For an individual it means to focus on developing your strengths and only spend minimal time overcoming weaknesses. Someone really good in art should not spend their time trying to become a math wizard if they do not have the aptitude for math. In organizations some problems are opportunities waiting for a solution, but most time they are the result of things just needing some attention. The failure comes when organizations put their best people on the problems when they should instead be developing the next “big thing.”

As individuals it means we should spend time thinking about what we like, what we have a passion for, what we have ability in to spend our time becoming better at those things. It also means we think strategically to figure out how to cover our weaknesses in ways that don’t detract from pursuing our future opportunities.

Start by writing down the things you’re good at and love doing, then think about how you could do more of that and become better at it, writing it down too. Then write down the things you have to do but you’re not good at or not really interested in doing. Write down who could help you with that or do it for you. See how liberating these simple actions are and let me know about it.

Seemingly the Universe responds to what is said but “don’t” isn’t recognized as a valid word. Carry a small pad in your pocket and write down every time you say I don’t ….. as in “I don’t want you to run into the street.”  Then substitute a positive expression for the “don’t …..” negative expression, as in “I want you to be safely away from the speeding cars.” Do you see the difference? Do you feel the difference? This will allow you to focus on what you want rather than what you don’t want and what you believe will be more consistent in a positive direction.  Try this and let me know what happens.

One long term example is with raising children.  Toddlers want their own way and when they throw a fit and get their way, the opportunity to learn that they are not the center of the universe is lost for at least that episode.  Given enough of those opportunities that are lost the child grows up to become an adult that never learned the important lesson.  So the parent avoids the short term pain of disciplining their child in exchange for transferring the pain to the child years later due to self centered behavior that will cause significant problems in relationships.  Those childish adults are unable to become a friend to anyone because they are so self centered that they focus on only their own needs and are not concerned about helping meet other’s needs.  They won’t be there for others but they will expect or demand that others are there for them.  They are the takers and both you and I have spent time with them and felt the relief of getting away from them.  This example is simplified but you see the point, there is a cause and effect.  Deal with the real issue so that it gets handled to a positive outcome, which results in a long term gain; or don’t, and have the greater pain later.  Truth sets the captives free.

Everything we do is influenced if not controlled by our beliefs. If we believe we can do something we also need to be prepared for the eventual setback that tests our belief. It is how we handle the tests that ultimately determines our long term success.–Greg