We know that as introverts, we often expend more energy than we gain from interactions with other people. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional about who we bring into our lives. We have to make sure it’s worth that expenditure of energy.
Today’s podcast highlights one of the relationships that has been worth the energy. You’re about to listen to a conversation I had with my Accountability Partner Arden Clise of Clise Etiquette. Together, we share how our partnership came into being, what personal and professional benefits we’ve experienced, and things to consider if you want to find your own accountability partner.
One of the things I noticed right away when I started my business was that it was much easier to be outgoing and social online than it was in real life. I could do things at my own pace, sit back and watch for a while before jumping in, and I generally felt in control. Contrast that to a live social situation where anything can happen – I could forget someone’s name, draw a blank when someone asks me a question or spill my drink on a new acquaintance when I go to shake their hand.
I’ve learned over the years that I’m not alone. There are lots of introverts who describe themselves as extroverts online, and introverts IRL, or in real life. My guest, Morgan Barnhart of Sociable Boost, gives us some insights to help us bridge the divide.
Comedians often highlight the absurd truths in society, and introvert – yes, introvert – Jerry Seinfeld is especially skilled at shining the light on our contradictory natures. Here’s what he has to say about public speaking: “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
The fear of public speaking is called Glossophobia, which comes from the Greek glossa, meaning tongue, and phobos, fear or dread. My guest for this podcast, Jonathan Bender, has dedicated his business to changing the way people – especially introverts and glossophobes – think about themselves and being on stage and in the spotlight.
When people hear the word “introvert,” they almost always think “shy.” Now with the publication of her book (“Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”), a highly successful TED Talk, and a whirlwind of publicity, when people hear the word introvert, they’re just as likely to think of Susan Cain as they are to think of the word shy. Susan has had to learn to walk that tightrope between solitude and celebrity, and I’m excited to share this conversation we had about her experience and advice for introverts who want to fully embrace their introvert personality.
If there’s one complaint I hear over and over again, it’s about how we all have so much to do, and so little time to do it. As introverts, our energy is our most precious asset. So why is it that some people seem to get so much done while others get bogged down, overwhelmed, and further behind with each passing day? It is possible to focus your energy in such a way that you are more productive without feeling burned out. Bruce Lee offers us one approach; he says, “Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, add what is specifically your own.” Today’s podcast guest, Pam Weatherford of D3 Seminars, offers another approach that’s similar to that advice, but uniquely hers. She calls it “cutting the CRAP,” and her intention is to give you tools that allow you to get more done in less time.
