Hiding in the Bathroom

"Being a hermit is saying, 'I need to manage my time and boundaries, like being able to be at home in my yoga pants three days a week.

"Being a hermit is saying, 'I need to manage my time and boundaries, like being able to be at home in my yoga pants three days a week. And I am willing to banish FOMO from my vocabulary to get there.'" Redefine success. Traditional notions of success often involve constant networking, long hours at the office, and an always-on mentality. However, for introverts and those who value solitude, this path can lead to burnout and unhappiness. Instead, embrace your natural inclinations and create a work life that aligns with your temperament. Create a hermit-friendly career. This might involve: Working remotely or from home several days a week Limiting in-person meetings and networking events Focusing on deep, meaningful work rather than constant social interaction Building a strong online presence to minimize the need for face-to-face networking By accepting and working with your hermit tendencies, you can create a successful career that doesn't compromise your well-being or values. This approach allows you to leverage your strengths, such as deep focus and thoughtful analysis, while minimizing energy-draining activities.

"Sometimes I look at people who seem to have endless energy, who aren't sitting around ruminating, who just move through, and I'm in awe. But you have to recognize who you are as a person. It's taken me a long time to be able to say to myself, You don't need to do everything." Challenge conventional wisdom. The popular "lean in" philosophy encourages constant striving and career advancement at all costs. However, this approach may not be sustainable or desirable for everyone, especially those who value work-life balance and personal well-being. Embrace a balanced approach: Prioritize personal fulfillment over external validation Set realistic goals that align with your values and energy levels Accept that success can look different for everyone Focus on quality of work and life, rather than quantity of achievements By redefining success on your own terms, you can create a more sustainable and satisfying career path. This might mean choosing a job with more flexibility, working part-time, or pursuing entrepreneurship. The key is to find a balance that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally, without succumbing to burnout or compromising your values.

"Anxiety has been a gift, says Christina, because 'it's made me an incredible manager (according to the dozen or so employees I've managed across my last three start-ups) because I am much more aware of how [my employees] like feedback and how to help them show their best selves.'" Reframe anxiety. Instead of viewing anxiety as a weakness, recognize it…