This post was most recently updated on March 27th, 2014
In a recent post by my friend Sylviane Nuccio, I was reading of how to plan for success. One of the things she had mentioned was to know your strengths and weaknesses. Well it got me thinking all day long about what I am weak at and I was compelled to stop what I was doing and take a good look at myself.
As I go along each day knowing my strengths and acting upon them, I thought I really knew my weaknesses. Then I turned to a good old pen and paper and took a good look at myself. I listed my weaknesses and oh boy was I surprised.
OK…there were some that I know darn well and do act upon it, but the list seemed to be growing. I realized there were weaknesses that I am not acting upon so I need to.
Weakness #1 Getting better at writing to my email list. It is an art form when you think of it. I do follow the 80/20 rule and give mostly content, but pitch a sale once in a while.
Weakness #2 Another Email list stumbling block. I know that people need to hear about a new product or service 7 times before they will purchase it. But how the heck do I write that? I looked at past ones and I wasn’t satisfied. You just cannot blast it out, you need to put benefits there. Something I need to perfect.
Weakness #3 Products! Yes I’ve been working on those with my husband, but he knows the systems and I do not. Creating a product does take time. You have to have a strong business plan with different price points and different offers to other products. But I won’t get into the sales funnel theory here. My weakness here is that I just create my products, and leave it up to my husband to make it all work technically. I need to learn that!
Weakness #4 I am spending more and more time on engaging with new people coming into my fold. I do have to figure out how to round them all up and create a webinar or a Google Hangout to answer their questions in a group rather than one by one.
Weakness #5 I have just purchased a new system and need to learn it quickly. With all the things I do in a day, I have to create time, and gain the confidence for this. So today, my friends, I dove in and went through the first 3 modules. Yippie…I acted on that one.
I shared this post about me because maybe something will resonate with you. When was the last time you sat with yourself and wrote down a list of your strengths and weaknesses?
If so, did you act upon your weakness? I’m sure you are acting upon your strengths all day long because it is so comfortable.
Are you willing to step out of your box, make time and chose one thing that falls under the category of your weakness and act upon it?
I would really like to know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Blessings,
Donna
P.S. Thank you Sylviane for being an inspiration for this post. SylvianeNuccio.com
Donna when you know something is broken you pick up the pieces. What do we do with the pieces? Sometimes the pieces can be mended back together (fixed) or other time we need to get rid of it (discard). You can’t fix something that you want recognized is broken. I thought you had a great idea for us to write the weakness down, then we can determine if it is a weakness that is worth being fixed or something that need to discarded. Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: Amis Interactive Communities
March 9, 2013 at 10:40 pm #
Donna, this is a greatness of your being transparent. This one article has made me realize I keep displaying my one weakness of making to many appointments in a given day.
I speak with 10 to 15 of my global partners four days a week and sometimes on weekends. This is a huge weakness I just discovered with reading this amazing article.
This just shows me to be more wise with spreading myself better during the time of have to consult.
Thank you for opening my eyes to realizing value in my own time. I have just learned to make this weakness of mine begin to strengthen.
I’m leaping with Joy William!
If I can move one person to a higher level of consciousness, I’ve done my job on earth. That’s my motto!
You can let those appointments take over your life or you can scatter them to your convenience. I also speak to many people but I’ve learned the hard way that I can burn out from this.
If people want to talk to you, they will wait until you have an opening for them. Some of my peeps need to wait longer than a week! But that’ ok because I explain to them, I want to be totally focused when we speak.
The always understand that! So value your time my friend!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Hey Donna,
I hear ya! My weakness is picking up the phone and feeling comfortable with following up with my new contacts.
I procrastinate like crazy but on the other hand the only way to get over the weakness is to do it.
Sometimes our weakness in an area is there because we have an underlying fear of the task…you just have to face those fears and combat them. Practice makes perfect!
Thanks for your post today.
Tonya
Tonya Stephens recently posted..How To Write A Great Blog Post | 5 Key Elements
Absolutely Tonya!
We do have to face our fears and combat them. And yes, Practice makes perfect..Good Point!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Why I’m Reviewing The Empower Network Again
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
March 5, 2013 at 3:06 am #
Hey Donna,
I couldn’t drive a car last year 😉 It was a weakness I had when it comes to my personal life. I had to be offline and that’s why I’m late here. I’ve got my license last Friday. Woohoo… The year of accomplishments 😉
I’m capitalizing on strengths of course and mostly focus on something new Donna 🙂 Actually trying to work on my weaknesses. If I feel I can’t at all, I believe outsourcing would be a better option.
I’ve read your comment at Adrienne’s place about email lists and I’m not wondering seeing it again here in the list 🙂 You are a techie now and I bet that you will find it way too easy when you know basics.
I’m sure we all gonna knock off weaknesses and get improved Donna 🙂 I can see we are doing it as never before.
Here’s a toast for a successful week 😉
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..How to Add Your Website to Google Webmaster Tools
I wondered where you were Mayura!
Now that you are driving watch out! he he Would you believe I don’t drive? Well it is not a weakness. It is because I lived in NYC most of my life and it was just too crazy to have a car there and sit in traffic.
The subway was quicker and so was walking. Then I moved about 10 years ago to a quiet town, very beautiful and still has sidewalks he he. If I want to go somewhere myself, I still take a taxi.
I tried to drive once but my goal is to have a “driver” and sit in the back of a nice comfortable Lincoln! I’m working on that goal.
Sometimes we can work on our “weaknesses” but instead will opt to out-source. It all depends on what our goals are and how quickly we can manifest them.
Wishing you a wonderful week…and keep your eyes on the road he he
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..How To Tribe
Twitter: nkeriakos
March 3, 2013 at 9:08 pm #
Hi Donna,
I can’t remember if I have ever done this before. I know that’s not good. As you pointed out, I act on my strengths all the time without realizing. I’m just doing it as it comes naturally.
I resonate with many of the weaknesses you mentioned and a lot more even. I need to sit down and jot it down.
Thanks Donna for the reminder. This is something I have to do.
Be Blessed,
Neamat
Neamat Tawadrous recently posted..10 Tips On How To Engage Facebook Fans!
Hi Neamat.
Sitting down and writing it does a world of good. It takes it away from the back of your mind and puts it in front of you!
You can work on it now or later it all depends on your time frame and what your goals are.
I do feel that putting things on paper takes it away from the subconscious mind quickly.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..How To Tribe
Twitter: Lisapatb
March 3, 2013 at 8:38 am #
Donna, It would be good to write that list on weaknesses to improve upon them and not give up because of them.
I was weak at the technical stuff for my blog but have improved that over time. Now if I could just perfect the typing/spelling errors. I also need to work on being more detailed. That’s something I could use in every aspect of my life.
For stregnths I would say I am good at connecting people. Just how do I monetize that one?
I will go back and read Sylvianne’s post now. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa recently posted..Can More Than One Blog Be One Too Many To Juggle?
Hi Lisa!
Thanks so much for sharing! Isn’t a great feeling that you have improved the technical aspect for your blog? Voila! You did it!
As for being detailed, try making a DMO list; write down everything you need to do during the day…yes EVERYTHING! Eat the Frog – Do the most difficult task first and see how you feel.
BTW you probably won’t do everything on your list at first, but it gives you a good idea how go gauge your time.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: deeannrice
March 2, 2013 at 9:07 pm #
Donna,
Whow, that made me think. I have a lot of weaknesses and some of them I am working on, on a daily basis. Others I need to work on more.
I think I could come up with quite a list on my weaknesses. I tend to get really frustrated with my weaknesses and it is those time that sometimes I just want to throw it all in. I know it is then that I really need to keep going though.
Great thought provoking post.
Dee Ann
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Hi Dee Ann!
That’s why I wrote this post…to get you thinking lol!
I find that writing a list down of “weaknesses” is getting them off your mind. Keep that list handy and challenge them one by one. We are not perfect…so please keep that in mind.
As we grow and change, so does our strengths and weaknesses. Bottom line: I like to see people turn their weakness into strengths.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Hi Donna.
Interesting post! I actually done this – because of your post – and it came up with some interesting results:
* I tend to procrastinate, resulting in having to many loose ends – unfinished things on my mind.
* I tend to be to much of a perfectionist, resulting in me taking to much time to really finish things.
Are they related? I think they are! Guess I have something to work on!
Seems to me like they are related Jan.
Did you opt-in to my Stop Procrastination on my side bar? I do have to re-do it because of the sound quality, but many people do enjoy it.
Procrastination is the number one enemy in my book. And being a “perfectionist” is a darn good reason to procrastinate.
Well at least you have confronted the “problem” all you need to do now is act upon it.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: marquitaherald
March 2, 2013 at 1:08 pm #
Great list Donna and several things resonate with me. I took a “planning day” last week and two things that ended up on my priority list to work on are email marketing (cause I’m with you as far as recognizing that as a weakness) and learning to podcast. I’ve never had a desire to do that on an ongoing basis and that hasn’t changed. But after attending a terrific workshop on podcasting, I came up with a plan to create a special series to launch my new book in late April. At this moment I have absolutely no clue what I’m doing – and that just excites the heck out of me!
marquita herald recently posted..Exploring the Value of a Creative Pause
Hey Marty,
This seems to be the most common “weakness” our email marketing which is the most important thing we need to do!
Ohh Podcasting…how exciting. I’ve been getting my wheels spinning on that one too. Someone asked me to make them a relaxation download and I did. Shucks…..I never saved it! Oh well. This gave me the idea to do so for a new product lol.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Donna, what an inspirational post. You were humble enough to list your weaknesses and courageous enough to do something about them! It’s one thing to recognize our growth edges, and another to do something about them. I can definitely relate to a number of your weaknesses! Good for you for growing!
Hi Steve,
Thank you for your kind words. I feel it is important to show my own weaknesses so people can resonate with them or just get them to think about it.
I wanted to show my readers that a weakness can turn into a strength!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Donna… what is going on here? All your admirers are women 🙂 OK, OK, here is a men comment for you…
Having friends like Sylviane is a wonderful asset Donna and for sure You are a great asset for her as well…
What you done here listing some of your weaknesses it remind us all how important it is to “Know Your Self”. I took that for granted for many years… and the weaknesses keep piling up…
Now I use a system… very simple system… Once I am aware of a weakness, right away work on it to change to a strength or delegate or dump it completely.. when I say dump it, I mean that I recognize it is not easy to overcome it at the moment and so I take it off my mind and focus on what are my strengths…
Ok, it does not work all the times but it works most times and for an old fox like me, is more then enough.. because as the old saying go, “you cannot teach a new trick to an old dog” fit almost perfectly with me haha 🙂
Nice to read your insightful article Donna…always inspiring to do more, do better and get stronger…
nickc
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Nick,
You always keep me laughing. You are not an old dog…You may have been around for a while, but you are young in heart and mind.
I agree with your method, and thank you for contributing it to my blog.
It is exactly what I do also! There is no sense troubling ourselves with stress.
Thanks,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Hello Donna,
I haven’t really thought about my weaknesses but now that you mentioned it, let me see… hmmmm… they are just too many to point out. i feel we all have our weaknesses but it’s only courage that can over come it. Thanks
Babanature recently posted..Optimizing Your WordPress Database For A Better Performance
Hi Babanature,
Well, time to make that list my friend! Once you do, you will notice how courageous you are!
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: BarbaraCharles
February 28, 2013 at 5:54 pm #
Hi Donna. I think that all of us have some number of these weaknesses so you are not the only one. The ones that resonates with me is 1,2 and 3. It’s just seems like there’s so much work but it’s got to be done and that’s where your article about organizing comes in. Thanks you’ve offered some insightful thinking for me to do ’cause I share the same weaknesses as you. Thanks Sylviane for inspiring you to write this article and sharing with us.
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted..Six Wonderful Internet Marketers You Should Know
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
February 28, 2013 at 7:43 pm #
You’re welcome Barbara,
It’s always nice to know that you’ve inspired someone.
Donna has always been so good to me 🙂
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Plan For Your Success
Hi Barbara…Hi Sylviane!
You gals Rock!!!!!
Thank you Sylviane for the inspiration and thank you Barbara for featuring me on your last post.
WooooHaaaaa
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Hi Donna, I haven’t done that recently – this is a good a time as any now that you brought it up. There’s something about putting it on paper that allows me to really dive in and work it through, rather than keeping it all in my head. Off the top, I can tell you that I resonate with the email list weaknesses. Time to take action, right? Thanks for the reminder, Donna!
Dena Lynn
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Hi Dena-Lynn!
The more we keep it in our heads, the more we feed that weakness. I too find that when I put things down on paper it is half the battle. It is like a to do list for the mind.
As for that Email list, seems like loads of us are in the same boat!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: coachgladyd
February 28, 2013 at 2:36 pm #
Hello Donna
I am the new kid on the block. I found you through Barbara Charles blog and her recommendations to get to know the awesome people she wrote about.
About your article, you dropped a big one on me (smile) It is great and such an eye opener. It’s about getting real with ourselves, realizing we all have strengths, but somehow those areas of weakness kinda wrap themselves around our strengths and we cannot see them.
Thank you for opening our eyes to those weaknesses and then DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
I have a desire to be successful, one step at a time.
Thank you Donna
Hi Gladys and WELCOME!
Yes, this was one post that many had a reaction to. Not many of us want to make a list of our “weaknesses” but in doing so, it is a way to grow.
It is not at all getting down on ourselves, but assessing what we are lacking and do something about it. We are not perfect, but I do believe as we recognize our weakness, and not just accept it or push it aside, it doesn’t go away.
Doing something about it will help us grow. And there are some weaknesses like in our business that we just have to realize to farm out.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
I think if I wrote down my weaknesses, I’d be afraid of what I see in fear that I wouldn’t know how to overcome it.
I know THE one at the top of my list is confidence or the lack of it. I still have some issues with that and it holds me back a lot of the times. And to get past that I just keep a positive attitude, surround myself with good people like you, and remind myself I’m not the first to go through this period.
On a professional level, my email list is a weakness and I spend countless hours reading blogs on how to grow it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve changed email marketing providers before keeping the one I have now 🙂
Isn’t it awesome when a blog you’re reading inspires a post for you? Thanks for sharing your weaknesses with us, reminds us all that we’re not alone! Hope you’ve had a great week!
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Hi Corina,
Well there you have it! You know your weakness and you are doing something about it. As long as you act upon it you WILL grow and overcome it.
The problem is many people won’t even go there. You and I just did! That is the first step my friend. You are keeping a positive attitude and reading all about it.
Confidence is a common problem. Long ago, I was there too…really bad!
I grew to learn that it was deep in my sub-conscious. Then I rolled up my sleeves and got out there to fix it. I did! Not easy, but once you recognize it, you will battle it too.
You are a delightful person and easy to communicate to. You are also a great blogger. Girl, you have it all. I wish you could see that too.
Much Love,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: usmile
February 28, 2013 at 8:35 am #
Ah Donna,
I love your posts. I have learned NOT to focus on my weaknesses because it just reinforces them. Instead I focus on strengths and they become stronger and the weaknesses dwindle. This is one of the principles I learned in coaching others to help shift a mindset. I srew up for sure but I am much kinder to myself these days. You’re the best 🙂
Hi Lesly,
It is great to focus on our strengths and grow them like wildfire. Here, a list of weaknesses is to improve your strength. Everyone is different, and if focusing on your “weakness” will get you down, then go with the strengths at this time.
You know yourself more than anyone else. But when you make a list of your weaknesses and put it down on paper. It feels like you are giving it away sometimes. If it makes you go into a tizzy…than it is not time for you.
On the other hand, if you can see what you can improve, then it sure does come in handy.
Thanks for sharing,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Wow that was an interesting topic… people in general don’t like looking in the mirror and facing their demons. Weaknesses don’t have to be like demons, they can be inspiration just waiting to be tapped into.
It can be a great challenge to overcome the weakness and turning it into a strength! Nice one Donna!
I haven’t done that in a very long time. In fact, I can’t remember if I’ve ever done it. That’s a shame. As you pointed out, I act on my strengths all the time, but it doesn’t occur to me that I’m doing that. I’m just doing what comes naturally.
Thanks for the reminder. This is something I have to do.
Anne recently posted..Your Confidence Muscle
AHA Anne!
I think we all behave that way. This is why I wrote the post this way. Sharing my own weaknesses gets people thinking they have ’em too!
When we stake stock and see what they are, then we can tweak our path a bit.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: suejprice
February 28, 2013 at 3:32 am #
Hi Donna
I have not read Sylviane’s post yet and maybe I should have first. I will do that next.
Now this is interesting because I just wrote my post on the do what you love theme and outsource the rest. So I came here and my first thought was to disagree and I thought”why the heck should I write a list of my weaknesses. I just want to play to my strengths.
Then my next thought was, I need to at least do this check to know what in my business needs improving. And then I can decide me or someone I outsource to. 🙂
I think we women have a similar thing going on with not pitching enough – the 7 times thing. In my observation the guys do not seem to have a problem.
A very thought provoking post Donna. I will sit down and take proper stock.
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Do What You Love
Hi Sue,
Glad I got your wheels spinning. Yes I read your post and I agree. Do what you love, while outsourcing the rest is a great idea. BUT…
Checking your business and seeing where it needs improving will help you know where to outsource it.
We do have a similar thing going on Sue!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: harleenas
February 27, 2013 at 11:14 pm #
Hi Donna,
Sylviane’s post surely got me thinking too, and it surely was this very point! I guess most of us don’t really sit down and make a note, or even think about our strength and weaknesses, till we need to or we are reminded of making a note, just as Sylviane’s post, which was a reminder for all of us.
Honestly speaking, I read it, thought about it for a minute – but didn’t really get down to it again. However, having read your post I do plan sitting and penning down mine too. I guess like you I need to work on my Email list, which mostly I’ve not done because of the lack of time and something or the other always does take a back seat. That’s why they say life is made up of choices we make, and which one you take when – decides how you are going to proceed. 🙂
Another major weakness is managing my time more efficiently being a Mom, writer, blogger, and working on my projects. It can get really tough at times. I guess it should get alright once the kids move out, which might give me more time in hand.
Thanks for sharing and reminding us to think about our strengths and weaknesses. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Understanding Women in Today’s World
Yes, Harleena, Sylviane’s post got my wheels spinning. I had a post to put out today, but after reading hers, I got too excited about this subject and then after making that list, my fingers flew through the keyboard.
Our Email lists need to be priority, but somehow I get caught up in blogging and social media. Then Friday comes too fast and I start all over again.
You are juggling quite a few things, especially with children around. I remember those days and quite frankly, our children do come first.
Good luck with everything Harleena,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
February 27, 2013 at 8:24 pm #
Wow, Donna!
Talking about a recent post, you mean today’s post! What thank you for mentioning that this post of yours was an inspiration from me. I am so, so happy when I hear that I can inspire someone in any way. That’s feel really great.
That’s why I love blogging you see. My post made you think and then you acted on it and started writing your list of strengths and weaknesses, and then even blogged about it to share with others.
Now you know what you need to work on! Thanks for sharing, Donna
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Plan For Your Success
Yes Sylviane
I had a post to go out today, but after reading your post I went right into action. I stopped everything because something hit me. It was when you said to work on our weakness.
I immediately got down to the action. Your post really motivated me.
Thanks so much Sylviane
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Donna,
Do I really need to look at my weaknesses? LOL.
But really, we do need to. I am with ya on the emailing the list part. I freeze up and don’t know what to write. Many times I just write like I am writing to a friend but many times I shouldn’t do that. I need to be more professional.
I do slack. Sure, I call it “social engagement” but I really should be working on my products or trying to let people know about the ones I am crazy about already.
YOu have started my brain clicking. 🙂
~Allie
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Hi Allie,
Now let’s see how many times you wrote the word “should” Was it 2? Girl don’t should on yourself!
I think email writing is the most difficult because we have a reason why we are writing. Not only are we engaging but we have those sales in the back of our mind. I am glad I got your brain ticking.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
February 27, 2013 at 6:04 pm #
Well congratulations for this Donna and I’m glad I didn’t sit down and think about this or I’d have come up with some of the same weaknesses you have. Not all but some and then others.
Sylviane is right though about planning for success and even I have difficulty in this area for reasons I won’t go into here. For the most part I’ve gotten to where I am totally by mistake, it wasn’t planned so see that’s a good thing right.
I just read Sylviane’s post a few hours ago so haven’t had a lot of time to dwell on it too much. That’s a darn good thing because now after reading your post I know I have a heck of a lot of work to do still. Yikes!
Great job Donna and you’re aware of them now so that’s the biggest hurdle of them all. I have no doubt you’ll conquer anything you put your mind to.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..Some Anniversaries Are Not Worth Celebrating
Thank you Adrienne,
I find thought I was well aware of my weaknesses, but when writing them all down being honest with myself…yikes..do I have work to do lol
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Strengths and Weaknesses