Monday, July 15, 2013

TED Tuesday: The Power of Introverts

Hi, my name is Jessi and I'm proud to admit that I've been living my life as an introvert.


Say it with me, Liz!


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My life as an introvert hasn't been a secret to my friends and family, but always shocks people who know me as a friend, as an athlete and people in my work environment. Because I enjoy attention, engaging people in conversation and have no fear speaking up and speaking confidently there's a facade that I'm 'outgoing'. Truth is, you can be all of those things and still be an introvert at your core. Introversion speaks to how you respond to social stimulation.


As an introvert, I know that my most creative and powerful moments are when I'm alone in my own head. Runs {alone} are where I find my inner peace and going out for a dinner party of 10 isn't exactly on my must do for summer list. I respond much better to a night in my pajamas and a weekend with no plans.


Introverts often get a bad reputation for standing back, observing and thinking as these characteristics are interpreted as shy, quiet, unfit for leadership and anti-social. 


The truth of the matter is, we enjoy taking time to ourselves to think and recharge - like this handsomely introverted sloth I got for you:



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I've shared this video before my TED Tuesday series began and it deserves a deeper look.


Susan Cain goes from personal experiences to real world examples of the way we live today that stifles the creativity of the 33-50% of introverts walking among us.

Open Environment work spaces (like the 12 people all staring at each other in mine) and desks facing each other in pods rather than rows in the school systems are geared toward extroverts. What this does is teaches us to believe introverts are doing it wrong, and it also doesn't teach the extroverts how to think before speaking, think independently or appreciate a good night of down-time.

Susan's Calls to Action at the end of the talk include:




  1. Stop already with all this awful think inside the box group work

  2. Go to the wilderness (or at least disconnect every once in a while)

  3. Show the world your energy preference and stop trying so hard to work against it.


Once you've watched and you're hungry for more, Rachel's post last week reviews the book by Susan Cain titled "Quiet" and her own feelings living life as a beautiful introvert - it's worth a read!

PS: Susan Cain is also an introvert and see what you think of her as a public speaker!


[ted id=1377]



heart JE

13 comments

Ashley said...

This has always been one of my most favorite TED speeches because I can completely relate. Going out, being social, and meeting new people can sound daunting to me!!

Move Eat Create said...

I am a massive introvert and Cain's book was so wonderfully reaffirming for me to read. Love this talk, too!

Marisa @ Uproot from Oregon said...

I was that girl that brought a stack of books to camp... thankfully, a lot of friends from elementary school went to camp with me so I had a fine time socializing. I love this part - "We truly are poised on the brink of dramatic change." I am considering building a cabin in Forest Park though just to have a nice spot to go and read.. : ) Thanks for sharing and I hope you are using your outgoing side for your business trip!

Dress This Nest said...

Great post! I am an introvert too, but can be social and a confident speaker! I actually didn't even realize I was introverted until my husband brought it up a while back (years before we were married) but the truth is, while I like being around people, it emotionally drains me and after a big event I need to recharge with some alone time. Turns out, blogging is a great hobby for introverts, because we get to be alone and "social" at the same time! Thanks for sharing the video! I am going to check out that book!

pechluck (@pechluck) said...

YES, sloth.

brooke lyn said...

it's always interesting to me to find out who is more of an introvert type behind closed doors. i always get stressed before going to big events thinking about having to interact with people. definitely more of a quiet type when it really comes down to it.

Kira said...

I should make time to watch that TED talk. I'm definitely an introvert as well. Also, that sloth is pretty adorable.

Rachel Sedaker said...

Yay, I'm glad you shared this TED talk! It's always such a good reminder, and I'm glad you highlighted disconnecting/getting outdoors. As an introvert, I've always felt recharged outdoors, and I think running is such a great activity for introverts- so much time to think, and to recharge creativity.
And thank you for sharing my post! Makes a girl feel pretty special :)

Jessi said...

Great point, blogging IS such a great outlet for us! Nothing like me and my thoughts hanging out with the interwebs!

Jessi said...

Sloth gifs may be my favorite type of gif!

carrotbowl said...

I am an extrovert and have friends on both ends of the spectrum. Some you'd be surprised at even. I think the fun part about knowing personality types of your friends is knowing how to connect with them even better. The Meyers-Briggs personality test is great for that. Nothing is 100%, but there's lots of good info there.

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