One of my boards is for inspiration. This covers a tectonic plate sized area because let's face it, we all need inspiration from time to time. What I found the other day was a great article on character flaws and have found it interesting to explore a little further. Like Groo I was thinking, "light bulb!"
Apparently, each of us develops a way of handling the oncoming adult world when we're in our adolescence. These start as self-defense mechanisms, but later morph into personality traits because of their consistent use. Each of us has at least one character flaw or personality defect. My theory that nobody is perfect is justly supported!
Though these are flaws and are thought of most negatively, let's spin them to see how they could be beneficial. Here goes....
1. Self-deprecation (I'm a piece of crap)
"I am the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries." -Stephen KingMany artists and comedians find this to be a wildly successful character flaw. So long as it does not interfere with self-worth, it can be a funny way to live your life. Nobody should ever take themselves too seriously anyway. McDonald's is gross, but you are not Mr. King. Although some of your stories are pretty gruesome.
2. Self-destruction (I'm going to eat myself to death, or do other bad things to myself)
"There are seeds of self-destruction in all of us that will bear only unhappiness if allowed to grow." -Dorothea BrandeIf you have this flaw, you know what your triggers are. There's a chance to change your life! Use it and don't allow yourself to be your worst enemy. If this flaw is left alone to bloom, there will always be a tangled web of of fruit loops weighing your ankles down.
3. Martyrdom (I didn't do it)
"Martyrdom covers a multitude of sins." -Mark TwainOh martyrdom, how I loathe thee. Everyone has moments when "oh poor me" feels right. This flaw cannot be spun. Don't blame your problems on others. Healthy thinkers point the red finger of blame at themselves when changes need to be made.
4. Stubbornness (I am right and I will always be right, no matter what)
"I think my stubbornness, hardheadedness, and stupidity is what has allowed me to play for 20 years." -Brett FavreTo me, stubbornness is one of the best personality flaws. Every athlete in the world could fall into this category. Stubborn people don't take no for an answer. They use whatever resources they have to get what they want to succeed. The key is not allowing the goal to make you stupid, and to have consideration for others while pursuing that goal.
5. Greed (That's mine, it's all mine!)
"Greed is the bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction." - Erich FrommGreed is hard to spin, but it is so common. Are all people who have this personality trait the same? Certainly, not. Everyone on Wall Street likely has this flaw in them. Yet, they use it to make themselves rich. I bet some of them are wildly satisfied with their lives. They likely didn't allow their greed to interfere with their personal relationships or humility.
6. Arrogance (I am the greatest!!!)
"You can have a certain arrogance, and I think that's fine, but what you should never lose is the respect for others." -Steffi GrafSelf-confidence can be easily misjudged as arrogance. An introverted person who performs well, but does not seek out friendships can seem smug and aloof. I am pretty positive that Gabby Douglas feels that she is the best. She knows that she is, yet she helps young people follow in her footsteps. Being arrogant and acting arrogant are two separate things. When a hyper confident person feels the need to flaunt that confidence over others, that is a negative pattern of behavior. Respect begets respect for the most part.
7. Impatience (I want it yesterday and that's not soon enough)
"I can be impatient. But I don't think it's always a bad habit. Sometimes a little impatience can be a good thing. It keeps you motivated." -Brant DaughertyWhat would happen if our military leaders were always patient? In the real world there is urgency from time to time. Impatience can propel us toward our goals a little faster. This has to be true or cleansing diets of all varieties would not exist. Using impatience as a motivator can be very positive!
This is an exercise to recognize your own personality flaws, not to point them out in others. Self-analysis is a process in which each of us should be participating on a regular basis. If we reach inside ourselves and know who we really are and what we're made of, nothing can stop us.
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