In my recent Ignite Seattle 12 talk, “5 Reasons Introverts Rock the Business World,” I called out different strengths that give introverts an edge. One of the strengths I chose to highlight was “depth over breadth.” Introverts generally have a special ability to stay focused for extended periods of time. I used to be able to keep my attention fixed on one activity for hours, such as writing, practicing my clarinet or reading a good book.
And then I became an entrepreneur.
Why a spreadsheet gave me a heart attack and how I’m getting back on the road to recovery.
About a month ago, I attended BizTechDay Seattle. The room was full of geeky people like me, who love new technology and gadgets and programs that are supposed to make our lives more efficient, fun or connected. In between speakers, there were demos of stuff we didn’t know existed, but now *had* to have.
I left that day overwhelmed by all of the bright shiny objects I’d learned about and wondered (OK, salivated) about how I was going to implement what I’d learned.
Fortunately, I haven’t done any of it.
In my continuing series on Good to Great & The Introvert Entrepreneur, I explore why when it comes to technology, not much has changed in the past 10 years.
My guest in this episode of The Introvert Entrepreneur is Patty K. Famous for her love of pajamas, Patty is on a mission to help people overcome the fears that get in the way of doing their “Thing.” She’s a blogger, motivational speaker and nonconformist. She’s also an introvert, an optimist and an idealist who loves animals and Jimmy Buffet.
Our conversation covers Patty’s “Purple Cow” moment, how a work field trip and 17 seconds of terror informed her new career path, how logic can combat fear, and why the worst case scenario actually may be in your best interest!
In the world of personal development, the phrase “step outside your comfort zone” (usually proceeded by the words “you have to”) shows up so much, I’ve decided never to use that phrase again.
After all, why would I want to step outside my comfort zone? My comfort zone is filled with dark chocolate, naps, kitty cats, my BFFs, spending a quiet evening at home and reading in my comfy chair. It’s a cozy place where, according to those who want me to step out of it, I can turn into an indifferent blob of unchallenged humanity, complete with cobwebs and a layer of dust.
Today, it’s all about why I’m taking back my comfort zone from those who tell me to step out of it!
Sometimes, a word pops up over and over until I just can’t ignore it. This past week, that word has been “sustainability.” We most often hear about sustainability in the context of the environment, or about the operations of a corporation or organization. While I was at a meeting last week listening to Lorinda Rowledge of EKOSI speaking on “Sustainability: The Next Edge of Coaching,” the question “Am I sustainable?” popped into my head. (The short answer: no!) Are you making choices that lead to personal sustainability and success? Let’s explore what that means…
