The Individuality Of The Person In The Tao Of Pooh

Every individual is different from one other and all individuals have distinctive qualities of their own. Everyone is different—we all think, act and function differently based on our personalities and corresponding strengths and weaknesses. We even have different perspectives and approaches towards life. As well as getting to know ourselves and our capacities, realizing our strengths and weaknesses is important to overcoming challenges, decision-making, finding what fits us best, and utilizing both our weaknesses and our strengths to the best of our abilities.

Before we get started, a difference between a strength and a talent needs to be established. These terms are often used interchangeably; however, there is a clear distinction that needs to be made between the two. Though similar in definition, they each refer to very different meanings. Strengths are certain qualities or traits unique to us; therefore, they can be used to push ourselves further, leverage ourselves, and are also be developed over time. American psychologist Martin Seligman in his book Authentic Happiness states that strengths are traits that can be attained, while talents are things people are born with. He goes on to say that moral strengths like integrity, honesty and will are also “values in action” and that “these strengths can be seen across different situations over time” (Positive Psychology Program). Unlike inherent talents, strengths do not refer to technical or physical abilities. For example, a soccer player may have a seemingly born with ability to play soccer, but what really sets him apart from other players would be his strengths, grit and resilience.

The first time I realized that math was not an innate talent of mine was when I failed my first test in eighth grade. Even a 60 would’ve been less embarrassing. I got a 0. And it wasn’t even that I didn’t try; I’d studied hard. While everyone around me seemed to understand what the teacher was saying the first time she taught it, a week later, after many after school sessions with my teacher, at which point we were both exhausted, I still didn’t understand the concepts. However, I continued to put in time and effort at home with the help of khan academy video tutorials. Eventually, I was able to end the semester with an 80. To others, it may have seemed like a disappointment, but for me, that grade gave me back my confidence that if I continue to work at things, strengths overpowered talent, or a lack thereof. When I couldn’t rely on my talents, the challenges I faced forced me to work on my strengths. Thinking back to that day, I only my strengths got me through the problem. Challenges like these allow me to continue to develop strengths like perseverance and grit. Though we often realize our strengths by reflecting on how we overcame certain challenges, another well-known, widely used and recognized method is the SWOT analysis. The SWOT analysis refers to the analysis of one’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This method is the most commonly used way to identify one’s strengths today.

Realizing our strengths are not only important to overcoming challenges, but is also crucial to decision making and finding what’s right for each of us. In the book the Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff, the author gives an example about how different things are meant for different people. A man once complained to the Chinese philosopher Chuang-tse about how a tree was too crooked and covered with bumps and dents for any carpenter to use, and therefore was useless. However, Chuang-tse responded that the man “could [instead] make use of the shade it provides, rest under its sheltering branches, and stroll beneath it, admiring its character” (40). The philosopher said that the tree was useless to the man only because he wanted to “make it into something else and … not use it in its proper way.” Hoff goes on to say that “everything has its own place and function” (40). When we really understand our own strengths, limitations, and respect them, we’re more likely to understand what’s best for ourselves, whether it be choosing a career path that matches our strengths, making relationships, or other important decisions we make. Understanding our own strengths, ultimately, allows us to be more content with the decisions we make, as they will be more likely to fit us in the long run.

Recognizing our strengths are important. But there’s something just as important: recognizing our weaknesses. When we understand our weaknesses, we are more aware of them and in turn, become more cautious of them and also allow us to learn from mistakes we made because of those weaknesses. Benjamin Hoff in the Tao of Pooh wrote, 'I have certain limitations, and I know what they are... The wise know their limitations; the foolish do not' (43). Making an effort to understand our weaknesses is just as important to self-discovery as working to discover our strengths. However, it is also necessary to realize that our weaknesses can become our strengths in the right context; therefore, it is important to continuously put ourselves into circumstances that will allow us to challenge ourselves in different ways. For example, Kate, who considers herself a slow worker, considers not being fast enough her weakness. But instead, she could focus on being more deliberate, thorough, and thoughtful. She could work on a few select important things instead of spreading themselves too thin, and therefore, become more effective by using her understanding of our weakness. We can see another example of how someone would utilize their weaknesses through Dan, who has a fear of public speaking. Instead of focusing too much on talking to large crowds, he could learn to be an intimate communicator instead and learn to talk in ways that connect closely with people. He would still be in his comfort zone, except he’ll be using his strengths and weaknesses to his advantage. Like Kate and Dan, it is crucial that we identify our weaknesses and ways we can either turn them into strengths or change the way we work lessen the potential impact of our weaknesses.

However, we don’t always have to force ourselves to be something we’re not. Like the crooked tree story, the old man wanted to change the tree into something it was not meant to be, and in the process, the tree was going to be harmed by being cut down for a carpenter. Hoff says in the Tao of Pooh, “The more forcing, the more trouble” (4). If we gain an understanding of our strengths that we already possess naturally, we won’t have to do much (like change them) except learn how to best take advantage of our strengths and weaknesses.

It’s always good to do some self-improvement, as long as you don’t go to far as to harm yourself while you do so. There’s one more thing to realize regarding self-improvement: people are never static. We humans are always changing and evolving. For instance, in the Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff says, “Many people … try to fit square pegs into round holes, ignoring the clear reality that Things Are As They Are” (42). Though I understand the author’s point that people should find what matches them, I disagree with his argument that implies people are static. Because we are shaped daily by our experiences and interactions with society and people around us, we are always changing, though some maybe more than others. Changing oneself is neither impossible nor a bad thing.

It’s not unusual for people to compare ourselves with others around us, and to feel superior or inferior towards them based on it—we’ve all done it. However, every individual is different and we all think and work differently. Our distinctive strengths make up part of what makes us unique as individuals and what we contribute to the world around us. If we’re not aware of our personal strengths, however, we will not be able to always utilize them to the best we can. Therefore, we could potentially miss out on much in our lives and our careers. Identifying our strengths provides us with valuable understanding about areas we need to focus on to help our career, relationships, and other important aspects of life. When we improve our strengths and work on our weaknesses, we then need to organize our life, priorities, and goals regarding those strengths and weaknesses in order to take full advantage of them best while minimizing any weaknesses.