Humble yourself. Keep an open mind. And take a good look at yourself. Is there anything that’s unpleasant about you? I bet you think there isn’t. We are often so blind to our own weaknesses that we need someone to tell us.

Even the Rich and Famous Once Fell Prey
From ancient times, strategists exploited their enemies’ weaknesses to turn the tide of the war. People sabotaged each other to climb the power ladder. Your weakness is like an open wound, inviting the unwelcomed to feast on it.

Even some of the rich and famous, at one time, fell victim to their own weaknesses. Tiger Woods, a first-rate American professional golfer, went through a major blue period in both his life and career due to last winter’s sex scandal. The Lewinsky scandal also put former US president, Bill Clinton, through a similar ordeal. Antwon Tanner, the One Hill Tree star, was given a prison sentence for selling 3 fake social security cards and 16 social security numbers for a mere $10,000.

Can you identify the traits that have caused them inconveniences in their lives?

Identify Your Weaknesses
For a start, do a quick self evaluation. Be honest because you are doing this for yourself. Name at least two bad things about your…

Say you’ve done up your list of bad qualities. The next step is to…

Talk to Your Family & Close Friends! 
WE are often blind to our own weaknesses. Your loved ones can tell you better. I once told a female friend of mine that she talks really loudly. She was like, “WHAT? I DIDN’T REALIZE UNTIL YOU TOLD ME!” Oh well. Fortunately I did.

A word of caution – find someone you are absolutely comfortable with to discuss this. The last thing I’ll like to see is a bunch of comments at the bottom telling me how you punched your best friend or fell out with your sister.

It’s easy for things to get personal. Especially when your best friend starts to rant about how you ruined the birthday surprise he painstakingly planned for his girlfriend because you were such a blabbermouth. Remain objective and consider their viewpoints about you from a third person perspective. Don’t bother to defend yourself. You’ll waste your precious time arguing your case instead of considering the other person’s viewpoint. Just take down what he or she says and move on.

It’s definitely worthwhile talking to your loved ones. Treat it as a bonding session. You might be in for a surprise too. Sometimes, the traits you view as your weaknesses might turn out to be your strongest points to them!

Make Your Own Decision
You heard me. You heard yourself. You heard what others got to say about you. Now, because you know yourself the best, you should decide on which one of your weaknesses are the most critical and are hindering your success. List down your top three, and start working on them, one at a time. It takes some determination and a strong desire to change. Don’t expect a complete overhaul immediately.

If you can’t decide, ask yourself just one simple question,

“Which one of your weaknesses will be costly to your true goals in life?”

A Word From the Author
Hope that all these talk didn’t cause you to falter or become depressed. If you did, you should…

… stare at this picture for 10 seconds.

Instead, be VERY proud. It takes a lot of courage to face your own weaknesses. Kudos to you, brave one!