Reflections on Weakness

What can one ponder when speaking about weakness? What is it? How does one live with it, and is it even worth considering?

Definition, Classification of Weakness

In the concept of weakness, I include not only physical weakness but also the weakness of my spirit and will. It's the inability to resist temptations and bad habits. It's also the inability to compel oneself to do what needs to be done. The incapacity to follow one's plan is part of it, as well as emotional weakness: the desire to manipulate, dominate, susceptibility to irritation, provocations, and the desire to show off.

In addition to the already mentioned weaknesses, physical and spiritual, I also consider intellectual weakness. For me, this primarily entails a lack of quick-wittedness, logic, and financial literacy.

To a large extent, certain human convictions can also be included here. For example, the inclination to make enemies rather than friends. Or the conviction that everyone around is lying and wishing you harm. The belief that someone has some power over someone.

Motivation

I read about weakness along the lines of:

I am weak. I acknowledge that I am weak. Weak in body, spirit, and mind. I agree with this. It's the truth.

I acknowledge it, I accept it, but I do not agree to it. I will fight my weakness and become stronger.

Rough interpretation of words from the book Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink. Chapter on Weakness.

I like these words. I agree with them.

But agreeing with them is not enough.

The Importance of Actions

The main idea of this thought is actions. Struggling with weaknesses is a constant effort that needs to be executed, not just agreed with in theory. You need to do.

I'm not a supporter of working on oneself 25 hours a day and 8 days a week. Super productivity doesn't appeal to me at all.

Nevertheless, working on oneself is necessary. If development doesn't come naturally, for example through a hobby or by going deeper into something meaningful, then it needs to be done consciously.

For conscious work on weaknesses, you first need to identify them.

Next, filter out only what hinders you personally, not what might simply be disliked by someone around you or isn't accepted socially.

Once they are identified, prioritize them. It should be clear what needs to be eradicated first and what can wait.

And after that, when we clearly know our weaknesses, all that's left is to take control of ourselves. We work on weaknesses consciously, being aware of it and not hoping that just because we've made a plan, it will execute itself.

It's important to monitor oneself, one's thoughts, and actions. Record successes when we manage to work on a weakness, when we win once. It's equally important to make interim assessments and recall situations when we succumbed to weaknesses.