The 10 weaknesses of people (and how to work them)

Currently there is some allergy to blemish. However, the reality is that we all have weak points that we can improve, although this should always be done from a realistic and compassionate perspective on ourselves. Knowing those aspects in which we falter does not make us vulnerable. On the contrary, it strengthens us, since self-knowledge is a first step to improve ourselves and grow day after day.

• We recommend you read: "23 most common limiting beliefs in people"

A world of weaknesses: perfection does not exist

Although praising the qualities we have is necessary, it is also necessary to know how to do self-criticism. The natural tendency when we sell ourselves to others, whether in informal relationships or in work settings, is always to offer a polished image of ourselves. However, this profile can be unnatural. On the other hand, being transparent with our strengths and weaknesses gives us great value as people, since that honesty and sincerity are essential to improve or perfect those points that most they cost.

Avoiding reviewing our weaknesses can prevent us from having a realistic view of who we are and foster a misadjusted ego, so that receiving criticism will be experienced as an attack and not as an opportunity to learning. Although as we say nobody is perfect, sometimes it is necessary to adopt some changes in our way of behave, since many times our defects can cause us problems with ourselves and with the rest. Trying to change these more problematic aspects will allow us to be more satisfied and, ultimately, happy.

Of course, many of our defects and weaknesses are the result of multiple variables like our personality style, our education, family context and other experiences that we have been able to live. Each individual has their own cocktail of experiences and that is why no two people are the same and not all of us have the same difficulties to work. The good news is that weaknesses can, in many cases, be improved.

In this article we are going to collect those weaknesses that people can show, indicating what it consists of each one so that you yourself can do this work of self-analysis in order to know yourself better and improve.

What are our main weaknesses?

As we have already advanced, no one is exempt from defects, since absolute perfection does not exist. Knowing the weaknesses that each of us have is a first step to improve as people, so we are going to review the most frequent ones.

1. Selfishness

Selfishness implies that the person attends to her own benefit above the needs and desires of others. It is a weakness that is noticeable in all areas of the individual's life. The selfish person refuses to offer his help to others when they need it, acts out of his own good regardless of how this affects others and does not engage in actions that are directed to the good common.

Selfish people are not, on many occasions, aware that they have this defect. For this reason, the role of the environment is important in the first moments. Close people must assertively let the person know that their attitude is not appropriate, as it is harmful to others.

2. Lack of empathy

Empathy is one of the most appreciated virtues, so its absence is seen as an important defect. When a person is not empathic, he is unable to perceive reality from the other's vision. For this reason, she cannot imagine how the other person might feel, nor does she consider acting to make him feel understood. This lack has a powerful effect on interpersonal relationships, since it can make it difficult to establish healthy and intimate bonds.

3. Unsafety

Insecure people lack self-confidence, making them feel helpless before the challenges and events that are presented to them. Insecurity is closely linked to difficulty in making decisions and defending one's rights in front of others. Feeling insecure can lead the person to act according to what others want or expect of them, adopting a submissive disposition instead of acting firmly and decisively.

In addition, insecurity will also be problematic in interpersonal relationships. People with this defect tend to be involved in dependency relationships and are willing to act according to the wishes of your partner, tolerating unacceptable behaviors many times as long as you are not alone. Insecurity is a defect that is usually detected by attending to small signals, especially those of a non-verbal type. Insecurity can cause the person to speak in a low tone of voice, without gesturing too much or maintaining eye contact with the interlocutor.

4. Dependence

Dependency is, in a way, linked to insecurity. Dependent people have enormous difficulties in being able to function on their own without the support of others. This seriously affects your daily life and greatly limits your possibilities for personal growth. Among the most characteristic problems of dependent people are the difficulty to make decisions, manage your own life, take steps, carry out tasks autonomously, etc.

Throughout our lives, all people need to acquire a progressively growing independence, so that we are assuming responsibilities according to our age and maturity. Dependence is a serious problem when it occurs in adults who should fend for themselves.

5. Envy

Envy is related to insecurity and self-disagreement. Envious people crave what others have, be it a material good, a job, a relationship, etc. Envy manifests itself when the individual who feels it chooses to attack the person whom he envies. This feeling, as we say, hides great dissatisfaction problems.

In case of experiencing it, it is necessary to reflect on what is wrong in our life and what we would like to change. Disqualifying others is just a strategy that covers up the real problem, so it is critical address the situation if we begin to experience this feeling so toxic to oneself and to the rest.

6. Pride

Superb people are those who live with the firm belief of being superior to everyone else. This thinking is especially problematic, since the person acts in a pushy and even humiliating way towards others. In addition, pride acts as a shield that prevents the individual from recognizing their own mistakes and therefore improving. Pride is also an obstacle to collaborating with others, empathizing with them, accepting other opinions and points of view, etc.

7. Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy is a fairly common flaw. Hypocritical people act contrary to the values ​​they enact and, at the same time, act in accordance with principles that they openly criticize. The person conceals her true thoughts and intentions under a mask, something that can generate significant problems in her life. On many occasions, hypocritical behaviors are related to social desirability. That is, with what others expect of yourself. For this reason, in the face of hypocrisy, it is essential to reflect on what are the authentic values ​​that guide one's life regardless of the judgment of others.

8. Irresponsibility

Irresponsibility is another great flaw. Irresponsible people are not capable of being firmly involved in activities, projects or commitments. In the same way, they do not comply with their obligations and do not respect the rules. Neither do they assume the consequences that this way of acting may entail.

Irresponsibility creates problems both for the individual himself and for his environment. The burden of their irresponsible acts often falls on family members or co-workers, which can have serious effects in the social, family and work environment.

9. Disorder

Disorder leads a person to improperly manage their material and immaterial resources. This causes the individual to keep his personal space in a chaotic state. In the same way, there is also an inadequate management of time and pending tasks to be done. For this reason, it is common for disorderly people to have problems completing all their tasks, maintaining a well-organized routine, arriving on time to the correct places, etc.

10. Individualism

People with this tendency act without taking into account the perspective and opinion of others. Although it is important to have your own criteria and act according to our values, it is also necessary to consult with others about the steps that we are going to take. This is especially important when our behavior is going to have an impact on others. In the workplace, it is common for people who are not capable of teamwork to act in an individualistic way, without taking into account the point of view of their colleagues.

Conclusions

In this article we have reviewed the most frequent defects, as well as their characteristics. Defects are part of human nature, although sometimes they can seriously interfere with our lives and affect the people around us. In these cases, it is convenient to do a self-analysis exercise to detect our weaknesses and assess how we can improve them.

It is not about finding perfection, because it does not exist. Rather, the goal is to find a balance that allows us to be ourselves at the same time that we feel satisfaction with our way of doing things, avoiding unnecessarily harming the the rest.