Rendall’s 3rd suggestion, flawless: there is nothing wrong with you, is probably the most important suggestion to me. For so long we have been told our flaws and how or what we need to do to fix them. When really instead of changing what is wrong on the inside we need to change the true problem, which lies on the outside. It is important to remember that with each weakness there brings an advantage. We are who we are; there is no changing someone from the inside out in order to better fit your needs. Each person carries their own weaknesses as well as strengths that may enhance somebody else’s strength or turn their weaknesses into strengths. David's Rendall's “FREAK FACTOR: Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness" explores the weaknesses of everyday people and how they harness them to become successful. Most people assume their weaknesses are something that needs to be changed in order for them to become a more successful person. Rendall preaches the exact opposite. So many times we have been asked to change something about us because it is out of line. Rendall is right; there is nothing wrong with whom you are. Our strengths and weaknesses are different for a purpose; it is just our job to discover it. It is because we step out of line and flaunt our weaknesses that something unique comes out and helps us achieve something great. We are just right the way we are, our differences make the difference the world see’s.
Rendall’s 5thsuggestions, Foundation: build on your own strengths, is a valuable trait to carry. One who builds on their strengths can make their weaknesses very minor to their overall picture. Weaknesses do not have to be eliminated if strengths are prevalent that they become the majority of the person. This is a valid suggestion because your strengths do not stay the same; they may become weaker or stronger depending on what you choose to build on. There is no need for one to change their weakness instead try to find something that turns it into strength. Rendall gave several examples such as him being too talkative and can never sit down, now he is a professor who is getting paid to stand up and talk. I believe Rendall’s suggestions are valid and can prove to be very helpful to someone who looks down on their weaknesses. So many people are always trying to improve on themselves in order to fit a certain standard. Truth is, you cannot change who you are. If I am a very talkative person I cannot decide one night that I will no longer talk a lot. The change is not on the inside it has to come from the outside. Your strengths are never at their max, I believe there is always room for improvement. It is important to pay equal attention in order to maintain and keep what you have. There will always be a foundation for you to build on, but not always will the structure stay up.
Rendall’s 7thsuggestion, fit: find the right spot, is as equally as important as the 5thsuggestions. This ties your strengths and weaknesses together. Finding a place where you are not shut down because of your certain attributes is key in succeeding as an individual. This suggestion is valid because it supports the idea that weaknesses are not something you need to eliminate. Rendall goes on to discuss that it is about choosing the right people and letting them be themselves, the freaks they are. It creates more work and more problems to go about changing people from who they are rather than just choosing different people who fit the qualities you desire. It is important to find your niche, your place of comfort; where you being you, is good enough for everything and everyone around you. As I have talked about earlier it is important to stay yourself, your weaknesses and strengths belong somewhere. They contrast and enhance other people and vice versa. I believe it is those who find there call, are the truly happy and successful people. One can be themselves as well as succeed off of every aspect of who they are.
As far as the creative process goes, I have found my strengths to be the creative side and my weaknesses to be more of the technical area. Throughout the various processes and exercises I have involved myself in, I have found that I am mainly lacking whenever it comes to the technical aspect of the exercise. Instead of trying to eliminate my weaknesses I try to improve on my strengths in order to hide my weaknesses. However I believe part of the problem is the software that is not compatible to the mac system. So although I see this as weaknesses now I know it will soon disappear when I return to using what I am familiar with. My strengths I know are the creative aspects of the creative process because it has become very easy to me. I also enjoy doing these various exercises, thus building upon my strength. I try to do as much as I can at something when I am not adequately able to perform on it; doing this makes me take that first step into learning how to use it, thus making the second try easier. I find that conquering my weaknesses builds onto my strengths and thus making my weaknesses seem like they are not even there. I believe one must also continue exercising their strengths in order to maintain their standard and to also continue to improve. I know I will always carry with me my weaknesses, and maybe not knowing is sometimes better than knowing. However, when your weaknesses can become a valuable tool out in the world it is important to discover freak.
