How Can We Accept Our Flaws as Opportunities for Growth?

We are human - we are not perfect. Yet, we judge ourselves for our flaws and imperfections. What if, instead of viewing our flaws as something negative, we view them as part of being human? What if our flaws are actually opportunities for growth?

Define "flaw."

I'm a pretty literal person, so when I am trying to fully understand something, I start simple. Merriam-Webster defines a flaw as, "a defect in physical structure or form," or "an imperfection or weakness and especially one that detracts from the whole or hinders effectiveness." As we can see, words like "defect," "imperfection," and "weakness" are included in the most basic definitions.

We are our own worst critics, and I think it is time that we recognize and address our negative self-talk. We are not likely to thrive and find happiness if we constantly put ourselves down and look at our flaws as personal defects or weaknesses.

What if we flip the script? What if our flaws aren't weaknesses, but opportunities to get stronger?

Change your narrative.

Ever heard of the concept of "changing your narrative?" It essentially means shifting from a glass-half-empty to a glass-half-full perspective. This small change in perspective allows us to go from focusing on the negatives in a situation to the positives.

In the case of having flaws, what if we viewed any such flaw as a starting place for monumental growth instead? Studies have shown that by simply telling ourselves a positive story, we can actually create a more positive future (Forbes).

In a world that often feels so overwhelming and out of our control, it is really nice to think of having some power in our own narrative. If we change our view of our own story, then we can actually change our story. So by simply believing something positive about ourselves, we can manifest it into our reality.

I don't know about you, but I will definitely take any and all free paths to a more positive future!

A strengths-based approach to life.

When I went to school for social work, I probably heard the term "strengths-based" a few times a day. I hadn't heard of the concept before my studies, but now I instinctively view new situations, challenges, or opportunities with a strengths-based approach.

Similar to changing our narrative, a strength-based approach is focused on what we inherently bring to the table, rather than what we may not be able to offer. Whether in a therapeutic setting or just as we do some everyday life-ing stuff, focusing on what we offer to those around us is really powerful. Focus on the good that we offer ourselves, too.

Keep going, keep growing.

If you are struggling and feel that you are so far away from wherever you want to end up, know that you are never starting from scratch. You offer such unique gifts to this world - gifts that can only come from you. We all have our "flaws" or areas for improvement, but we also all have strengths and grace and beauty that we provide to the world simply by existing.

We are constantly growing; we are in a constant state of change. It is impossible to always stay positive and upbeat, but when days come and everything seems like too much, just pause. Growth takes time. We don't need to achieve everything today, nor can we. Maybe if we extend kindness and acceptance to ourselves and others - particularly focusing on what we do have to offer - we can slowly but surely get to where we are going.