Eccentric, Confident, Solitary: The Power Trio in 'Quirky

??"Quirky" by Melissa Schilling is a compelling exploration into the distinctive characteristics and environments that fostered the genius of world-changing innovators like Albert Einstein and Elon Musk.

What you'll find here:

1. What is "Quirky" about?

2. Who is "Quirky" for?

3. Idea Express: How to put three (3) concepts (The Solitude of Innovators, Eccentricity and Genius and Self-Efficacy and Confidence) to work for you today!?

BONUS: The most interesting concept in "Quirky"

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1. WHAT IS "QUIRKY" ABOUT?

"By embracing weirdness, we might better allow the natural creativity of people to flourish."

"Quirky" by Melissa Schilling is a captivating exploration into the minds of world-changing innovators, detailing their unique, often eccentric traits, and the conditions that fostered their exceptional creativity. Schilling humanizes these figures, offering readers an intimate look into their drive, passions, and quirks. More than a series of biographies, "Quirky" delves into what makes an environment conducive to innovation, providing invaluable insights for business leaders, educators, and parents alike. It is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the makings of innovators or aspiring to become one.

Have you ever wondered if you share any traits with these extraordinary figures? Discover your unique 'quirkiness' and unlock your potential by diving into the world of "Quirky".

• AMAZON: Audiobook (10 hours, 2 minutes) and book available:

2. WHO IS "QUIRKY" FOR?

"The life of the serial breakthrough innovator is not for everyone. Many of the factors that helped them change the world in meaningful ways are inimitable, and many of us would not choose the kind of life they led."

Aspiring Innovator: "Quirky" can guide you to unlock your potential by understanding traits that fueled world-renowned innovators.

Business Leader: The book's insights into fostering innovative environments can help you build a more successful and creative business.

Educator: It reveals the role of education in shaping innovators, offering inspiration to create learning environments that nurture creativity.

Psychologist: It provides fascinating case studies on the psyche of extraordinary individuals, enhancing your understanding of mental traits and creativity.

Student: The book's narratives can inspire you to carve your unique path to success, fostering creativity and innovation.

3. IDEA EXPRESS: HOW TO PUT THREE (3) CONCEPTS* TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY!

1?? Eccentricity and Genius

2??Self-Efficacy and Confidence

3??The Solitude of Innovators

*You'll find several more concepts in the book

1??ECCENTRICITY AND GENIUS

"Life gets a lot broader when you realize [that] everything around you that you call life was made up by people who were no smarter than you, and you can change it." (Steve Jobs)

The book delves into the eccentric behaviors and unique psychological traits often found in breakthrough innovators. With in-depth studies of innovators like Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, and Elon Musk, the book provides insight into how unconventional behaviors and thought patterns contribute to groundbreaking innovation. Some of these innovators displayed eccentricities ranging from obsessive-compulsive disorder to the extreme need for isolation, yet their idiosyncrasies, coupled with their genius, led them to conceive ideas that changed the world.

Page-to-practice idea:

• You might start by fully embracing your own unique quirks and hobbies, even if they might seem a bit unusual or odd to others. Often, these unique characteristics and interests can lead to innovative thinking. So, for instance, if you have a passion for vintage comic books, consider leveraging this unusual interest to create a unique art exhibit or to write an analysis of the evolution of graphic storytelling.

Page-to-practice ideas specifically for you:

• Aspiring Innovator: Embrace your distinct vision and don't shy away from unusual ideas.
• Business Leader: Use your unique perspective to innovate within your organization.
• Educator: Encourage students to explore their unique interests.
• Psychologist: Use your unique insights to develop new therapy approaches.
• Student: Follow your unique interests, no matter how peculiar.

2??SELF-EFFICACY AND CONFIDENCE

"If we want to give to every deserving individual what is needed for a safe existence of an intelligent being, we want to provide more machinery, more power. Power is our mainstay." - Tesla

"Quirky" explores the extraordinary self-confidence and belief in personal abilities that is common among world-changing innovators. The concept of "self-efficacy," the belief in one's capability to achieve, is integral to understanding these innovators' attitudes towards their missions. Innovators like Elon Musk and Dean Kamen have an unwavering belief in their capabilities, a factor that empowers them to take on daunting challenges and work towards seemingly impossible goals.

Page-to-practice idea:?

• You could try setting a lofty, seemingly impossible goal for yourself, and then, no matter how daunting it seems, start working toward it with unshakeable belief in your capabilities. Suppose you always wanted to write a book but considered it an unreachable goal. To put this concept into practice, you should start writing, believing in your capacity to finish the book and get it published.

Page-to-practice ideas specifically for you:

• Aspiring Innovator: Bolster your self-belief by setting and reaching small, achievable goals.
• Business Leader: Foster a culture of confidence where employees are encouraged to take initiative.
• Educator: Instill confidence by setting achievable goals for students.
• Psychologist: Believe in your ability to effect change in your clients' lives.
• Student: Believe in your ability to achieve high grades and excel in your pursuits.

3??THE SOLITUDE OF INNOVATORS

?"Mr. Edison has few friends. Because of his work, he has had to live a great deal by himself and in himself – shut out from the social contacts open to most men." -Thomas Edison’s second wife, Mina Miller Edison

The book emphasizes the importance of solitude and social detachment in the lives of innovators. Many innovators, such as Marie Curie and Thomas Edison, preferred isolation and led secluded lives. This solitude allows them to think independently, unhindered by conventional wisdom. They are often free to imagine and conceptualize without the constraints of societal norms, leading to ideas that break boundaries and set new standards.

Page-to-practice idea:

• Consider setting aside regular time for solitude and independent thinking. This might mean designating certain hours of the day for deep, uninterrupted thought. For instance, you might decide to spend an hour each morning before work in solitude, using this time to brainstorm new ideas, analyze problems, or make plans for innovative projects. By fostering solitude, you are creating a space for your ideas to develop without the influences or interruptions of others.

Page-to-practice ideas specifically for you:

• Aspiring Innovator: Find your "innovation time" where you can focus and cultivate ideas.
• Business Leader: Allow for solitude in your organization's schedule to encourage innovative thought.
• Educator: Foster a classroom environment that allows for individual thinking time.
• Psychologist: Set aside quiet time for research and thought.
• Student: Find solitary time to focus on your studies.

• AMAZON: Audiobook (10 hours, 2 minutes) and book available:

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BONUS: THE MOST INTERESTING CONCEPT IN "QUIRKY"

If I had to choose one thing, I'd say what I found most interesting would be "The Solitude of Innovators." We often envision innovation as a group process, brainstorming sessions in hi-tech conference rooms. However, Quirky brings to light the importance of isolation in fostering creativity and original thought. It sheds light on the need for introspection and reflection that, even in our hyper-connected world, being alone with one's thoughts can lead to groundbreaking ideas. It makes me wonder, how might we better integrate periods of solitude into our busy schedules for the benefit of innovation?

Which of the concepts from “Quirky" did you find most interesting?

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DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE OVER 100 COGNITIVE BIASES?

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