Are You a Shy or Introverted Multipotentialite?

Tomorrow’s my 28th birthday, and I thought I’d use today’s post to reflect a bit on some of the work I’ve been doing, and how I’ve been feeling lately.

The other night, we had our final Huddle before the launch of the Puttytribe. These huddles have been a fun way to introduce people to the community and get the discussion going in the forum. They’ve also been an interesting experiment.

One of the things I’ve noticed, is that a lot of people come into the Huddle feeling kind of shy and apprehensive.  I’ve even heard from a few multipotentialites who really wanted to sign up, but didn’t, because they were intimidated.

That always made me sad, because I knew just how great the groups had been. When someone seemed especially shy or nervous in a huddle, or was dealing with a lot of fear surrounding their goal, the group really stepped up, and tried to make them feel comfortable and get them through it.

Sure, the huddles sometimes began with a bit of awkwardness as we dealt with any technical hiccups and got to know one another. But very quickly, that energy would fall away, and be replaced by a genuine sense that everyone just wanted everyone else to succeed.

I think part of the reason that multipotentialites are so empathetic, is that many of us can relate to feeling out of place or even having crippling anxiety. A lot of multipotentialites are naturally introverts. We were that kid in the corner, lost in the book(s) or playing with imaginary characters.

Of course there are extroverted multipods too (we come in all shapes and colours), but I don’t think it’s uncommon for imaginative multipotentialite children to experience bullying or to just feel weird among their peers.

I’ve written about this before, but I really do relate to the shy and anxious puttypeep in the group, because for most of my life I was painfully insecure. I never spoke in class, and I dreaded public speaking of any form. I didn’t even like people looking at me.

If you’d told me four years ago, what I’d be up to now, I wouldn’t have believed you. The idea that I would be a “public person” like this? No way.

So whenever I saw someone reaching out– when I got an application that said something like “I’m really scared to do this, but I want to push myself, so here it is…” I tried really hard to fit them in.

And correct me if I’m wrong Puttypeep, but I think the Tribe has been a really positive experience for everyone involved so far. I really want to make sure it stays that way when we open it up to the 50 new members on April 17.

Maintaining a safe space, where people free comfortable to share openly, is really important to me. Our team (currently comprised of me, Jon the Director of Tribe Happiness, and a few Ambassadors) are all going to be there, trying to ensure this sense of warmth and community.

But honestly, I don’t think we’re going to have to do very much, because you guys are already so awesome and understanding.

So I guess what I’m trying to say, is thank you.

This wonderful community has pushed me to overcome a lot of my own fears and put myself out there. I can’t wait to share that love with the rest of you. If even just one multipotentialite feels more understood through the Puttytribe, it will be worth it.

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In case you were wondering, we we will be holding more Huddles once the Puttytribe launches. While the Puttytribe is mostly about the support and advice being exchanged in the forums, all new members will be invited to a (totally optional) Introductory Huddle, led by one of our team members. After that, you’ll be able to jump in on the member-organized huddles, or you can form your own huddle group in the forum.

While I hope that you give the Huddles a chance, I also know that baby steps are really important. So start with the forums if you’re nervous, and if you ever want to give a live brainstorm a try, there will be plenty of opportunities to jump in later.

If you’d like to be one of the 50 new Puttytribe members when we open the doors on April 17, make sure to sign up to the email list, so that you get your invitation.