Quoting someone else’s blog is sort of like publishing a coffee table book about coffee table books; however, I’m going to do it anyway.
It is an accepted principle to understand that most people have strong suits and weaker areas. We can’t all be great at everything, right?
We know what we are good at, and we work on improving those areas which may need some help. I know that is how I’ve always thought about things.
However, I read a blog advising people to do the opposite of that!
Only work on those areas in which you are superior, to improve them and make them the best they can possibly be, and then simply ignore the weak areas. Pretty fascinating and I would say controversial opinion!
I am turning this concept over in my head, and can see that it has merit for a certain segment of society. Artists. Athletes. Other performers. Surgeons. Specialists. Yes, this makes sense for them.
However, for mere mortals, I think that a combination of the two ideas makes more sense. Yes, it is great to hone your already strong skills to make them even better and perhaps become known for that particular specialty. However, simply ignoring the other stuff doesn’t seem to be a great way to go. Maybe there is some minor action or improvement you can make in order to raise your game in one of your weak areas? If there is marginal effort only that is needed, I would say go for it!
I’m not saying being a Renaissance man is a realistic ideal for most people; however, I’d like to feel like I was good at one or two things, and pretty good a bunch of other things too.