Finding Where We Fit

Finding Where We Fit

Given Cain’s insights into the introvert, my life experience makes more sense.  Growing up I was happy with one or two close friends.  The centre of a large social scene was not my most comfortable place and still isn’t.  I hated with an almighty passion the very idea of group work in school.  I lacked the confidence to share my ideas in a group, and hated having to rely on others for any part of my project outcome.  Imagine my surprise when I found that the dreaded group work followed me straight on into university, where I had assumed I would spend many a peaceful hour quietly studying and writing papers... alone.  It’s no surprise that I eventually fell in love with distance learning.  To this day, it shocks me to learn that anyone actually enjoys group work.

 

I’ve had numerous jobs over the years where I was required to work with a variety of co-workers, or large numbers of the general population.  And I have been good at all of these jobs, and even enjoyed many aspects of them.  I do like people, quite a lot as it turns out.  But I would come home from a day in a busy office where I interacted with up to fifteen co-workers and an endless stream of clients, and I would crash.  There was nothing left.  Give me an hour of quiet, and I am back online.

 

So, here I am now, working away in my cozy little home office, and I’m ideally suited to my work.  I can always find a colleague or client to meet with or call if I want some interaction.  But, as I often do, I can enjoy a lot of solitary quality time, just me and my computer and my books.

 

Susan Cain’s Ted Talk video includes a few key points about introverts.  I’m putting all these on t-shirts as well.

 

• “Introverts are pretty excellent, just as they are.”
• “There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
• “The key then to maximizing our talents is for us all to put ourselves in the zone of stimulation that is right for us.”
• “Stop the madness for constant group work. Just stop it.”

Limited qualities available.  Order now to avoid disappointment!

 

Where do you fit on the continuum?  Introvert?  Extrovert?  Or somewhere in the middle?