Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
The Secret to Life
Few books will change your life. Reading ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking’ by Susan Cain changed mine.
Someone who was on the radio and loves public speaking would never be mistaken for an introvert. It was not how I would have described myself at all.
Reading this book made me aware of my ability to be what Cain describes as a functional introvert.
I could speak before large crowds, lead seminars, or teach classes and do quite well.
Then crash from exhaustion. I struggled running week-long Continuous Improvement events at work where I was up in front all day long, day after day.
What I found from reading her book was I needed time to recharge. I needed time away from people and events to recover.
I teamed with another functional introvert and started tag teaming leading events. It allowed us to recharge in between, giving our all to the class.
“The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it's a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. Use your natural powers -- of persistence, concentration, and insight -- to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems. make art, think deeply.”
Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Another insight from the book was the quote above. For us to succeed in living our Ikigai, we must be in the circumstances we were created to be in.
For some, public speaking would be a horrible experience. For me, it is perfect IF I pair it with recharging time.
To live our Ikigai, we need to be in the right environment where we can use our powers for good.
Love this. Truly agree with you David that If we are with the right people we surely shines brightly. Think positively. That's what I always do against all odds. Faith in God also helps me along the way
After reading this I am left wondering what the equivalent is for the extrovert. My experience sounds similar to what yours has been. I have definitely been noticing that always being on the top of the spear takes its toll and the recharge I need has to take place more often. I am clearly an extrovert that is the occasional introvert.