I think it’s hardwired in our DNA, but it’s really difficult to accept your own weaknesses, especially when it comes to the gym. However, if you’re able to learn how to identify weakness within yourself, you will gain a better understanding on how to develop into a more well rounded athlete.
This introspective pursuit is something that is essential to make progress in any aspect of personal growth (emotional, social, etc.), and it isn’t any different when it comes to our physical development. In fact, this is one of the main reasons that you need to surround yourself by good coaches that will monitor and assess you. From those assessments, your coach can program specific exercises to combat your weaknesses and correct them.
Even with the best coaches in the world, the biggest hurdle will be your own ability to accept weakness as a part of the process. If you let your ego get in the way and avoid focusing on your weak points, you will remain limited in reaching your full athletic potential. It’s easy to focus on what you’re good at. Real progress is made when you focus on things that don’t come as naturally.
Finding a weakness is a GOOD thing.
As a coach, I get really excited whenever I identify a weakness in an athlete. It means we have discovered a path to furthering progress towards potential. Strengthen the weakness, and you’ll move with slightly more efficiency and power, making you a better athlete as a whole.
Don’t avoid uncomfortable movement patterns. Instead, focus on resolving the issue that is causing the discomfort. Target the weakness until it becomes a strength, then move on and find others. Embrace the weakness, because it will allow you to become stronger.