It is easy to write a blog or article on things you are good at. Heck, it is the reason 90% of people are on a social network – to tell the world how awesome they (or their company) are. It also goes to show you how immodest some folks are. One of the things that shocks me from time to time about this is that we don’t look at ourselves to see or say what we’re not good at.
I’ve been awful at this too and have really pondered this post for a while now. Whether it is over-sharing or being more reflective, I have avoided this post because I work hard at not sucking at things and still do, so here goes, 10 things I suck at and wish I didn’t.
- Remembering Names – no matter how hard I try, I am forgetful when it comes to names. It is embarrassing, but is true. I try the whole saying a name back to a person, creating a memory trick like they talk about in Moonwalking with Einstein and associating a person with an event, but none have worked to satisfaction. Faces I never forget, but the names…
- Grammar – despite being an English major and getting paid to write for a living, my grammar is awful. I forget what dangling participles are and will start sentences with words you aren’t supposed to. I just like to write like I speak which often gets me into trouble.
- Math – I wish I was better at math than I am. It was my toughest subjects growing up and hasn’t overly improved since them. One thing that is helping me improve this is thinking of formulas like sports stats. For some reason, I can do an ERA in my head but getting ROI metrics or simple division in my head not as well – so thinking of sports is paying off some.
- Vocalizing – I internalize a lot of things and will often keep in emotions, feelings or thoughts. Not sure of why this one is, but at times it feels like it is easier.
- Temper, temper – I am an angry person. No way around it, 32 years and I am still a hothead. I’m working on controlling it better in my older age, but at times it pops off without warning.
- Body Language – I have possibly the worst body language in the world. I wear my heart on my sleeve and have trouble hiding it. I also do not have good posture and sometimes give off the air that I don’t care, but really do, because my body shows something else.
- Crowds – despite working in an industry where you would think you need to love a crowd, I actually prefer to be out of them. Small intimate settings work better for me than having to yell over a crowd or music in a big setting.
- Saying NO – while the word is only two letters long, it is often the hardest one for me to get out. I like helping people and will often spread myself thin because I like saying yes too much.
- Losing – I have a bad habit of not celebrating wins and dwelling on losses for too long. It’s like a Monday Morning QB session, but I find myself talking to myself about what went wrong and what could have been done to change it.
- Over–thinking – do you ever read too much between the lines? Me too.
So there you have it, 10 things I suck at and would like to get better at. This exercise might sound silly or fruitless to you, but it helps me reflect on where I can improve and I am sure it would be of use to you as well. So what are you afraid of? What do you suck at?
NancyCawleyJean it’s a great question, isn’t it? 🙂 cc jeffespo
MargieClayman jeffespo Jeff, it’s great to connect with you. You & I have A LOT in common. We apparently suck at the same things. LOL!
Saying “no” is a big one for me, too.
this disproves seanmcginnis I guess. Suckiness finds suckiness 😀 NancyCawleyJean jeffespo (‘cept y’all are awesome).
MargieClayman seanmcginnis NancyCawleyJean jeffespo I could make a list of things I suck at
NancyCawleyJean 🙂 hey now, that is not a bad thing 🙂
mpace101 Thank you good sir 🙂
jasonkonopinski It is hard to do, but even more important in a role like you’rs JK…
jeffespo I’m often like a rocket without fins. 🙂
hessiejones TY my friend and I know there are probably more that I can list..
jeffespo I’m glad there are people like you that have the gumption to admit failings. I do it too. The weight is suddenly lifted:)
hessiejones I hate failing but know that I do it more than I would let on to… plus who among us is perfect?
jeffespo absolutely right! It’s the only way to learn… verbalizing it makes it real.
jeffespo How are the people in your city doing btw?
hessiejones 🙂 the city is bouncing back… http://t.co/GqRd7vL40m
jeffespo that’s really moving! That never happens at a hockey game:)) I wanna take my kids to Boston this year! Beautiful city!
jeffespo I am happy to spread the word on things you suck at 🙂
mpace101 well you know more than that list pal 🙂
jeffespo I think it’s a GOOD thing. Have a great day, Jeff. So happy we’re connected!
NancyCawleyJean 🙂
mpace101 So you buying or selling the hype your team has been putting out lately in Dallas?
jeffespo been absorbed by other news, are you talking about moving down the draft
Writing about what you suck out almost negates the fact that you suck at it. At least you’re aware and aren’t afraid to learn and grow from your weaknesses. I’m similar in that I dislike big crowds, suck at math, and wear my heart on my sleeve. While being transparent is great for many reasons, it can be a double-edged sword when building a business. great post, Jeff!
itsjessicann well I agree and disagree on that. While I am self-aware and try my hardest to fix them, they are still things I really do fail a lot at… The names thing factors into why I may hate crowds so much and why nametags were invented
RTRViews jeffespo I suck at opening your links on a military computer…dang filters!
Totally love the honesty.
I suck at #2 (I am a native French-speaker and sometimes just cannot get English right) – # Too much of #4 – With you on #5, although apparently I am much better now that a decade ago. Wonder how I ever got by – and many other. I would add, I totally suck at being light and cool. I am way too intense.
Love the post!
I struggle a lot with #6. Which is why I avoided going into politics. For me it goes beyond body language; I also blush when I’m way too old for that sort of thing. I totally feel your pain.
karimacatherine Thanks for popping in 🙂 I can see that one being an issue and I get that way as well…
Jensenborger6 never too old to blush 🙂
@Ron_Watrous RTRViews jeffespo Wait so am I banned by the military computers?
jeffespo @Ron_Watrous Jeff is somewhat questionable, Ron. 🙂 Not quite sure which filters are blocking him, but do check it out when you’re at home. He’s making sense – as usual.
jeffespo @Ron_Watrous Jeff, I should probably ask if I can still be your friend. Those subversive cartoons you post….
Seriously, Jeff, don’t sweat it. Happens to many of us doesn’t it Ron? They are kind of careful on the official net.
ginidietrich jeffespo Everything, I hope, that means I have room to improve everywhere.
jelenawoehr 🙂
ginidietrich Straws, mostly.
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