I am by no means a paragon of literature. I’ve read my share of books, and have a general knowledge of many things. When I was in high school, Shakespeare plays were the norm in English classes. I won’t lie, he turnt it up in a few plays. Othello a.k.a the OJ Simpson story, Hamlet, and Macbeth were some of my favourite plays. Whenever we would read these plays, the teacher would always want us to find the main characters Tragic Flaw. Here’s the definition as a refresher:
Tragic Flaw
n.
A flaw in the character of the protagonist of a tragedy that brings the protagonist to ruin or sorrow.
This characteristic always intrigued me. After all, life’s a stage and we are the characters. As the protagonist in my personal play, I always wondered what were my personal tragic flaws. While these flaws haven’t caused me “ruin” persay, these flaws can severely hinder progress in work, relationships, and other aspects of life. Here are a few of my Tragic Flaws:
Never Accepting Defeat
I spoke about this briefly in my failed relationships post. I never want to accept defeat. Ever. Sometimes, you can’t win. Sometimes, the competition gets the best of you. We have to use losses as learning tools to succeed. Leading one of the best step teams ever, I knew what it was like to win 15 shows in the row, but lose the big shows. I never wanted to accept it, as 2nd place is the first user. However, for me to obsess about it, without learning the lesson, is counterproductive. I’ve held onto relationships for waaay longer than I should have because I didn’t want to lose the time, $$, and bruised pride by gracefully bowing out. I ended up losing in the end, but winning because I learned valuable lessons about relationships, which translate into me writing blogs like these!
Too Much Patience
Patience is a virtue, however being too patient can lead to avarice and procrastination. I am 1000% faithful in my talents to “make it”. I know the time will come so I don’t press success at times. It takes real pressure, deadlines, and constant reality checks to wake m up and remind me that there is absolutely no country for procrastination, and make me proactive. Now, while I may still revert, I know when to be patient, and when to press the issue.
Pride
This one is tough to document. I can and will overcome my pride, but at times I’m stubborn and stand firm by certain feelings. It’s tough because I’m the type to shade you for a year and not think twice, yet would make contact if real life situations occur. Being proud and unyielding will work against you in some way shape of form. While I am able to get over some things, other situations that hurt me the most are the ones for which I don’t want to budge. You have to look past pride, past machismo, past the posturing and ego, and ascend to the next level. I’m still learning.
Those are some of my tragic flaws I need to work on and overcome. What about you? Do you have some qualities that you see as tragic?
Standing before you made perfect by my imperfections I remain…
*de-lurks*
Everything always seems to come in threes. My major flaws are impatience, procrastination & pride.
Happy to say they are all very much works in progress.
*waves* Thanks for delurking, welcome to commenting!
Such scorpio traits. I'm guilty of all of them.
Such scorpio traits. I’m guilty of all of them.
Let's not make this about signs but let's just say I agree….
I'd rather not say my "flaws". Just know I'm far from perfect and some sh!t I do will definitely be my downfall if I don't
get them checked outtake care of them.Great Post Scorp…. Streetz.
Great post; I esp liked your comments regarding pride…something I think everyone should read! I too am trying to ascend to the next level as I work on: pride, a short temper and having expectations. Thankfully I am making rapid progress on all spheres, esp the worst one of 'em all: expectation!
my friend used to say that expectations were disappointments waiting to happen.
i try not to be so negative, but sometimes that's the truth..
Nick@Nite, I couldn't agree with you more!
Two of my "troublesome" traits (tragic just sounds so . . . tragic, lol) are Kindness & Helpfulness.
Someone is always trying to take advantage of my kindness. Pushing my limits b/c I have a hard time saying "no" to people that I care about. So I stay losing b/c I'm they try to take me for granted or treat me like a sucka. Folk mistake both of these traits as naivete when that's def not the case.
"Pushing my limits b/c I have a hard time saying “no” to people that I care about."
c/s!
I learned that even people that love me can take advantage….kinda sucks.
nice pic BP!
yep. co-sign. is that a dimple i see? reecie and bp are dimple twins.
*e-blush* you guys are too kind, thank you!
Yup, Reecie and me are dimple twins.
At least you know your flaws, isn't that the first step?
My flaws:
- Being too observant: I know it doesn't sound bad, but sometimes I see things I don't want to. It's like my eyes see something, connects it to my brain, and it's stuck there for life. Some things I'd rather forget.
- Pride: I will bend over backwards helping out other people, but will be flat on my *ss before I ask for help. I dont' like people having something they can use against me. I'm working on it though, it goes before the fall you know..
- My face: I shall explain. Whatever way I'm feeling about whoever (or a situation) you will read on my face. I try my best to mask it. I've often been told that my face is gonna make someone beat me up. But when I see foolishness (in the form of some club wear) or some hooliganisms, my disgust is all over my face. I once wrote a poem called, "Please escuse my face, I can't hide what I think about you."
Those are my main three. . .
Followed closely by impatience. . . (but that's another story)
Great Post Streetz!!
LOL,
I know what you mean re: uncontrollable facial responses its crazy!
and I think your perception is also a TF of mine. Moreso because I figure things out quickly or at least have close working theories. Thats just how my mind is wired. So when i peep a swindle, and I figure it out, I just wait until it plays out. like I'm living in a detective movie
GREAT READ STREETZ!
"What about you? Do you have some qualities that you see as tragic?"
Analyzing EVERYTHING – As someone said upthread, I see things other do not and that because I take everything in, runt it through about 10 times and then do it all over. This tends to get in my way when I really SHOULD take things for face value instead of searching for something hidden.
Patience – Although I am learning now, it took me a while to see that you cannot be patient with everyone on everything. People can and will take this for granted.
Being Blunt – I have learned to soften my version of what is or is not but it sill remains fact that I do not put sugar on everything especially when I feel it is for someone benefit. I only give what I expect. I am not disrespectful, but if you ask me if something makes you look fat and it does, I will not lie to save feelings. I do not like setting people around me up to look silly and I expect that in return.
Pride must be a Haitian thing…its one of my dad's biggest flaws.
What about you? Do you have some qualities that you see as tragic?
1) I'm impatient.
2) I don't like to be wrong…i can admit it but i don't like to.
3) I can be stubborn.
4) I can be very passive aggressive.
Had to keep it short, getting dressed for work! Good post Streetz!
Take that pride… mix it with that stubborn and you get every Haitian in the world.
Every Haitian! Going back to Toussaint L'ouverture and Dutty Boukman.
I'm half Haitian so my sense of pride isn't AS strong but it is strong!
And i Agree!
That's so True !! loll
This Post Right Here!!!!
Damn Streetz were you listening on a 3 way with me and my YBB early this AM??
Omg I have to say one of my Biggest Tragic Flaws is PRIDE… I don't give a flying donkey's foot if I'm right or wrong it's really hard for me to bow down/accept defeat/say sorry in any given situation and god forbid if I am right!!…. (Which in my mind I'm alwayz is) *ShrugsHard*. Call the coroners. #justsayin
"Damn Streetz were you listening on a 3 way with me and my YBB early this AM??"
Yes. #lurky
Pride- It takes ALOT for me to ask for help. I'd rather go w/o or do something myself than ask for help 98% of the time. Mostly b/c alot of people tend to throw it back in your face. I hate that.
Empathy- I'm in touch w/ my feelings…what can I say. Majority of the time I can empathize with anybody's sob story. Sometimes that leads me to giving chances to folks who don't deserve them. I'm getting better w/ sniffing out BS and excuses w/ people though.
Impatience- Sometimes I just don't understand why things can't be. It's not a matter of having things my way all the time or any foolishness like that….but if A+B occurs…and C SHOULD happen…then why the eff isn't it happening? Lol
" Mostly b/c alot of people tend to throw it back in your face. I hate that"
quickest way for me to excommunicate you.
Too nice is apparently my biggest one…. I'm slowly working on it though. I kicked one of the largest drains (but one of the biggest people) in my life out a couple months ago and haven't looked back.
In the same point I'm highly critical- but I think God just made me that way. #virgo
*Le sigh* The plight of the virgo……don't I understand…..
Hm… introspection let's see…
Well one of my tragic flaws is that I worry too much. Entirely too much… a lot of times about things that I have no control over or things that are going to happen regardless and I shouldn't be so anxious I should just relax and have faith. I know for me relaxing my mind is more difficult than it seems and b/c I want to 'heal the world' worrying is in my nature. I mean sometimes I wonder how I sleep w/ the many thoughts racing about what I could be doing or need to be doing, or worrying about what's going to happen next. My favorite mental phrase, "What if…?"
That's me!!!! I worry entirely too much. That's usually my immediate reaction to situations. SMH
Do you meditate So Flyy? IT REALLY helps. I am a worrier and this is what quiets my mind so that I can relax.
I've only tried once or twice, at the end of a yoga class…
I don't know if it's b/c that wasn't enough time to fully concentrate of it's just me, but it is hard for me to 'empty my mind' of everything to just focus on peace, etc. I should try again though. If I don't I fear I'm going to need a shrink soon rather than later or to see a man about some ulcers.
Good post Streetz! Self reflection is a good look. My flaws…
1) Self critical. I am my biggest critic. I always want to be better, more fit, quicker (think running), smarter, stronger, happier…etc. Contentment evades me.
2) I am a giver by default. Constantly looking to help others and sometimes I need to learn to say no…but I don't like to see others be without if I know I can help.
3) I over analyze everything. Like Beef Bacon I tend to over think situations too much.
4) I have a problem trusting folks. I used to say "Everyone is a liar until they prove otherwise and if I can't pick you up ( think small child) I won't freely trust you". I am working on that but I have been burned one time too many.
I know it was said upthread, but nice picture!
Thank you Sane! I appreciate the love. You've been busy huh? I haven't seen you around much lately.
Yeah, I've been at a conference for the last two days and just busy in general for the last couple of weeks or so. I try to drop by on the phone, but it's annoying to comment from there. Plus, I don't have too much to add lately.
My tragic flaw is my love for instant gratification. I want everything right now and I'll take something I don't want and have no use for rather than waiting more than 0.02 seconds for the right thing to come along.
It applies to just about every aspect of my life and will be the death of me.
my tragic flaws:
procrastination. what's the saying: "procrastination is like masturbation. it feels good until you realize you're only f*cking yourself." i procrastinate with everything and try to use the excuse that i work best under pressure. this may be true but i cut things too close for comfort sometimes.
fantastic memory: i remember all of my elementary school teacher's names. i remember my first day of high school vividly. i remember the name (first, middle and last) of the first girl i had a crush on. i remember useless facts, especially history (battle at bunker hill anyone?). now this is good in many cases but when someone slights me it makes it hard for me to let it go because i can't forget it.
i'm not a team player: when it comes to group projects and working together i really don't have faith in other people. i like to do things myself. that way i know it will be done correctly.
I concur with you on the not being a team player; I have this issue esp on college group projects. I just don't trust my GPA in the hands of others.
I try not to take control because I know being FIRST BORN, this is my nature.
hmmm i'm not the first born but i am the oldest male and my sister was out the house by the time i was in middle school. perhaps that's where i get it from.
i hate group projects with all my life.
Ahh good ole flaws…I wonder what it's like to have them.
One of my many tragic flaws is that I have random thoughts that I verbalize at inappropriate times…such as now:
For some odd reason whenever I hear that Usher song …Hot Tottie…it makes me think of Streetz. LMAO I know….so random…so weird. And I don't know why it does because I don't even know Streetz.
Procrastinator – I am President of the Procrastinator Club. I'm much better now, but I still wait for as long as I can to do something. Especially if its something I don't really want to do anyway.
Overly critical – I always feel bad, especially if I say something to a family member. Now, I choose to think of positive ways to express a criticsm. That way, I don't hurt my loved one's feelings.
Inflexible – if my mind is made up about something, forget trying to make me change it. Sorry, but I have a hard time admiting my way isn't the best way. And it is darn near impossible to get me to change my mind. However, this only applies to certain areas in my life. When it comes to relationships, I think I'm too flexible.
Nice post, Streetz
I am CEO and Founder of the procrastination club….the extent of my procrastinating is epic. I really need to see somebody about it…for real. lol.
If Queen is the Founder & N.I.A. is the President. I must be the CFO. LOL. And the worse part of my procrastination is I don't think of it as a flaw… I celebrate it. LOL.
Example: A had a project due for class that I knew about and was available to work on a whole week before it was due. I waited until 9 pm the day of (while still tweeting and messing around w/ facebook) to begin. I had to skim the chapter, get the points… tweet abt how I didn't wanna do it… and finish the case study all before midnight. LMAO. I submitted that paper at 11:59:58 BEASTIN it. I was siced. I probably should've been ashamed instead.
#shrugs
lol. I wrote a lot of "A" papers using that exact same method. If I wasn't so good at excelling under pressure, I probably would have kicked the procrastination bug for good. lol.
LOL! Me too… never gotten anything less than a B. Sometimes I wonder if I were not to procrastinate if I would be as good… like am I good b/c I'm good? Or am I good b/c of the pressure? I like to think I'm good b/c I'm good… and if I didn't procrastinate so much I'd be d@mn near genius.
Great post! I've been on some serious self reflection ish, so this post was on point timing wise.
My flaws that are most problematic:
-indecisiveness
-lack of patience (which kind of contradicts the first thing)
-avoidance of confrontation/awkward situations: which sometimes enables me to pretend like I'm shy, when I'm really not.
I forgot to mention being indecisive. I am the WORST at trying to make up my mind sometimes. It is a mixture of liking options and being a chicken. #kanyeshrug
Wow, great blog eSPECial.
My single most biggest flaw is
1). Logic. Sounds crazy right. But I think in absolute terms. If this ….then that explains everything. If you don't take care of you car, then it will break down. A simple process right. So when I hear, omg my car broke down, my first response is "well the check engine light has been on for a month, what did you expect" lol.
So when it comes to everything in my world, it all has a logical explanation. So sometimes it doesn't allow me to have a regular emotion about things. And I have a hard time feeling compassion for people. It's like, did you NOT see that coming and could have prevented that situation.
Just as in responding to this, i have though of all possible outcomes and already have my rebuttal ready. Which in my mind, I have already proven my point, LOL!!!
It helps in discovering the truth and the non-truth. Breaking down everything into reasonings and thus projecting that onto people, because it makes absolute sense (to me).
The "Too Much Patience" really hit home with me. Trying to find that balance is sometimes difficult and you tilt too far to one side or another and not even notice it. You have to wait for the best moment to attack but not miss the best moment thinking a better moment will come by. Very well written!!
~ JRight Live ~
my "harmatia" would have to include a few things.
First of all would be how i keep my emotions pent up inside me for too long before i finally crash. btw when i crash, its pretty damn bad. mostly comes from nostalgia cuz of how my family has been moving from country to country my entire life.
My second would be that i am too patient. for example when i was supposed to go wakeboarding with a friend, i waited a good hour before i called his mom to ask where the hell he was. then found out he was still sleeping. by then it was too late to go anyways…
Third would be that i always blame myself for sht that happens. if im in a group and something happens, i will take as much responsability on myself as i can. if i cant, then i will blame myself for it as much as i can.
my fourth is that i am terrible at letting go. an example for this one would be at the end of the last school year. my french teacher who i had known for only 2 years left. on the last day, we had some kind of goodbye thing where taechers would come up to the podium and say their goodbyes. i was lucky i was sitting in the back corner cuz i just broke down right next to my gf… im not like most guys in the sense that im not as afraid as most to show my emotions (one of the reasons she goes out with me)
oh btw, nostalgia, its a real bch.use facebook (dont over-do it(and no farmville!). seriously, u lose contact with ur best friends and it will come back and haunt u. i just had a bit of a crash when i saw a picture of my best friend from 3 years back and realised that we hadnt spoken for over 2 years.