Transforming a Weakness into a Dynamic Super Talent

My youngest sister was born premature and as a result had pulmonary problems as a child. Because she suffered from chronic asthma, there was little expectation for her to be a strong and healthy child. One of the therapies she was subjected to in an effort to strengthen her lungs, was swimming underwater. I am sure this started out as a terrifying experience for a young child who had trouble breathing to begin with. I remember in my early school years, watching my sister in the pool trying to hold her breath and thinking she looked like a June bug just floating on the water. Being the older sister, I would just laugh and call her “Little Bug”. But by the time we were both teenagers, “Little Bug” could out lap me in the pool because she had better breath control in the water than I did. I might have started out the stronger child but because my sister was forced to focus on her weakness, she became the stronger swimmer. I still call her “Little Bug” but I also proudly announce that she is the “Wickedest Wench of the West,” as she has become a highly accomplished member of sailboat racing team. As a result, my little sister has become the inspiration for focusing on my weaknesses and turning them into strengths.

During my academic years, I would rather have translated the Krebs Cycles into Latin while explaining the Quadratic Formula to a Kindergartner then write more than my name on a piece of paper. Writing was my Kryptonite as a student and I only put enough effort into this subject to get by. If you are reading this blog, you may be a little surprised by what my high school teachers have to say about my writing skills.

Focusing on my lack of writing abilities during my adult career brought about a dynamic shift in my talents and skill sets. Of course, I made large mistakes and fabulous failures along the way. It was this practice of failure, analyze and retry that strengthened my talent. I am still focused on developing my writing skills, as I believe I have room for improvement. I no longer dread the idea of having to create something out of written words. Having the ability inscribe ideas into copy has allowed me to develop a career in Marketing and that is not to shabby for someone who holds a bachelors degree in Biology.

Challenge yourself to take on the areas in which you are weak. You might find a limitation that becomes a force in your own paradigm shift. Inspire those around you to alter their course by transforming vulnerability into a vigorous and productive option for personal growth.

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Comment by Stephanie Young on August 9, 2011 at 9:28am: Thank you, Jerry. I think when life gets tough, those that are tough get motivated.

DE, thank you for the compliment. You were so right. This blogging stuff is fun!!! (smile)

Comment by DealerELITE on August 9, 2011 at 7:49am: Wonderful content Stephanie, Keep them coming!

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 8, 2011 at 9:39am: Leonard, thank you for the kind words. Focusing on overcoming instead of promoting a weakness is a shift towards moving away from the negative and finding a positive. You just can't go wrong there. (smile)

Marsh, you know it. Barriers keep us from things, bridges link us to things. BTW, you crack me up bro!!! LOL

Comment by Marsh Buice on August 5, 2011 at 4:27pm: What we see as barriers are often the bridges to our success..rock on Stephanie, gr8 post...btw ...6 days lol

Comment by Leonard Buchholz on August 5, 2011 at 2:56pm: I really like the concept of making yourself stronger by not really focusing on the weakness but by focusing on overcoming it. Your story about your little sister drives that concept home. Thanks Stephanie.

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 5, 2011 at 9:29am: BC, I like that way of seeing things!

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 4, 2011 at 2:33pm: Thank you for the compliment, Jim. Honored coming from you.

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 4, 2011 at 2:29pm: Thanks, Carrie. Who said learning was not fun? LOL

Comment by Jim Kristoff on August 4, 2011 at 1:11pm: Very inspirational Stephanie!!

Comment by Stephanie Young on August 4, 2011 at 11:23am: Oh, not at all. I was not fully majoring in recess, but I would drag me feet kicking and screaming if I was asked to create something out of words and put it on paper. I know my mother is shocked and I am sure my teachers would be too, but I actually enjoy writing these days....but not more than recess....lol.