The Upside of Not Fitting In
What if loneliness and self-doubt are the best way to grow?
TL;DR
- Being an outsider, whether new to a place, job, or group, is an investment, not a flaw.
- Discomfort, loneliness, and self-doubt can be signs of stretching and growing, leading to resilience and emotional strength.
- Outsiders are more likely to question assumptions, break rules, and imagine alternatives because they are less bound by group norms.
- People who feel excluded may be better at original thinking.
- Embracing the outsider feeling is a painful but rewarding investment.
- Immigrants embody the act of taking risks for meaningful rewards and having faith in the future.