4 days in my life as an introvert
One of the things I focus on in my retirement life planning work is encouraging you to think about how you will spend your time and how you will manage your energy.
To recognise how introverted or extroverted you may be and to prioritise what works for you and what you need to do to recharge.
How do you balance being with people and being alone? Balancing conversation and rest?
Here I’ll share with you my own recent experience as an example.
Let’s call it 4 days in my life as an introvert.
Thursday
Working at my freelance consultant job, with lovely people and interesting projects, sitting at a desk all day can be exhausting.
My inspiring and fabulous friend messages me late morning. She’s having a book launch that evening in central London (I’m out in the suburbs), it’s a last-minute invite but will I join?
Immediate reaction: I do want to go, but I’ve provisionally arranged a catch up on Zoom that I know can be rearranged. It will also be late, and dark, and I’ll be tired. So, I said no.
Reflected reaction 5 minutes after knee jerk reaction: I want to go and celebrate my friend. I don’t go into town much in the evening, and it’s an area I know and like. And I can rearrange my Zoom call to next week.
This event is a one-off opportunity. So, I go. And I’m glad I did.
It was an inspiring evening. My first conversation resulted from an act of kindness (mine) and ended with me giving them a business card.
Other conversations, slightly aided with a glass or two of bubbles, gave me a sense of connection and community. And my friend, sharing her story, was yet again inspiring.
Friday
I was pretty exhausted, and to be honest not as productive in my planning for a new 5 part in person programme as I would have liked.
I did the practical things – supermarket shopping, walk in the park, easy administrative tasks, and that was about it until a lovely family kiddush experience by WhatsApp video. (The Jewish Friday night blessings over wine and challa bread).
Saturday
Still pretty exhausted.
Pushed myself to leave the house and go for a walk, on a mission to find kettle descaler.
Mission completed, I walked home through the park and greeted my anonymous local park walking buddy. We’ve graduated from nodding as we pass each other to saying ‘morning’ with a smile.
That afternoon I needed a 2-hour sleep, followed by watching tv in my pyjamas.
Sunday
I sat down first thing, with my cup of coffee, and set myself a 30-minute challenge to start writing my programme plan and get over blank page syndrome.
Engrossed in what I wanted to achieve and how I would deliver it, 30 minutes turned into an energised and inspired 90 minutes.
The rest of the day for me was a walk and no surprise here, more TV, and just a little sleep.
Plus a WhatsApp debate with my friend about where we should go for our annual pre-Christmas lunch the following weekend.
Having found the balance I need, listening to my body and recharging, I’m ready and more energised for programme planning and 3 zoom calls on Monday.
And looking forward to going into the office for my freelance job on Tuesday and being with people all day.
NB If you haven’t read Susan Cain’s book “Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking”, I highly recommend it.
P.S. To receive weekly emails to your inbox with blog articles, resources and Second Spring service information about retirement life planning, sign up to the newsletter here.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the link at the end of emails.
