Would you like to harness your true strength? Sometimes, you need to probe your weaknesses in order to maximize your power. In this video and post, I share some ideas on how to do just that.

What is the fight or flight response? It is when your brain interprets a situation and tells you that you are in danger and you have two choices: Either to stand and fight or to flee from danger. Now researches have discovered that there is also a third option: Paralysis. But let’s not go there … that option never has a good ending.

What does the fight or flight response have to do with weakness? Well, when we take a good hard look at our weaknesses, we may see fear underlying many of them. On many occasions, that fear is what makes us flee and opt for the flight response. However, there are ways we can overcome fear and even turn our weaknesses into our biggest strengths.

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Overcoming Fear to find Strength

Sometimes the only way to overcome a fear is to face it head on; however, this can be daunting and even frightening at first. However, if you take small steps in the beginning, see, and recognize your small successes, chances are you will go on to bigger and better things.

For example. You might have noticed I’m missing a couple of teeth. Well, that was the result of being being hit by a car a few months ago. This will eventually get fixed, but its a long process and I don’t need to get into here and now. The reason why I mention this is because of that accident, I gained a fear of crossing the street … the activity I was doing when I got hit.

So the other day, my fiancé helped me cross that crosswalk. It was upsetting and I’ll admit I cried like a little girl. But I did it. I took that one small step and I know it will be easier the next time. Eventually, I’ll be able to cross that street by myself, without fears or tears.

Overcoming fear is one way to face your weaknesses to find your strength.

Take Inventory of your Strengths and Weaknesses

Another way is to take inventory of the areas — and we all have them — that you would like to improve upon.

For example, if you are weak in networking and social gatherings, you may want to watch some videos on YouTube, take a class or attend a seminar on the subject. You do not need to spend countless hours on therapy in order to identify your weaknesses. You just need to look within and find the answers that you know are already there.

Once you have identified your weak areas, now it is time to take action.

Take Action to Improve Your Strength

Another great way to face your weaknesses to find your strength is to take action, like I did in crossing the street. Taking action means that you take those areas that you have identified and taken action in each one of them. Now, you don’t have to take action in all areas at the same time as that may be too much at once. For example, I didn’t cross that street before I could walk with a cane. I waited until I had addressed areas — like my ability to walk — first.

Start with one small area and when you have finished working on that area, move on to another one. Let’s say for example, you are weak in public speaking. Take a class, join Toastmasters, watch a video, read a book, read my public speaking blog, talk to a professional and you will see that you will begin to feel more empowered right away.

After all, knowledge is power (when applied) and when you take action you give yourself the ability to minimize your weaknesses and enhance your power.

Take an Inside Out View

Now, sometimes your strongest suits are the ones where your weakest areas live. For example, if you always disliked the fact that you were quiet, shy, and withdrawn — maybe you’re an introvert like me — perhaps you have a creative side that simply needs an outlet.

If you look at your weak areas and find a way to turn them inside out and turn them into your strong suits, you will find success was there all along.

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Hair and makeup featured in this video were done by Annaliza Galo.