, use whatever search engine is your default) and read one entry relating to the challenge. Or, go to Youtube.com and see if there is a video about the topic. I love doing this because I’m a visual learner.

For instance, let’s say one of your challenges is to lower your level of procrastination. One of the steps would be to start a project you’ve been procrastinating as soon as you finish step 3 on this list. When you Youtube procrastination you can watch a wonderful, short (1 ½ minute) video about the topic from the folks at Mere Existence. Then you get to work on the project you’ve been putting off.

If you don’t invest in yourself, commit to personal development, you stay where you are. And this simple, 3-step plan gets you closer to improving in an area you're deficient in.

And in a rapidly changing workplace, that ain’t good.

Have a great weekend. See you Monday.