This is What Happens When You Accept Your Flaws

Lisa Franchi September 28, 2015

Hard fact: No matter how good you are at what you do, there’s someone out there in the world who does it better than you. Humans as we are, we all have weaknesses as much as we have talents and skills. But sometimes, it is hard to accept those ‘flaws’. Excessive pride, fear, and poor self-esteem are barriers than can get in the way towards fully accepting your weaknesses and limitations.

But there are more reasons to acknowledge and embrace our imperfections. And these reasons are so amazing that they can actually change your life and make you believe in yourself more.

It uncovers even your deepest, darkest fears.

Too often, our fears are a reflection of our weaknesses. This means that finding the courage to face your fears also helps you uncover your fears and finally free yourself. Most people think that they are not good with something just because they aren’t. But too often, it is simply our fear that keeps us from trying and doing our best. You may think that you are not good at negotiating because you had experienced a negative experience with a former client in the past. By acknowledging your weaknesses, you are also allowing yourself to face your fears. And by continually doing so, you become less afraid. And at the end of the day, you become a better and braver person.

It’s part of being self-compassionate.

They say true love is unconditional. When you are in love with a person, you accept his or her flaws, regardless of what they are. The same thing should apply to loving yourself. You shouldn’t just accept your strengths, skills and talents, but also your shortcomings and imperfections - wholeheartedly. Until you do so, you are not being truly self-compassionate. Accepting your weaknesses is the first and most important step to loving yourself. It also prevents you from beating yourself up, especially in the most difficult moments.

It makes others help you.

When you know what your weaknesses are and accept them, it would not be hard for you to seek help when you need to. What’s more, you will appreciate more the people who want to reach out to you. You will stop seeing others who seem to be ‘better than you’ as threats, but as instruments to unleash your true potential.

It makes you proud of who you are.

It is hard to live with so much pretension. Most of us are afraid of being seen as weak or vulnerable. This causes us to become defensive whenever someone points out our shortcomings. By learning to embrace your flaws, you will drop your defensiveness, accept constructive criticism with open mind, and be happier.

It helps you establish better relationships.

The ability to show your vulnerability as a person takes real courage. And others will admire you for that. What’s more, embracing your imperfections to others will make them feel comfortable doing the same with you. This in turn, sparks a stronger and deeper relationship with others.

It may be hard to acknowledge your weaknesses and limitations. But think about these amazing things that will happen the moment you do. They are going to greatly improve your life and make you happier and stronger.