Comments on: What would happen if you were blind to your weakness?

By: Jean

Jean — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:15:43 +0000

Fascinating – sorry for being a year and a half late on this, but I think I might have the same problem. I can have a two-hour lunch with a person, have a great conversation, and then not recognize them the next day if I see them out of context. It usually takes me several meetings before I can recognize a person as someone I've met before, though if they remind me of our connection, or of a piece of our conversation, then I know exactly who they are. This is very interesting: I didn't know this was an actual disorder. I guess I just assumed I'm not a "visual person." I also have trouble with spacial awareness, though my aural memory is nearly verbatim.

Anyway, thanks for the post. In this case, you're honesty really helped me. I've apparently got some research to do.

By: Spanish Fork Mechanic

Spanish Fork Mechanic — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:41:51 +0000

I beileve God gives us weakness so that we might be humble. Trusting in him is sufficient to overcome any weakness. I think you have the right attitude, congrats on overcoming a challenge.

By: Obama

Obama — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:32:36 +0000

Your a nut case.

By: Antoine Clarke

Antoine Clarke — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:11:18 +0000

Your weakness in one context could actually be remarkably useful in an other. If you compensate by focussing on how people move, you would make a phenomenal spotter of disguises. Every casino and not a few security agencies would like to meet you.

And if someone can make software analyse video footage the way you work, there's a big law enforecement/security market.

By: Recruiting Animal

Recruiting Animal — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:34:46 +0000

PBS had a series once about the early Christians. As a result I came across a letter by a guy who signed his name as Leo, Sinner.

My first impression was that this declaration is a big relief because if you acknowledge your weaknesses right off the bat, you don't have to worry about hiding them.

The same sort of thing takes place at AA meetings when people introduce themselves by saying "I'm so and so and I'm an alcoholic."

But while the acknowledgement of limitations will free you from the need to defend your faults it won't free you from the need to defend your competence. Because although you are imperfect you still need to be recognized for the things you can do. And once you admit a limitation, there are going to be people who will try to use it to disqualify you from responsibilities you are still fit to handle.

By: Tony Tallent

Tony Tallent — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:40:56 +0000

I think you're right-on here. Have you noticed that often people don't quite know how to take it when you just say, "by the way I know XYZ about myself..." Does it generally make others uncomfortable when we are ourselves?
Tony

By: Music Site

Music Site — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:21:39 +0000

(If you say, “I’m disappointed that I have this weakness. I wish I were born differently,” then there’s nothing you can do to see things more optimistically. But if you say, “There are pluses and minuses to this situation, and I do get to have a different perspective on the world that is interesting,” then there is room not to live with such regret.)

You have said well, that was wonderful, I wouldn't say better, you worth lots of credit for this saying.

Keep the good work up.

Thank you,
Regards.

By: MsKim

MsKim — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 06:02:20 +0000

Thanks for the post! I have this condition as well and absolutely no one I know can understand how I can meet someone and then see them the next day and not recognize them. It's nice to see how others deal with this condition. Thanks for putting a postive spin on this :)

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:26:14 +0000

MJ and Todd raise good points on this issue. You need to recognize and rely on your strengths when you need them. But what if you have a glaring (at least to you) weakness that gets in the way of your career advancement or healthier relationships? Are you introspective enough to recognize that weakness and become mentally "locked in" to overcoming it? That personal discipline, plus the degree of importance you place on overcoming that weakness, can help you overcome it. (That's why I also like PT's post last week on social skills.)

Our society, unfortunately, tends to dwell too much on someone's "negatives," or weaknesses, rather than on his or her strengths (Does politics come to mind, anyone?). And it takes a lot of work to overcome those weaknesses and turn them into strengths. You need discipline and self awareness.

By: MJ

MJ — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:01:33 +0000

Now we just have to get our educational and work cultures to change – the MO still seems to be "beat the weakness to death, and if you destroy the strength in the process, oh well."

How much productivity do we waste ignoring natural strengths to agonize over a weakness counting for about 1% of our productivity>