50 Reasons Why I Suck
Before we get into 50 reasons why I suck, if you are a life coach and need help acquiring more paying clients, check out Coach the Life Coach.
- I can’t type more than 25 words per minute.
- I can’t speak a foreign language.
- I can’t play a musical instrument.
- I have no idea how to knit a sweater.
- I am possibly the worst singer you have ever heard.
- I don’t have a degree.
- I have the skiing ability of a drunken dinosaur.
- I’m intolerant of bad drivers.
- I used to frequently get thrown out of French class at school for being disruptive.
- I don’t have a 401k or own my own house.
- I can’t ride a horse.
- I’m an imbecile when it comes to accounts.
- I couldn’t work out how to left align the image in this post without it bleeding over the numbers.
- I can’t have kids (my fault, not my wife’s).
- I still struggle to use our DVD player.
- I have a terrible sense of direction.
- I have had 2 discs removed from my back and 2 more bulging that give me nerve pain.
- I wasn’t with my mum when she passed away.
- I wasn’t with my dad when he passed away.
- I’m not very good at keeping promises to myself.
- I once lied on my resume to get a job and then hated it and wished I hadn’t.
- I have never broken 85 on a golf course.
- I don’t ‘get’ Facebook.
- I struggle to accept I’m middle aged.
- I once had a panic attack during a sales presentation.
- I got an ‘F’ in art at school and was told it was only because they couldn’t give me a ‘G’.
- I don’t know the way to Amarillo.
- I’m terrible at cleaning windows/mirrors and always leave streaks.
- I once got the giggles at a funeral for a family member.
- I got fired from a job at the age of 17 for being a ‘troublemaker’.
- I’m a lousy cook even though I worked as a trainee chef.
- I have a flabby stomach that more resembles a keg than a 6-pack.
- I’m often grumpy first thing in the morning.
- I only got ‘Merit’ for my Life Coach training and not ‘Distinction’.
- It still bugs me 6 years after the event that I only got ‘Merit’.
- I can’t fly a plane.
- I have no clue how to use CCS and my grasp on HTML is fragile at best.
- I feel sick at the smell of tea.
- I’ve wussed out of doing a parachute jump. (Note: I have since completed it)
- I sometimes lose my temper with the dogs when they chew my underwear.
- I’m a very light sleeper.
- I’m sometimes incredibly disorganized.
- I am terrible at jobs round the house and more likely to make things worse than fix anything.
- I probably finish no more than 50% of the books I start because I get bored.
- I often struggle to relax because my mind is buzzing about work.
- I drink more wine than the Surgeon General would advise.
- I get irritated when having to queue for anything for more than 2 minutes.
- I have no idea how to tie a sheepshank knot.
- I procrastinate on jobs I don’t enjoy.
- I always get really nervous before public speaking.
Wow, I really do suck, don’t I? I really could get down on myself if I contemplated that little lot for too long.
Fortunately for me though, I don’t.
I know that every single person on this planets sucks in multiple areas of their life, and you are no different.
But, there is a flip-side:
Every single person on this planets excels in some areas of their life, and you are no different.
What separates happy people from unhappy people is that unhappy people are always thinking about the things they can’t do, got wrong or haven’t achieved etc
That approach only creates unhappiness and lowers self-esteem. The fact is, there will always be way more stuff in the ‘got wrong’ or ‘can’t do’ column than the ‘nailed it!’ column, that’s just how it is.
So for today, I want you to shift your focus entirely and I want you to leave me a comment telling me something you’re good, maybe even brilliant at. No false modesty and no copping out because you think you don’t have anything.
Because if you do, I’m going to have to add number 51 to my own list:
51. I failed to encourage people to feel good about themselves by leaving a comment.
And that could be the straw the breaks the camels back and sends me spiraling downward into depression, and I really don’t want that.
I’ll kick things off by saying, I’m brilliant at asking questions that shift people’s thinking.
Now it’s your turn!
Tim, I read this post a while ago, and I absolutely loved it! It must have taken a lot of courage to put up those 50 reasons, and I commend you for it. :)
Something that I’m bad at: Leaving comments on blog posts immediately after I read them…
Something I’m good at: Overcoming obstacles like a physical illness, building daily habits and never deviating from those habits, great computer skills, tenacity during physical exercise, public speaking skills, and I get along well with people :)
Thank you,
Josh Lipovetsky.
LMAO at this:
“Something that I’m bad at: Leaving comments on blog posts immediately after I read them…”
This was very unusual, but great post!
Hello y’all! Has anyone every tried writing down all the things they suck at and then on another column, the things that make them stellar? Was reminded of this social activity done like ages ago. When I got hold of the same confidence-building exercise last year, all the items in the “losers’ bracket” has slowly been erased, accepted or could be laughed about. The other area got longer and more pronounced. :) Suffice it to say that no matter how bad we are at some things, we can turn it around; and with what we’re good at, we could even be better. We should all take that exercise!
My only concern with that Arina would be we all have a great many more things we can’t do than we can.
I could have made that list 1,000 long. I don’t know how to make pastry, or tie a fly at fishing. I have no idea how to prune a tree properly, read an x-ray, use a theodolite, fillet a fish and yesterday I had no idea how to get a bloody snake out of my house!
Obviously I could go on and on, whereas the things I’m really good at would start to peter out at about a dozen or so.
I think what you’re saying would work, ONLY if we have things we can’t do that we really want to be able to do. Because most of that stuff I don’t really care about, except maybe the snake extraction one ;-)
In addition to my masterful proofreading skills (hi, Lisa R.!) I am also a hell of a good reframer, both for myself and other people.
And thanks, Tim — this was exactly what I needed today. Your awesomeness at consistently making my day far outweighs anything on your suckage list, IMHO. :)
I may be sending you a book on NLP to proof ;-)
Thanks for the kind words.
It would be my absolute pleasure to proof your NLP book — so send it on over whenever you need an eye!
You give away so much for free (knowledge, time, heart, etc.) that I’d be thrilled to be able to contribute something back to you. Plus, I have been wanting to learn more about NLP for a while now, and I know I’ll be able to trust your take on it. So, whether I get to proof it or just get to read it, I’m excited about it.
Incidentally, bad singing is an art in itself. We have awful karaoke sessions at my house, and they are hilarious and fun. Sing badly with pride, that’s what I say!
Wow – that’s quite a list! I would say from that that in terms of talent you’re a specialist!But we could all probably come up with a similar list, which is part of your point.
And the other part: when my twin babies see me first thing in the morning, they smile, sometimes even laugh & say “Dadda / Daddy” – so according to them I’m a pretty good Dad!
Great post
And there’s not much bigger than that mate, well done.
I am good at : taking a deeeeeep breath and stepping into the unknown. And treating whatever comes from that as fascinating and a load of learning, and often a great story to tell :-)
Brilliant!
*I’m good at cooking to my family, boyfriend and friends (altought i’m not a chef i truly enjoy it)
*I’m good at being truthfhul to myself.
*I’m good at listening other people and always up to hear them stories or anything they want to tell me.
*I’m very curious and i always try to do things better althought the most of the time i don’t get it
*I’m good at playing with kids.
You made me think about it! in the beggining i didn’t know what to write and it cost me a lot but this is the best of me…me thinks.
That’s a pretty good best of Nora, thanks for sharing it!
TIm, I am #45. When you’re first starting out in your own business, there is no time off. I’m learning to work as hard and as efficiently as possible and rest and relax when it’s time. It really comes down to time management and doing what you say you’re gonna do when you say you’re gonna do it.
Agreed, although I’m often buzzing with excitement and I actually don’t want to switch off many times. I love what I do so much I even do it when I’m technically off!
Well, I thought I was brave until I read this post. So I’ll just say I’m a good writer and can make people laugh. Or cry.
So you are brave and a good writer, then. Excellent!
#51 Makes people leave thier jobs leaving them destitute on the streets ;-)
-Im good at taking the piss and Adventure Kitesurfing
You may be ‘good’ at taking the piss, but I’m world class! I’m even trying to educate Americans on t he greatest single phrase in the English language as when I use it here it’s usually followed up by “What, you’re taking a piss?”
Hello Tim,
I have been a bit busy latley so first visit to your blog for a while. As ususal you provoke thought and this is a good way of doing it. A list of reasons why you suck and I have got about 35 in common with you! So the big question, what am I good at? Well, Im am the best at being me, I have my faults but I am a great nurse because I have been doing it for 25 years! I am a great dad, the best I can be and that is all I can do. And I am a great partner to my other half Laura, without her I would be lost so I make sure she knows how much I appreciate her! These are the most important things in my life so I always stive to be great at them,
Take care Tim,
Kenny
Nurse and dad is a pretty awesome combination Kenny!
BTW, what happened to your Twitter account, did you delete it?
deleted old twitter account, opened new one, my new twitter name is kennymcb, I will add you back on to my new account Tim.
This is so nice, I never really have time to think about what I do well!
-I am a great cheerleader for others
-I have learned to be a non judgemental listener
-I am a pretty good problem solver
-I am good at giving people or provoking people into getting what it is that they need.
Damn, I’m pretty cool! Go me! LOL!
No Dara, you are not pretty cool, you’re freakin awesome! Step it up a little please ;-)
This is so true! I’ve noticed that I’ve been thinking negatively a lot lately (we do have over 4 feet of snow here). So to combat this, I write down 5 things that I did well or that went well each day. By doing this, my mindset has been a lot more positive.
Things I’m exceptional at: Writing Zombie Novels (first one in progress!), HTML & CSS (web designer by day), and helping people see the good things that are still out there.
Thanks for the post, very entertaining!
OOooo Zombie novels eh?
Have you thought about having a Zombie Pirate meet a Zombie Ninja in battle to see what happens?
Hope I haven’t ruined the surprise ending for everybody.
Great inspiration. “what you think about, comes about.”
I’m a good business analyst with good deductive reasoning and logic skills.
Nice one Erich, I wish I had more logic skills, that’s for sure.
Feel sick at the smell of tea!!!
You didn’t emigrate you were thrown out of good old blighty for this most Un-British failing :)
I know people look at me like I have asked for the hand in marriage of their cat when I decline tea with my accent.
Seeing as I like you Tim, and that you were honest with us, I’m gonna share a good point and a bad point about myself.
Good Point: Put me in an one-to-one conversation with ANYONE, and I guarantee you they’ll feel better about themselves once we’re done.
Bad Point: If no-one laughes at one of my jokes, I take it WAY too seriously. This annoys me sometimes and I wish I wouldn’t over-react so much.
BTW Tim, I’d happily challenge you on Point 5, I reckon we could shatter a few windows ;-)
I actually got to hear Roy Naim sing and he is worse. Trust me on this one!
I have the feeling that #2 and #9 are related and I’m kind of sorry I clicked on that Monty Python link. :P
I’m good at spotting problems and then finding ways to fix them!
LOL, damn you may be on to something!
I am a great Listener. P.S The(‘t) is such a small thing, unfortunately it makes such a big difference if you hang on to it. Can do is so much better than can’t do.
Be good….
David
That’s up there with curiosity imho and almost as underrated.
Being a great listener takes curiosity and a helluva lot of skill.
I’m curious, really curious. I’m glad there’s reincarnation, so that I can continue to learn.
Thank You!
Curiosity is the most underrated skill known to man. We cannot be judgmental, aggressive or self pitying if we are in a state of curiosity.
Sadly we do a good job of knocking it out of kids :-(
Ok mate worry not, it’s between you me and the 2 dobermans that are reading over my shoulder.
Ha ha ha! I love #26, but I gotta say, we both suck for a lot of the same reasons. But I totally agree that being a sucker (at some things) is all right, because there’s a good chance you’ll completely kick ass at something else.
You DID ask, so I’ll tell you what I kick ass at, and it’s not something I really talk about often at all: curriculum design.
It’s a totally random-ass thing. I know spend a lot more of my internet time on beer, fitness, and marketing, but my number one love is studying the learning process. I’ve been really lucky to be able to teach in a variety of disciplines and contexts, and I discovered that I just love designing curricula for helping people master information and skills.
So yeah, that’s what I’m brilliant at. It’s not necessarily a sought-after skill in my profession, so let’s just keep it between you and me, OK?
I wrote a roleplaying game that people want to buy and play in! And I put it up online, and people have bought it. :D
I’m great at making patchwork quilts that don’t remind people of Martha Stewart, and I make a kick-ass sock monkey.
Wow! Is there anything greater on the entire planet than a sock monkey? I think not ;-)
First off, this is a genius blog! What a great thing, people saying something good about themselves with a polite lack of modesty! You don’t hear or see it often enough.
And second…my turn!
I am great at organization.
It is odd I came across this blog, because I was just recently feeling down about not having a talent (i.e. singing). I know I am good at a few things, but not things that people can really see.
This made me feel a bit better about it. Thanks!
I don’t think it’s odd you came across this now. I believe that when you are looking for something and open to an answer, the answer “happens” to come your way.
That’s so true, now that I think of it! I completely believe that even when I don’t remember that I do. (If that makes any sense.) I’ve been having a hard time figuring out what I’d like to be when I grow up. :P I’ve been asking myself what I am good at for the past few days, and this actually helped me focus in on it!
Definitely agree with that!
Thanks a lot Nicole I appreciate the kind words!
And I suck at organization so I know that is a real skill.
BTW, click on the Free Stuff tab and go and grab a copy of Don’t Ask Stupid Questions because that is this blog on steroids and best of all, it’s 100% free.
Tim, you forgot one… terrible at proof-reading – “I am possible the worst singer you have ever heard”. But that’s ok because I’m a shit-hot pedant.
If I’d actually designed this post to illicit a comment from you I couldn’t have done it better could I?
The title of the post is rather Americanised – there are much worse things I could have said ;)
Thanks for dragging me out of your spam folder. Sounds painful, but fortunately I didn’t feel any negative repercussions!
Char
I suck remembering, but I am great at organizing things!
I also have a wonderful and contagious laugh :D
BTW, I loved reading these comments :)
I used to work with a guy that had a contagious laugh. It didn’t matter how pissed I ever got with him, if he started laughing I’d be joining in within seconds, and he knew it!
I was so enjoying the comments I almost forgot to post my own!
I am really really good at telling stories (telling. they really lose something in the writing.)
I am excellent at synthesizing knowledge, and sharing it with others in ways that resonate for them (also good at getting people to understand why they should care)
I’m really enthusiastic, sheer force of personality has gotten me further than any other single attribute.
Story-telling is a massively underrated skill and combining that with strength of will suggest world domination is but a week or two away.
*swoon* You charmer, you.
World domination! My lifelong dream. Fear not, gentle souls, I will be a benevolent and highly amusing Empress. :D
Tim, on the ‘foreign language’ thing, you know American English and British English. Believe me, at times, those are very different things. :)
On the ‘musical instrument’ thing, you know it’s never too late to learn, right? (Actually, this could apply to about 30 of your suckage points. ;)
But you know what I think? I think you’re a pretty awesome guy.
I know it’s not too late, but it’s something I’d quite like to do, but not enough that I want to devote the necessary time. That’s dog walking time!
I am kind and look for ways to help people enjoy life, be happy and feel worthy.
Alex
And…you inspire people with your wonderful writing :)
Oops sorry I missed this Alex. And I second what Lisa said!
Oh, Tim…forgot to thank you for another brilliant and highly entertaining post. I look forward to reading them every time one pops up for me! They always brighten my day!
Char Elle En, ACSW
You’re welcome, thanks for the ind words.
Just dragged you out of my spam filter. Akismet will stop any comment that has a link in it as that what’s most spam comments have.
I’m really good at being patient when I try to leave a comment and it doesn’t show up…this is my second attempt. I suspect my first comment was more brilliant, but I’m really good at accepting what is…and this it, for now!
Char Elle En ACSW
Next In Life Coaching, LLC
I’m sure we have a lot in common on both the negative and the positive sides, Tim.
For my part, I was drunk most of the time until about 17 years ago…but fortunately never tried skiing in that condition!
A few positives about myself:
I have been sober for 17 years
I raised 2 excellent children, who are grown and happy
I left two marriages because the men were not worthy of me! :) (That one may be just a smidgeon tongue in cheek…)
I have learned compassion for bad drivers
I know how to fix things around the house (Give me a call if you need advice on “how to”…
I can now sit for a solid 30 minutes at the laptop without going stir-crazy and having to scream & run around in circles
I am great at seeing the big picture in why what people are doing in their lives is not working for them in their lives
& the ability to speak to them about it with loving intention.
I could go on…and that’s another positive about me! I think fairly well of myself!)
Thanks for the opportunity to “toot my own horn” (although I must say, I play the piano & guitar much better than the horn!)
Char Elle En, ACSW
Next In Life Coaching, LLC
“Never Retire Your Dreams!”
http://www.nextinlifecoaching.com
These days I actually almost never get drunk per se, but I do like a glass or two of wine with an evening meal.
Sounds like you’ve made brilliant progress!
I’m a very good tap dancer AND I enjoy it – bonus! (Not everything I’m good at I enjoy.)
I can make a mean loaf of bread, bake a kick-ass cake (and various other baked goods) AND take really lovely pictures of them, too.
Thank you for this. I needed a pick-me-up today.
Thanks for reminding me of cakes and bakes when I’m gluten free!
But I’m good at laughing that stuff off ;-)
Oh, but there are SO many GF baking recipes and mixes out there now. You CAN have your cake and be GF, too!
NOW THIS is a post worth sharing! Great way to illustrate your point.
I “get” facebook.
I can ride a horse.
I type 60+ words per minute.
I can speak pig latin really fast (does that count as a foreign language?)
My wife keeps trying to get me on a horse, but the only thing my neuro-surgeon said I shouldn’t do after having my discectomy was go horse riding.
Ok, so that was 7 years ago, but I don’t want to push it ;-)
Excellent post, Tim! Even if your 51 and the resulting depression spiral are clearly bluffs!
I’m awesome at understanding complex issues and explaining them to people in simpler terms.
That’s a rare skill. Einstein used to say “You don’t truly understand a subject until you can explain it to your grandmother”
Tim – I love, love, love this! So refreshing.
1) i’m a kick-ass ski instructor (I can help you out)
2) I’m great at bringing people together and sparking amazing conversations & connections
3) I can love up a puppy better than a 5 year old, and I don’t care who’s watching
If you could help my skiing, you really would be kick ass. Seasoned pros have given up with me ;-)
I am a very good creative thinker and problem solver.
I don’t know if it’s possible to drink too much wine unless it costs less than $5 per gallon.
I reframed your list down to about 40 and I’m not as good at reframing as you …
I can fly a plane. I just don’t know if I can land one (and have it able to take off again)
Ken, a word to the wise. Crack the landing before you take off.
Wine at less than $5 per gallon? That would be Liebraufilch.
I’m a master at helping people leverage their superpowers.
Too often we forget that we are amazing people who have faults. It’s why we have built our lives around our communities. We each have our amazing skills and separately they don’t amount to much, but together we stand on each other’s shoulders and reach amazing heights.
Loved this post! It deserves many RTs.
And I second that, he is a great superpower leverager.
I’m great at making up words like leverager!
I suck because I can’t dance, sing, or do any other talented performance.
I don’t want to know what you suck at! I want to know what you kick ass at!
But what are you GOOD at, Bryce? Other than misinterpreting instructions?!
I choose amazing blogs to read.
You silver tongued devil ;-)
Ooooh! I like the sound of “MCJ syndrome!!!”
Did I mention I now rank number one in Google for “Devastatingly handsome blogger.” How cool is that?
I thought Google was all about relevance, when did they change the algorithm?
PMSL – you guys are friends, right?!
Yeh, I love Mike because he was born in the same decade as I was, and there’s not too many of us on Twitter!
I love Tim because he’s a fellow Brit living abroad.
Talking of being born in the same decade, I am hitting the big 5-0 this year, but have decide I will actually be forty ten.
I’m only a year behind you mate. Where the hell did it all go, seriously?
When is yours?
I’m in the same decade, a fellow Brit living abroad and I’m on Twitter. Can I going the love-in? :-)
You can going our love in any time Mrs!
PS. Everybody on the planet drinks more wine than the surgeon general would advise.
Yeh, even the Surgeon General would be my suspicion.
Now I’m really worried about my state of mind. All I could do when reading the list was tick off the ones I’m better at Brownson at.
Is there such a thing as “Over competitive syndrome?”
The good news is that I won, by a small margin…..:)
If there wasn’t there is now and we can call it MCJ Syndrome and then you can beat me at something else, because even though I’ve tried (and my doctor will back me up on this one) I have NEVER had a syndrome named after me!
Perhaps not a medically certified syndrome but surely you’re aware of Brownsons can’t take the pace syndrome, you know, the one where you leave the pub early cause you’re knackered, and then can’t sleep when you get home.lol
Forgot to mention i’m good at sleeping.
You bastard Shepherd!
Thought that would touch a nerve. lol
Thanks, you’re the best, Tim. I look forward to reading your “400 Reasons why I ROCK” list–because you do!
Me? I rock at being a mom to two guys who make me laugh, smile and thank God more than I ever thought possible!
Thanks Lisa and that is an absolutely brilliant thing to rock at!
Tim-are you sure you are British? A brit who doesn’t like tea? *faints*
I am curious. Is there anything on the list that you would like to do well?
As for me-I am good at being empathetic and knowing what people need when they are going through rough times.
Thanks for asking.
Absolutely, a lot of them.
I’d like to be able to type better, but every time I try and learn and type correctly I get pain in my wrist.
I’d also like to speak Spanish and play the Sax, but not enough to devote the time at them.
I’d rather be a world class Life Coach than achieve any of the above and because I got into self development late I still have a way to go and that is where I prefer to aim my focus.
I am the best cheerleader anyone could ever have on their side. I am playful, positive and full of unending wonder :)
Thanks for the opportunity to reflect this morning!
That’s brilliant Eran, the world definitely needs more cheerleaders!
OK, still laughing at #29….Good. God. Almighty.
Man, you are slick.
~I’m good at moving people out of the therapy room.
~The ease for which the word ‘no’ comes out of my mouth, borders on brilliant.
~I’m good at being honest when I’m in the “1/2-Ass-Mama” mode.
~I’m good at giving back when cool people ask for a comment, and a share for their inspiring and honest words.
It was actually my Great Auntie. The guy playing the organ kept glancing over his shoulder and I suddenly started to imagine this scene from Monty Python and lost it.
I am good at helping out folks with technical issues – Tim, #13 you should be able to add horizontal padding to the image when inserting and left aligning. #37 is that supposed to be CSS (cascading style sheets)? If not I need to get on the CCS bandwagon and learn it :)
I am really good at bringing people together and making them happy with my cooking.
See, I told you I was clueless, I do indeed mean cascading style sheets. Even the name has me shaking my head in disbelief.
Thanks for this. I really needed it. And for the record, I am a GREAT father to two wonderful boys. :)
Is there anything much bigger than that?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reminded a client that is down on themselves that they are succeeding at about the hardest thing on the planet, being a good parent.
I am really good at making people feel comfortable and cared for.
An incredibly underrated skill Rosemarie.
I am the best I know at my job! (Proofreading.)
A world-class proof reader, now that’s something to be proud of!
* I’m brilliant at being inspired and passing it on!
* I’m reliably fun to hang out with!
* I enthusiastically overuse exclamation points!
* I am the most voracious reader I know!
Thanks for asking Tim and thanks for sharing the suck!
I think I may be almost as good as you at using exclamation marks!!
I frequently use them when they’re not need at all, especially on Twitter and in blog comments!
I have the skiing ability of a drunken dinosaur.
You have the getting on ski lifts ability of an armadillo with no legs. :)
Actually mate you have a point, if I could only stay on the chair lift long enough to get to the top, I’d have been like Jean Claude Killy!