At one point or another, you’ve probably come across the classic interview question, “What’s your greatest weakness?” If your first inclination is to say that you don’t have any, that’s mistake #1. Mistake #2 is responding with only one weakness.
Sure, you want to put your best foot forward in an interview, but admitting to your weaknesses is actually a sign of strength. It’s a sign of boldness, bravery, and courage. If you’re ready to admit to your weaknesses but you’re not entirely sure what your weaknesses are, here are 5 ways to discover them.
1. Listen up
Start by paying attention to what people say to you or about you. That doesn’t mean you should obsess over what people think about you – that’s not healthy. Instead, it means being mindful of ways you could improve. If your friends always joke around that you talk too much or that you are impolite, it might be a helpful clue. That doesn’t mean you should take every remark to heart, but some things should be considered when it means you could improve as a person.
2. Go Back in Time
Well, not literally. To learn more about your weaknesses, think back on some of your past failures and previous bad behaviors. You can learn a lot about your past self!
3. Ask Away
In the spirit of listening to what others have to say, another great way to get the truth is by asking. Find a mentor, friend, or family member whose opinion you trust and ask them for a piece of their mind. Ask something like, “What do you think I could do to improve my work ethic?” or “If you had to pinpoint a few of my weaknesses, what would they be?”
4. Pick out Patterns
Patterns are very telling, and life can be very cyclical. If you have patterns in bad behaviors or habits or patterns in feedback about your weaknesses, tune into these. Who knows what you’ll find out?
5. Be Observant
Once you’ve spent time tuning into what others may have to say about you, it’s time to say some things to yourself. Observe your day-to-day doings, check out your calendar to see how you manage your time, and keep track of the way you treat others. There are all kinds of ways to observe yourself and be introspective, so find the way that works best for you!