Character Flaws

[lifesatrip]

I am curious what other people consider to be their main character flaws and how they address them. Do people believe that one's worst trait can also be the source of one's greatest strength?

 

I think one of my worst character flaws is self-focus/self-absorbtion/self-consciousness. I am so ashamed of it, but no amount of shame or willing it away will fix it. So I am trying to accept it while I do things to actively counteract it. I think this might be the best method, because actively trying to get rid of it through my thoughts takes a lot of energy and is very self-focused On the other hand, I think this horrible hated flaw gives me a degree of reflectiveness and self-awareness, so I will try to appreciate those things.

 

I am curious about other people and their thoughts about character flaws etc.

[lifesatrip]

I also think maybe it is a good idea to find outlets in life that utilize an aspect of our character flaw to give it some catharsis and freedom of expression. For instance, someone who is really aggressive might do well in sports/competitions. Personally I want to do more expressive stuff like dancing and other types of art which I have been too afraid to try. These things make me feel more balanced and whole and self-possesed.

[melancholy123]

I think I am quite opinionated and that is both good and bad. I'm glad I have thoughts and opinions on most things but sometimes I get a bit too vocal about how I feel about a topic. I work on toning myself down! I dont expect anyone or everyone to agree with me about anything but I like to get my thoughts out there.

 

I have no patience for what I consider BS. Life's too short to get mired in nonsense.

[gebaird]

Every weakness can be turned into a strength, and vice-versa. For example, I am a very generous person, which is a strength -- but I have to be careful to conserve my resources, because the tendency is to take care of others first and leave myself exposed -- which is a weakness. One way to encourage psychological growth is to learn how to turn weaknesses into strengths.

[lifesatrip]

Every weakness can be turned into a strength, and vice-versa. For example, I am a very generous person, which is a strength -- but I have to be careful to conserve my resources, because the tendency is to take care of others first and leave myself exposed -- which is a weakness. One way to encourage psychological growth is to learn how to turn weaknesses into strengths.

 

Definitely. I think some are more difficult to convert into strengths than others. Do you know any good reading on the topic?

[Seraphim]

My worst and best trait ; my kindness.

[mustlovedogs]

I'm not sure this is my worst character flaw but I am quite sensitive. Pros: I am highly empathetic and I am concerned with people's feelings. Cons: I sometimes expect too much from others and am prone to disappointment.

[gebaird]

Do you know any good reading on the topic?

 

Most psychologists focus on the "weakness" end of the emotional health spectrum, with the goal to help patients reach a level of "normal" functioning. However, some psychologists spend their time researching and practicing various forms of "positive" psychology. The Strengths Finder test offered by Gallup is one of the results of this work. Martin Seligman has done writing in the field of positive psychology, and recently I came across something called the Enneagram, which is a personality test that includes the concept of "levels of development." It describes nine different personality types and discusses what these personality types look like at their worst (weaknesses), their best (strengths), and everything in between. You can read more about it here:

[Wolfshook]

My worst trait would be social awkwardness in some situation. And probably anxiety I get from some interactions, but I'm working on that one, awkwardness is what bothrs me.