Do you think you are an interesting person?
In her book, How to Be More Interesting in 10 Steps Jessica Hagy shows us direct ways to enhance our “interestingness” (my word). Here’s my suggestion. Get a piece of paper… rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 (with 1 being no way and 10 being — I’m already doing that every day!) — how comfortable are you with each of these?
1) Talking to strangers
2) Exposing yourself to ridicule, risk and wild ideas
3) Learning an entirely new skill; especially one that interests but intimidates you
4) Embracing your inner weirdness
5) Ignoring the “scolds”
How’d you do? If you scored above 50, you’re on your way. Below 50? What are you waiting for ? There’s a saying, “when the student is ready, the teacher appears — but you have to be looking! In my experience the teacher is already available – I just haven’t been paying attention.
— Don’t hide your quirks; they are what make you interesting!
–Don’t let the ‘shoulds’ get in your way? When others will criticize you, be prepared. Don’t listen. They’re projecting their fear onto you. Push it back to them.
So this relates to your “Zone of Genius” – a term coined by author Gay Hendricks. Here’s how she describes it:
“Your Zone of Genius is the combination of your innate talent and your greatest passion. Innate talent, for this purpose, is how–not what–you do what you do. Your greatest passion is the activity that you could do for countless hours with unending fulfillment.Finding your zone of genius can be tricky. We’re all blind to many of our own true strengths and weaknesses, so it often helps to find an objective, supportive person to help. Knowing your Zone of Genius also makes you caring, humble, and brave.”
The ‘teacher’ can be anyone… your child, spouse, co-worker, an old friend, a complete stranger. You just need to let go and ask for help. It will be there. Go!
Photo credit: RiÃ?©Kââ??¢
Carl Hoffman
April 18, 2013I bought the book on your recommendation and will read it tonight. I score well over 50 but there is room for improvement. I need to quit being so sensitive and let the chips fall. I admire the creativity of many young adults who are willing to suffer embarrassment to get a response. I am usually composed but my son said don’t worry the worst that can happen is they laugh at you. As you know some make a living getting people to laugh at them.
Deborah
April 19, 2013Hey Carl
I think you are amazing. You are so open to learning and change. I am impressed.
People often say, I hate getting older. I say, I love getting older (I am fortunate enough to be very healthy) because I get to say what I think… I mean what is someone going to do.. think I’m stupid, crazy? What do I care?
Live and let live… I have a lot to do in my life and I don’t have time to worry about people who don’t like the way I live mine. Yahoo!