Your Greatest Weakness

Yes, I know what it is. You will never admit it. You probably will laugh at me when I tell you what it is. You won’t even agree that it’s an issue right now. Let’s see if I can shake your mindset.

Pride. That is your greatest weakness. Yes, you. Pride has been man’s greatest downfall since the garden of Eden. You are no exception. Before you say it isn’t just hear me out.

Why do you think that we get into debt? To fit in; to have what others have. Why do you not like to admit you’re wrong? We like to be right. Why do you compete to be first? Because we want people to know we are superior to them. Pride is perhaps one of mankind’s greatest motivators for any and everything. It is systemic to everyone.  Pride is what empowers the fear of rejection, its is why we hide shameful actions. Pride. It is a beast.

It reminds me of an old story of a grandfather passing wisdom to his grandson. He tells his grandson of two wolves that live in each one of us. One wolf is evil; Full of malice, hatred, anger, and pride. The other wolf is good; Full of love, and life, and humility and kindness. He tells the boy that these two are constantly at war with in us all. His grandson then asks, “Which one wins?” His Grandfather replies “The one you feed!”

We all have pride inside of us. Due to the fallen nature of man, it can come quite easy and left unchecked becomes a huge influence in our day to day without us even noticing. The remedy is simple. Begin to think of others more highly than yourself. We know our darkest hearts. None of us are as great as we want others to think, so why pretend. Recognize that other humans are flawed and fallible and are travelers on this journey like you. Begin to look for ways to help others and become a servant. Add value to the people around you. Open doors, hold elevators, be kind. Feed the good in you and let it affect the world around you.  This is the pathway to humility. Humble leaders leave the greatest marks. The philanthropists of the world are the ones remembered.

So its safe to admit you have this weakness. We all do. It’s only hiding it and feeding it that creates the chaos in this world. Learn humility. Admit when you are wrong, own your mistake, don’t give a fear of rejection a foothold, and starve the beast of pride on the inside.

What this world, your business or team, and you family and community need are humble servant leaders. It will change the world. If you desire personal growth principals, reach out to me. I’d love to help.

Be the change you wish to see,
Ken