I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of success. Particularly when it’s found in individuals who, let’s just say, aren’t exactly perfect.
It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? We often associate success with perfection, yet some of the most successful folks around have deep-seated flaws. Yet, they still manage to climb to the top of their game.
So what’s their secret? Well, they usually display certain behaviors that help them leverage their imperfections to their advantage.
In this piece, we’re exploring these 7 behaviors to shed light on how deeply flawed individuals can still reach great heights of success.
1) Embracing imperfections
Success isn’t the domain of the flawless. Quite conversely, it’s often those with deep-seated flaws who make it big.
Why? Because they have a unique ability to embrace their imperfections. They don’t shy away from their weaknesses; instead, they acknowledge them, accept them, and even wear them like a badge of honor.
This acceptance is powerful. It frees them from the fear of being exposed, of being ‘found out’. It allows them to be genuine and authentic – traits that, ironically, make them more relatable and attractive to others.
Let’s be clear – they don’t celebrate their flaws or use them as an excuse for not improving. Rather, they see these flaws as part of their identity, a part of their story. It makes them who they are – and they’re okay with that.
So if you want to emulate the success of these deeply flawed individuals, start by embracing your own imperfections. Acknowledge them, own them, learn from them. It’s a step towards authentic success.
2) Persistence in the face of failure
One trait I’ve noticed in successful people with deep flaws is their uncanny persistence. They have this dogged determination to keep going, regardless of the failures they encounter along the way.
Take me for example. I have a terrible fear of public speaking. The thought of standing in front of a crowd and delivering a speech would send shivers down my spine. This fear held me back in many ways, especially in my career.
But then, I realized that avoiding this fear wasn’t going to get me anywhere. So I decided to confront it head-on. I started taking on more speaking opportunities, volunteered for presentations, and even joined a local debate club.
The first few attempts were, as expected, far from perfect. I stuttered, forgot my lines, and even froze once. But I didn’t let these failures deter me; instead, I used them as stepping stones.
With each failure, I learned something new, improved my skills, and became more confident. Slowly but surely, I transformed my biggest flaw into one of my most potent strengths.
Just like me, deeply flawed but successful people don’t let failures define them.
3) Turning negatives into positives
In the world of radioactivity, there’s a fascinating phenomenon known as the ‘Cherenkov Effect’. It’s a situation where a particle passes through a medium at a speed greater than light’s speed in that medium, producing an eerie blue glow.
This is technically impossible according to Einstein’s theory of relativity, which states that nothing can move faster than light.
But here’s the kicker – the particle isn’t actually breaking any laws. It’s just exploiting a loophole. Light slows down as it passes through certain mediums. The particle, however, maintains its speed, effectively ‘overtaking’ light.
Deeply flawed but successful individuals often display a similar ability. They have a knack for taking their negatives – their flaws – and turning them into positives.
They exploit their weaknesses in such a way that these become their strengths. Like the particle in the Cherenkov Effect, they find and use loopholes to their advantage, turning seeming impossibilities into realities.
4) Unwavering self-belief
People with deep flaws who still manage to become successful share a common trait: an unwavering belief in themselves. Despite their imperfections, they firmly believe in their ability to achieve their goals.
Their self-belief doesn’t stem from arrogance or a deluded sense of superiority. It’s rooted in the understanding that everyone, including them, has strengths and weaknesses. They focus on their strengths and work around their weaknesses.
They don’t allow the opinions of others to shake their self-confidence. They know their worth and don’t need external validation to feel successful.
This unwavering belief in themselves propels them forward, fuels their ambition, and helps them navigate through life’s challenges. It’s a key behavior that pushes them towards achieving success, despite their flaws.
5) Practicing self-compassion
In my journey to success, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of self-compassion. Battling with my own set of deep flaws, I’ve realized that being hard on myself doesn’t help. Instead, it creates more stress and dissatisfaction.
I remember a time when I missed an important deadline for a project. I felt terrible, beat myself up about it for days, and started doubting my capabilities. The negative self-talk was overwhelming.
But then, I decided to try something different. Instead of berating myself, I chose to show some kindness – like how I would to a friend who made a mistake. I acknowledged that everyone messes up sometimes and that it doesn’t define my worth or ability.
This shift in mindset was transformative. It helped me bounce back quicker, learn from my mistake, and move forward with more resilience and determination.
Deeply flawed but successful individuals often practice self-compassion.
This behavior is vital in maintaining their mental health and overall well-being on their path to success.
6) Leveraging their unique perspective
Successful people with deep flaws often have a unique way of viewing the world that sets them apart from others. Their flaws, experiences, and struggles shape this perspective, giving them insights that others might not have.
These individuals understand that their flaws can offer a different viewpoint, an unconventional approach, or an innovative solution. They leverage this unique perspective to create value, solve problems, and make a real impact.
They don’t conform to societal norms or traditional ways of thinking. Instead, they challenge the status quo and use their distinct outlook to navigate their journey to success.
This behavior of leveraging their unique perspective allows them to stand out in a crowd, turning what could be seen as a disadvantage into a powerful asset.
7) Embracing continuous growth
Finally, deeply flawed but successful individuals are in the constant pursuit of growth. They understand that they’re a work in progress, and they’re not afraid to keep learning and evolving.
They don’t let their flaws limit them. Instead, they see them as opportunities for personal development. They’re open to feedback, willing to make changes, and always strive for better.
They know that success is not a destination but a journey of continuous growth. And they’re committed to making that journey, regardless of how challenging it may be.
This unwavering commitment to self-improvement is perhaps the most crucial behavior exhibited by successful people with deep flaws. It’s what keeps them moving forward, achieving their goals, and ultimately, finding success despite their imperfections.
The crux: It’s about perspective
At the heart of it all, the journey of deeply flawed yet successful individuals is a testament to the power of perspective.
Consider Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by filling the cracks with gold. This art form doesn’t hide the damage; instead, it highlights it. The once-broken pottery becomes more beautiful and valuable because of its flaws, not in spite of them.
The same can be applied to people. Our flaws don’t have to be our downfall. Through acceptance, persistence, self-compassion, and continuous growth, we can turn them into our strengths.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about recognizing our flaws and using them as catalysts for growth and success. In doing so, we don’t just repair our cracks with gold; we become more valuable because of them.
So here’s to embracing our flaws and turning them into our golden seams – because success isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress and perspective.
