Weak Points

All of us have “weak points,” given areas that we do not function or perform to our expectations. For some people, math-related subjects are a problem. Others may find math and science easy, but struggle in more abstract or artistic subjects. Some have excellent memories while others are just happy to still remember their names at the end of the day.

The interesting thing about “weak points” is that there is more than one reason why they exist, and it’s not necessarily the obvious. Many of us do not even bother to find out why we may not be good at something. The following is a list of factors that one should take into consideration before they condemn themselves with the old “I just have no talent for this” routine.

Lack of Understanding: Any area has a given basis or principle in which it operates from. This base principle can vary depending on the subject. For example, if you are having trouble understanding algebra, you need to go back and review the rules. Once you understand those, you have the basis. In terms of artistic fields, the principle is not so easy to peg. Everyone has their own way of jumpstarting their creativity, whether it’s a mindset, a mood or a specific way of approaching a project.
Lack of Cultivation: Some areas require serious practice and discipline to do well in them. Just because something doesn’t flow right away, doesn’t mean it will always be that way. A lot of people have the habit of giving up on something just because they didn’t get instantaneous results. The problem area just might be one of those areas that require a little more initiative than one thought.
Bad Instruction: This one you definitely have to watch out for. If someone is showing you how to do something, and it isn’t coming out right, you might need to consider the source. Just because someone has a talent for doing something doesn’t necessarily mean they have the talent to be a teacher. Danger signs to observe: answers questions ambiguously, gets annoyed when asked questions, can’t decide which way to explain something, tells you just to work on it without any real direction.
Negative Association: This one can go hand in hand with bad instruction. For example, say someone has a real problem with math. They might have been good at it at one point in their school career, but then one day they hit a subject they just can’t seem to grasp. If the teacher was bad, but the student didn’t realize it, that sense of failure will carry on into further math courses. Ultimately, the student will freeze up whenever they approach a math subject. This is can also extend to personal experiences. A negative association with someone who you connect with a given subject can also affect the way you handle things pertaining to said subject.
Self-Doubt: Never underestimate the power of negative thinking. If you say you cannot do it, your brain will take that quite literally and you won’t be able to do it. It’s one thing to have some apprehension when approaching something new; it’s another to break into a cold sweat with extreme images of failure and disgrace flying around in your head. Fears and expectations of failure are one of the fastest ways to self-sabotage.
Lack of Interest: Perhaps the reason you don’t do well at something has to do with the fact you just really don’t give a shit. After all, if you put in zero effort, you get zero results. That’s not to say it’s wrong, but you have to be honest with yourself about it. There are times in our lives where we are going to have to do things we don’t want to, but it’s amazing how many people continue to do things they don’t want to out of habit. And then they wonder why nothing they do turns out well. The only way out of this one is to catch yourself doing it and either apply a little more effort … or just refuse to do it all together.

This doesn’t discount the idea that one may not possess the type of thought pattern or necessary trait in order to accomplish a goal in a given field. There is always that possibility. However, it is important that one doesn’t just assume that possibility is the only one out there. It’s too easy to give up on something without really trying. After all, if you don’t try, you don’t fail. It can be a very comfortable cycle to get into.

Ask yourself the following questions:

What areas do you fall short in?
Did you always have problems with these areas?
Did anything happen in the past that may have caused the inability?
How much time and energy have you really put into doing it?
When was the last time you really challenged yourself?
Would you do what it takes to resolve the issue?

You have options when dealing with a weak point. You can commit to trying to strengthen it, or you can accept it for what it is and move on. Just make sure that the acceptance comes after proper assessment of the situation. Acceptance does not refer to rapid resignation done out of avoidance. Level with yourself as to why you are giving up before you do.