1. THE FREAK FACTOR Discovering Uniqueness by Flaunting Weakness

2. Overview 1.Awareness 2.Acceptance 3.Appreciation 4.Adaptation

3. 1. Awareness What’s your problem? –What don’t people like about you? –What don’t you like about yourself? –What weakness are you always trying to fix? –How do you wish you were different? –What don’t you like to do?

4. 2. Acceptance Weaknesses are clues to our strengths –There’s nothing wrong with you. –What seems to be wrong with you, is what’s right with you. –Frame your uniqueness in a positive way.

5. 2. Acceptance Creativevs. Unorganized Organizedvs.Inflexible Committedvs.Stubborn Flexiblevs. Inconsistent Enthusiasticvs. Obnoxious Calmvs. Cold/Emotionless

6. 2. Acceptance Myth: There is nothing strong about my weakness Truth: Every weakness has a corresponding strength

7. 3. Appreciation Don’t try to fix your weaknesses –It will diminish your strengths –It is difficult and frustrating

8. 3. Appreciation “When you choose anything, you reject everything else... so when you take one course of action you give up all the other courses.” - G. K. Chesterton

9. 3. Appreciation Strength I-------------------I------------------I 1 5 8 10 Weakness I------------------I------------------I 1 3 5 10

10. 3. Appreciation Myth: I need to be well-rounded Truth: No one pays for mediocre We can’t make everyone happy. Everyone is different. We each have unique talents.

11. 4. Adaptation “A strength not utilized is like a sundial in the shade.” - Benjamin Franklin

12. 4. Adaptation Find situations that maximize your strengths Avoid those that magnify your weaknesses Create a “not to do list” Find people that complement you

13. 4. Adaptation Myth: I need to change to fit the situation Truth: I need to find situations that fit my strengths

14. Resources Now, Discover Your Strengths –Clifton & Buckingham The One Thing You Need to Know –Buckingham Let Your Life Speak –Palmer

15. Rendall & Associates David Rendall (919) 222-6295 dave@drendall.com web - www.drendall.com lens - www.squidoo.com/freakfactor blog - www.daverendall.typepad.com