What are shortcomings? Shortcomings are deficiencies or areas where something or someone does not fully meet expectations or potential. Key characteristics Affect success or productivity Can be personal, professional, or systemic. Often highlight opportunities for improvement.
What are the most common shortcomings ? Procrastination: Delaying tasks until the last minute, affecting productivity. Poor time management: Struggling to prioritize and allocate time effectively. Lack of communication skills: Difficulty expressing ideas or collaborating with others. Impatience: Becoming easily frustrated and rushing decisions or actions. Overthinking: Spending too much time analyzing situations, leading to indecision. Resistance to change: Difficulty adapting to new environments or processes. Low confidence: Hesitation to take risks or pursue opportunities due to self-doubt. Disorganization: Being unable to keep track of tasks, goals, or belongings efficiently. Lack of attention to detail: Missing small but important elements in tasks or projects. Avoiding feedback : Feeling uncomfortable with constructive criticism or failing to use it to improve.
What are some of your shortcomings?
How did Sam's actions make the team feel during the meeting? Do you think Sam should have talked to Rob privately instead of in front of everyone? Why? What problems could happen if someone finishes reports late, even if they meet deadlines? Was it okay for Sam to act the way he did because of stress from his boss? What are some ways to fix problems like this in a team?
He’s a little negative, perfectionist and maybe lazy . She’s doubtful about her abilities . He used to a workaholic. He’s a big spender .
Adverb clauses of condition
Adverb clauses of condition
Adverb clauses of condition
Adverb clauses of condition
Use your own ideas Shortcoming: being a procrastinator Even if I have plenty of time, I always arrive late to my meetings. Whether or not I set a schedule, I always get distracted by something else. Only if I feel pressure do I start doing my tasks. Unless I change my habits, I will always have a bad sleep schedule. I should stop procrastinating; otherwise , I might lose my scholarship .
Use your own ideas Shortcoming: being controlling Even if I trust others, I find it hard to lend my bike. Whether or not things go my way, I still feel anxious about potential mistakes . Only if I am in control do I feel a sense of safety. Unless I learn to let go, people might find difficult to work with me. I need to relax myself; otherwise , I could lose my friends.
Use your own ideas Shortcoming: being a perfectionist Even if my work is good, I always feel the need to check it several times. Whether or not I receive praise, I don’t trust myself. Only if everything is perfect do I feel calm. Unless I accept that perfection is impossible, I will always be stressed about everything in my life . I should understand people make mistakes; otherwise , I will be overly critical about others.
Overcoming shortcomings Find shortcomings : Think about what isn’t working well in your life. Example: You notice that you often miss deadlines at work or school. Look for patterns : Find things that happen often in these problems. Example: You realize that distractions, like scrolling social media, cause delays and make you lose track of time . Ask for help : Talk to people you trust for advice. Example: You talk to a friend who suggests using a timer to stay focused while working. Set small goals : Focus on one thing you can improve and work on it. Example: You decide to use the timer every day to complete one task on time, starting with your most urgent assignments. Even if Whether or not Only if Unless Otherwise
Overcoming shortcomings Understand your weakness : Weaknesses happen for a reason. For example: Struggling with math might mean you’re better at creative writing. Use strengths to help : Focus on what you’re good at to manage challenges. For example: If math is tricky but you’re good with computers, use Excel. Ask for help : Getting advice can make things easier. For example: If organizing is hard, ask a friend who’s good at it to help. Work on improving : Learn or practice to get better. For example: If public speaking scares you, try joining a workshop to improve. Even if Whether or not Only if Unless Otherwise
Overcoming shortcomings Make a plan: Write down your goals and small steps to reach them. Example: If you want to improve public speaking, start by practicing alone, then talk to one friend, then a group. Use your strengths: Work on things you are already good at while fixing your weaknesses. Example: If you're great at writing speeches, help others write theirs while you build your confidence to deliver your own. Celebrate progress: Be proud of every little success, even if you don’t reach your goal. Example: If you spoke in front of a small group for the first time, take a photo to remember it or go out for pizza . Even if Whether or not Only if Unless Otherwise
Advice column Letters Seeking Advice 📩 Dear Advice Column, I always put off my tasks until the last possible moment, and then I panic. I know I should start earlier, but I just can’t seem to break the habit. What should I do? — John Cook. 📩 Dear Advice Column, I feel uncomfortable when I’m not in charge. Group projects stress me out because I don’t trust others to do things the right way. How can I learn to let go? — Christina Woodward. 📩 Dear Advice Column, No matter how hard I work, I never feel satisfied with my results. I always find flaws, and I can’t stop striving for perfection. It’s exhausting! How can I relax a little? — James Knight Even if Whether or not Only if Unless Otherwise
Even if Whether or not Only if Unless Otherwise
Adverb clause Use Example
I wouldn’t wait much time for her and I’d ask her what happened and if it’s not a good reason , I’ll ignore her I’d confront her about why she did it and stop being her friend . I’d confront her about why she did it and tell her about the importance or not betray your friends . I’d hold it in, not make a big issue out of it and I’ll take it well .
I’ll stay calmed and let it go . I’ll stay calmed , let it go and ask to the person about my item . I may confront him about it .
Why Something Is Funny What It Means Example Surprise theory We laugh when something unexpected happens A cat jumps, but instead of landing on the floor, it lands on a pillow Relax theory Laughter helps us feel better when things are stressful A joke during a boring meeting makes everyone smile Better than theory We laugh when someone makes a mistake, but it's harmless Someone trips but gets up quickly, and everyone laughs kindly Silly but safe theory Something is a little wrong but not too bad A baby wears sunglasses and looks super serious
What kind of content do you consider funny ? What topics do you consider that are inappropiate to tell jokes about ? Do you think you’re a funny person ? Why ?