A Different Perspective on: Introverts

Recently I made an account on the social bookmarking site StumbleUpon. This was to help get new content ideas for the blog and to learn about new things. You get to 'Stumble Upon' websites that match your interests. that you might not have normally come across just doing a Google search. When you first start out you're asked what your interests are so you have a more customized experience. On the site you can search for things you like or get recommendations based on your interests. WARNING, clicking on the 'Stumble' button can lead to a massive loss of productivity and of your so so precious time (no different from a lot of things on the internet haha). Sorry for the long explanation just wanted to give an overview of what the site is about. Also I want to put it out there that StumbleUpon did not pay me to write the previous, that would be cool but all the opinions are my own. Oh and come and join me on the site at Essceejulies.


So what does StumbleUpon have to do with introverts? Well it can have a lot of things to do with it but that's something to be explored at another time. On one of my stumbling adventures I came across a site called TED.com. I've heard of the TED organization a few times before from people I follow/subscribe to on social networks. The following is a description of the organization from their site:

TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference in Long Beach and Palm Springs each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TEDTalks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.

Since taking out the time to understand more about TED I've been addicted to their videos. There are just so many great ideas that have been changing my perspective. So look out for more posts in the future singing their praises. These talks remind us that their are people in this world trying to change it for the better contrary to what the media presents on a daily basis. 

Often times when we are presented with new ideas we are given an opportunity to accept or reject their validity. But where did we come up with the basis for their validity? From our conditioning. Our conditioning is based on the beliefs we were raised with that are compounded by experiences, our personalities, culture, society the people around us and ect. All of these factors will lead us to react differently when a core belief of ours is challenged. Some people would simply shrug it off, others would take it as a new belief learned and for others it can deeply shake them to their essence. Making them question who they are, the validity of their beliefs, going to a state of denial even delusion. Maybe even a catalyst into growing into a better person.

The video I'm sharing is from author Susan Cain who speaks about the benefits of being an introvert. We're often conditioned by society to value extroverts more. This video isn't just great for introverts but anyone who has been told their uniqueness is not a benefit to others and the greater world. Hope you enjoy the video and take time to see a different perspective. If you want more check out Ms. Cain's book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking 

Also I apologize for those who can't watch the video. On the video there is a transcript option that will display under the video in your language of choice. hope this helps. Here's the direct video link. http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html