Some people are happy doing their own thing in life. They may follow this route as a person or as a professional. They enjoy going the solo route and working towards their picture of success.
Some people like to belong to something. They like to be part of a group, community, movement, institution, organisation or company. They enjoy the feeling of identity and contributing to a greater goal.
Different people follow these paths in different ways. Some also combine elements to each route. Let’s explore each of these approaches.
The Being Happy To Do
Your Own Thing Approach
Some people learn this approach early in life. They may have parents who encourage them to follow their own interests rather than to try to fit into the school system
Such individuals may dive deeply into their chosen topic and go through the stages of absorption, adventure and achievement. This may then become a process that they love to follow in their lives or work.
Some individuals may be quite introverted. They enjoy being by themselves and pursuing their interests. They aim to become the best they can be rather than compare themselves to others.
Some may explore joining different kinds of groups. Some may feel at home with certain kinds of people. Some may find it difficult to fit into following certain rules, however, and prefer to be on their own.
Some introverts may follow another route. They may actually enjoy going into role and leading groups, being on stage or doing activities where they feel in charge. They may then revert back to enjoying being alone.
Some may pursue relatively individual careers. Even if they join a company, they may work as a specialist. They may learn some skills, however, that enable them to do good work as an individual contributor.
Some may choose to set up their own business, be an entrepreneur or do other work where they feel in charge of shaping their career. Some may also find a way of contributing towards a bigger goal that they believe in.
Some may also demonstrate characteristics of another approach. Let’s explore this theme.
Otroverts
Jennifer Finch wrote an excellent article about otroverts – a term coined by Rami Kaminski. Otroverts are quite happy looking at certain things – such as organisations – from the outside. Here is an excerpt from her article.
Otroverts can be friendly and empathetic but see things from the outside. They are selective in their interactions with organisations. But this can also be a strength. Jennifer explains this in the following way.
Counterintuitively, this very stance is what makes them remarkable leaders and powerful keynote speakers, great independent thinkers, and creative savants. They have no allegiance to any group, so standing apart grants them a vantage point.
People who are happy to do their own thing do not necessarily want to belong to an organisation. But they may feel a sense of connection with humanity.
Some individuals also take another route. They focus on finding and following their tradition. This involves them exploring the following themes.
Who are the people I admire who have made a positive contribution? What were the principles they followed? How can I follow this tradition and make a positive contribution?
People who recognise their tradition may feel they are part of something greater than themselves. Others have taken this route before and many will follow it in the future. They then aim to do their best during their time on the planet.
The Wanting To Belong
To Something Approach
Some people like to be part of something. Different people do this for different reasons.
Some people enjoy being social. They enjoy the interaction, conversation and relationships. They also enjoy the ability to give and get support with other people.
Some people enjoy being collegiate. They enjoy the feeling of community, exploration and exchanging ideas. They often feel a strong bond with other people who are on a similar journey.
Some people enjoy channelling their energy with others who are pursuing a purpose, being part of a movement or fighting for a cause. They may feel alive and strong when working towards achieving a specific goal.
Some people like to be part of an organisation or company. They may feel that this helps to provide them with sense of security and, in some cases, a certain kind of status.
Some people join certain groups because these provide a sense of tribal identity. This kind of tribal approach can have pluses and minuses – both for themselves and other people.
There are many ways to live life. Some people are happy doing their own thing. They do not necessarily want to belong to a group, movement, organisation or company.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of this approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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