Monday, May 30, 2011

Strengths and Weaknesses



This weekend I updated my strength chart.

What’s a strength chart? A visual chart of my strengths and weaknesses to show me the areas I need to work on. I actually have two separate charts. One is personal and the other is professional. I’m going to focus on my professional chart today.

When I first made the chart, I had a longer list of weaknesses than strengths. Over time the weakness list has decreased. But that's okay, I don't mind having weaknesses. They give me a goal to strive toward.

In life, we are students forever. We can learn and grow each day. We can better ourselves all the time. If you want to try a new career or write in a new genre, or develop new healthy habits through diet and exercise, you take the time to learn. You study, research, and analyze. You create processes<---that's for my hubby, record data, test theories, and put forth the action. You find what works, what doesn't work, and where to improve. We can always improve.

I spend time each day learning something new. I study my craft, read books on the business of writing, research, look up new ways to plot and develop. My brain is a total sponge and loves to absorb everything. I would do well on a game show about random facts and tidbits.

Each of us can list a number of strengths, skills, and talents. Some of my strengths on my chart include: coming up with catchy titles, writing short stories, quick learner, fast typer, constant supply of creative ideas, determination, passion, perseverance, wit, motivational, and writing sensual tension.

And while it's wonderful to focus only on strengths, it's just as important to pay attention to weaknesses. I choose one area of weakness each month and work on it until it’s on my strength chart. This can be areas of grammar, character development, world building, complex plots, or passive voice.

You'd think at some point my weakness chart will be blank. But no...I'm human, I'm not perfect, nothing comes easy for me, and I'm a student for life. There are always areas I can work and improve. A chart is a great visual to show me where to work, and keep me balanced.

Do you keep track of your strengths and weaknesses? What are some areas you'd like to improve?

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Our strength and weakness change so I don't think there will ever be a time Your weakness doesn't show it self

SharonJM said...

I mentioned to my mother that I would be a lifetime learner. Thank you Ann for increasing my knowledge.

Ann Cory said...

Morning Maria :) I agree! I enjoy tracking my progress, especially when it comes to my writing. It's all part of appreciating the path I'm on.

Ann Cory said...

Thanks so much Sharon! I appreciate you stopping by :) Yay for being a lifetime learner!! Hope you have a lovely day.

EW Gibson said...

Ann,

I've never heard of a strength chart. A neat idea that I think I want to try. I imagine visually seeing one's strengths and weakness helps to keep you focused on your game plan. Although, weakness aren't bad per se. Yin and Yang. It's what makes us human and vulunerable. Also, makes us more interesting all those little quirks. :)

Another great post! Thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth

Ann Cory said...

*squee* Morning Elizabeth :) It really is a great way to track where you've been, where you are, and where you want to be. Hope your day is creative and productive :) *hugs*

Romantic Heretic said...

My strengths? Speaking strictly as a writer a vivid imagination, a massive vocabulary and an ability to combine the two to write good stories.

My biggest weakness is my lack of faith in myself and more importantly, the system we've put together. I feel that the goal posts get moved, a lot. It makes it hard to work when it seems that work can be tossed.

Working on restoring the latter by writing and reminding myself, "If you don't bet, you can't win."

Ann Cory said...

I've read your work Romantic Heretic and you most definitely have wonderful imagery, creativity, and a poetic-style of writing :) Many, many strengths.

And the important thing to do is work your strengths :) Write everyday, even if it's crap...it's good to just get those words out of our heads to free up more creative space!

Always a pleasure when you stop by! :)

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