I used to think that finding flaws in others gave me an advantage. Whether it was at work, in friendships, or even with family, pointing out someone’s weaknesses felt like a way to get ahead or feel better about myself. But over time, I realized that this approach wasn’t making me any better. In fact, it only created tension and negativity.
Then, something shifted in my mindset: What if I started focusing on others’ strengths instead of their flaws?
When I began to see people for what they were good at, I noticed how their strengths complemented my weaknesses. Instead of competing or feeling the need to prove myself, I started learning from them. We could work together, balancing each other out, which made everything more enjoyable and effective.
For example, I’m not great with details, but I have friends and colleagues who are amazing at that. Rather than feeling insecure about it, I’ve learned to appreciate their skills and ask for help when I need it. In return, I offer my own strengths where they might need support. This exchange makes us both stronger and creates a positive, collaborative environment.
I believe this shift in thinking is a choice we can all make. We can either look for others’ flaws, ready to point them out, or we can look for their strengths and see how they can complement our own. The choice is ours.
In the end, it’s better to build bridges than walls. We grow more by focusing on what others do well, learning from them, and creating partnerships that benefit everyone.
