Raise Your Hand

Raise your hand.

Which one did you extend? Most likely it was the same hand that you use to write. Some of us are right-handed and some of us are left-handed, but we all have a dominant hand. It makes sense that we would automatically use that hand when called upon to raise one, hold something or jot down a note. Why? Because we naturally go to our strength.

So why don’t we focus more on playing to our strengths than overcoming our  weaknesses in all our daily life and work? If you are right handed, why might you use your left hand? If your left hand was injured, if your left hand was busy or full or maybe just to see what it could do. (Have you ever tried to write with your non-dominant hand just to see how it looks? Just me then?)

So it would seem that we should spend the majority of our time doing what we do best rather than always trying to “fix” ourselves like those old headmasters that would slap the left-handedness right out of you. Broadly speaking this means being yourself, following your passion, finding a good fit between your experience, skills and abilities and some need of a community or organization. Yes, I know. Easier said than done.

You know you’re fighting your nature when you are bored and unfulfilled, when you are temperamentally unsuited to your work and dread going, when there is a persistent sense of discomfort distinct from simple exertion. Work is good, misery is not.

And just like you need to use both hands, sometimes you have to work outside of your comfort zone – when something is broken, or when your hands are full, or when you just want to try something new and different for fun or information. Just don’t confuse stretching yourself with torturing yourself. Make your strategy one of playing to your strengths, minimizing your liabilities, and being prepared to make accommodations when necessary.