5 answers
Karla
Student
San Luis, Arizona
4
Questions
Asked
544 views
How to turn my weaknesses into one of my strengths?
I'm kind of a procrastinator but I always do my work at the last moment, I work better under pressure because I focus more on those types of moments.
Login to comment
5 answers
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
82
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Great question Karla!
You're already doing so by simply recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. By being aware and acknowledging them, you will consciously and subconsciously think about them and thus will take actions to address them.
That said, for your particular example since you know what helps, ie being under pressure, then perhaps you can set your own deadlines. For example, if you have something due on the 15th, and per your habit, you may not work on it until the 14th, then you set the 13th as YOUR deadline to get it done (none flexible).
In addition, make a list of all the areas you want to work on and actively seek ways and techniques to combat them. More important ensure to put them into action slowly, thus turning what you're learning into habits. This will help you sustain the new behaviors.
Finally, keep in mind that your strengths do not require much attention, you're already great at them. So focus your attention on your opportunities, and I'm confident you can turn them into strengths!
Best of luck!
You're already doing so by simply recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. By being aware and acknowledging them, you will consciously and subconsciously think about them and thus will take actions to address them.
That said, for your particular example since you know what helps, ie being under pressure, then perhaps you can set your own deadlines. For example, if you have something due on the 15th, and per your habit, you may not work on it until the 14th, then you set the 13th as YOUR deadline to get it done (none flexible).
In addition, make a list of all the areas you want to work on and actively seek ways and techniques to combat them. More important ensure to put them into action slowly, thus turning what you're learning into habits. This will help you sustain the new behaviors.
Finally, keep in mind that your strengths do not require much attention, you're already great at them. So focus your attention on your opportunities, and I'm confident you can turn them into strengths!
Best of luck!
Sara Miller Rasmussen
Careers in Business
15
Answers
Madison, Mississippi
Updated
Sara Miller’s Answer
For me, procrastination is born out of the anxiety of starting a task or the enormity of it. The job feels more overwhelming than doing almost anything else.... And then comes the tipping point where the anxiety of missing a deadline or turning in something embarrassingly half-a$$ed exceeds the anxiety of starting.
To battle my procrastination, I break down the job into smaller and smaller tasks, until they become ridiculously manageable. If I get a few things done, it lays a pattern of success, and a foundation for the creative work that sometimes really is done well under pressure. The time pressure doesn't give me time to second guess myself. You just have to go!
My suggestion is to breakdown your tasks and complete some ground work tasks ahead of time.
To battle my procrastination, I break down the job into smaller and smaller tasks, until they become ridiculously manageable. If I get a few things done, it lays a pattern of success, and a foundation for the creative work that sometimes really is done well under pressure. The time pressure doesn't give me time to second guess myself. You just have to go!
My suggestion is to breakdown your tasks and complete some ground work tasks ahead of time.
Jack Alexakis
Project Manager
11
Answers
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Updated
Jack’s Answer
Hi Karla,
I'm a procrastinator as well, lol. You can start using forms of calendars and marking when projects need to be done from time frames or points of check in. Setting days when things are done to reminders of doing them.
You can use calendars on your phone, possibly from your computer email that will have an calendar or even a hand pocket calendar.
I enjoy working under pressure, but at some point you could miss your deadlines because typically you can have daily fires that happen that are not accounted for that might need your immediate attention and could ultimately have you miss your deadline at some point.
The good thing you recognize what you need to do, just do some research on options to improve your project management of time.
Good luck.
I'm a procrastinator as well, lol. You can start using forms of calendars and marking when projects need to be done from time frames or points of check in. Setting days when things are done to reminders of doing them.
You can use calendars on your phone, possibly from your computer email that will have an calendar or even a hand pocket calendar.
I enjoy working under pressure, but at some point you could miss your deadlines because typically you can have daily fires that happen that are not accounted for that might need your immediate attention and could ultimately have you miss your deadline at some point.
The good thing you recognize what you need to do, just do some research on options to improve your project management of time.
Good luck.
LoAnn Vo
Executive Assistant/Business Partner to Estaff, VPs and their direct reports
1
Answer
Santa Cruz, California
Updated
LoAnn’s Answer
I wholeheartedly agree with Alfred's suggestion, and I am super excited to share that it works wonders for me, too! Having the ability to work well under pressure is incredibly empowering, and setting personal, non-negotiable deadlines is a game-changer. To make it even more enjoyable, I use an adorable desk timer and implement the Pomodoro technique: 20-minute increments with 5-minute breaks to maintain laser-sharp focus while keeping distractions at bay. And let's not forget the calendar reminders that ring, keeping me right on track. Give it a try, and I'm sure you'll find it immensely helpful, too! Cheers to being more productive and thriving under pressure! 😊
Matt Gardner
Data Science and Analytics
8
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hey Karla, fantastic question! It's wonderful to see you considering your strengths and how to utilize them effectively. The advice provided earlier is excellent, but I have a thought to share with you. You mentioned, "I work better under pressure." I'm curious if that's accurate or if you meant to say, "I work under pressure" (since the looming deadline motivates you). Have you ever pondered whether you might perform better without any pressure? By applying the Pomodoro technique, you might discover that you can work faster and more efficiently without waiting until the last minute. It's definitely worth contemplating what an improved work method could do for you. Once you've figured it out, jot it down somewhere and identify any habits that hinder this new approach. Share this with your friends and family, so they can lend their support. Best of luck in establishing new habits!