The Pros & Cons of a One-Woman Show
I’m not a social butterfly, I don’t like group projects. Being on a team is not for me (although I am a team player and valued for it). I am an introvert with a capital “I”. It’s not always obvious because I’m a high-functioning introvert.
Not all ADD/ADHD disorganized brains are either social or anti-social, but I do believe a fair number of us prefer to work alone. I thought it was worth spending some time with that fact.
Table of Contents
Why does solo work appeal to us?
OK, I understand that some people get pumped when working off the energy of others. There is some good in it for me, too.
Let’s not forget the elephant in the room. Our uniquely-wired brains LOVE our own thoughts. It’s quite the amour affair. We will knock others over to get to those irresistible brain delights.
I’m a reveler – are you a reveler? AI tells me that a “reveler” is a person who enjoys reveling, or celebrating and enjoying themselves in a noisy way. Skip the noisy part, I just like to replay and reread everything I have written (like Ralphy in the Christmas Story, enjoying his imagined A++ grade). I’m not being conceited, it’s just something my brain enjoys (too much).
I get to have that as much as I want when I solo work. Frankly, it’s thrilling to work on my own.
Our brains are wired for speed. Speed in idea generation – waiting for others can be painstakingly slow. May I also add, many of us are multi-talented and curious beyond measure?
We WILL figure out a way to do something on our own, without asking for help. Call it a challenge or the excitement of learning something new (an ADD trait), we have no problem attempting it. Why do we need others?
The downfalls of solo work
Argh! Flying solo removes the benefits of perspective, the opportunity for sounding boards that can curtail our ADDish ways. That’s it, that’s a big con for me.
Even if we don’t feel we need other people, they can be a spark that can open some really big doors for us.
The opportunity for growth is enormous. My isolated thoughts are alway piqued when I consider a different perspective/thought regarding a problem. While stuck in my “box”, I didn’t see the problem from another vantage point. Outside people can help. Such discoveries often send me off on new and exciting adventures (and rabbit holes). Why would I want to miss out on that?
Then there’s momentum. As excited as we are to start a project, it can fizzel out rather quickly. Working with others can keep the momentum going, even when you don’t feel like it.
Conclusion
Don’t discontinue your solo work. There are benefits to inviting others into your circle. This balance can inject your solo work with new inspiration, especially if you are feeling in a rut.
At least consider it, or start small. You might even wonder why you ever waited.
#inthistogether -Renee
