One of the excellent points she raises in this video is about how introversion is discouraged in schools and workplaces and it got me thinking about my own situation. When I worked in an office (most of which have been open plan) I would come home from work and feel exhausted. One of the things I've noticed since working for myself and from home is that I no longer feel like that. Interestingly when I work from home, I actually work longer days usually from 8am-6.30pm.
In one of my jobs I was allowed to wear headphones and listen to music and I found myself constantly reaching for them to block out the rest of the office and escape to my own little world.
One of the things I get asked the most about working for myself is how I stay motivated. A lot of people think that because I'm working from home that I'd be easily distracted by other things but actually I find I am much more productive than when I work with other people. I think it's important to allow yourself space for creativity, innovation and inspiration and for me that's often found in solitude.
One of the things I get asked the most about working for myself is how I stay motivated. A lot of people think that because I'm working from home that I'd be easily distracted by other things but actually I find I am much more productive than when I work with other people. I think it's important to allow yourself space for creativity, innovation and inspiration and for me that's often found in solitude.
This has been confirmed by me now working in a studio two days a week. I am much less productive there than when I'm at home but, just like I need space for time on my own, I also need space for being with others. Even introverts can suffer the pains of isolation and for me I find getting the balance between the two is what works best for me. On the days I work at the studio I get the support and friendship of other freelancers and still get my time to work alone the rest of the week.
I'm happy that I've finally found the right working balance for me and a big part of that was definitely down to me accepting the introverted part of my personality.
I'm happy that I've finally found the right working balance for me and a big part of that was definitely down to me accepting the introverted part of my personality.
I worked in an office for a couple of years before leaving to work for myself from home. A lot of people said 'won't you be lonely?' but no, I loved it! I knew I would. Finally I could concentrate. And if the phone rang I could ignore it (I mean, I usually did answer it, but I didn't HAVE to, and that made all the difference to my state of mind!).
ReplyDeleteI completely feel like this!I also looked back at those posts and couldnt agree more. I actually get anxious if I feel pressure to do things either from other people or myself. Recently ive loved not doing as much and managing to get my teeth into my crafts and reading! xxx
ReplyDeleteHiya! This is an excellent post, I'm actually doing some work at the moment about introverts and innovation! Anyway, have you read Susan's book? It is awesome. I thought I'd link you up to the RSA talk she gave this year, the audio is there (you can subscribe to RSA event talks via iTunes as well for free!). Not sure how similar it is to the Ted Talk as I haven't seen it, but you might like it! http://www.thersa.org/events/audio-and-past-events/2012/quiet-the-power-of-introverts-in-a-world-that-cant-stop-talking
ReplyDeleteThis video is EXCELLENT! Love TED talks, but even so, this one is the BEST.
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