How to Motivate an Introvert
Corinne Woo from Matchaqb, who writes about project management and personal growth talks to me about how to motivate an introvert.
What is Matchaqb all about?
I know everyone is capable of removing their mental roadblocks to create. Matchaqb intertwines personal growth with creativity. I share tips and tricks that I have embraced through my active journey in experimenting with self-development. I have a lot of fun writing, talking to people about their own personal growth and that is what drives me to write about how to motivate an introvert.
What is the “Create with Authenticity” video series about?
As creators, ideas come to us, newly born and full of hope. It is crazy but our minds are wired to criticize and doubt our ability to create. We have the choice to either battle the mental barriers or let the newly born ideas go. In other words, I created this series in hopes of inspiring others to take control over burnout, time management, fear of failure, and authenticity to create their ideas. In this series, I invited a passionate jewelry designer and artist, Giovanna Ngai, to discuss her ability to create with confidence and authenticity. I enjoyed interviewing her and it helped me as an introvert.
How did you start your blog?
It all started with a supportive team of open minds, ready to try out my ideas which helped me build enough confidence to begin this blog. While I volunteered at Mon Sheong, a non-profit organization, I was given the chance to share my ideas in marketing and logistics for a trip to China. When these ideas took flight and made an impact, it dawned on me that my ideas are valuable, that I could create a blog to help others realize their potential as well through sharing personal growth ideas. I like to say that blogging is a team sport because of the endless support I receive from collaborators, coworkers, family, and friends.
What motivates you to keep up with blogging and creating videos?
My first video was a complete flop. I knew it when I received an influx of negative feedback. As a result, it hit me hard as I was making corrections and I was not sure if I wanted to continue down that route.
When my energy hit an all-time low, my sister shared a post. Clobbering me over the head with tough love: Your first video will be awful, but you can’t make your 50th without making your first. I then realized I learned so much as an active blogger and video editor and that there will be many firsts laced with failures. And that It will only get better with practice. I am more than excited to see how far Matchaqb will grow from here if I continue putting in the work, trying new things, and rolling with the punches (lessons).
New mindset:
I am constantly parallel parking throughout my life. As a result, I am perpetually embarrassed but inching closer to my dreams. In addition, I embrace all feedback.
Your blog is filled with wellness tips, what are your top self-care habits?
Alone Time | Meditation | Dragon Boat
Alone Time (JOMO) – Not many people know this about me because I come off bubbly and full of energy at work, with friends and family, and at networking events… I enjoy spending copious amounts of time on my own. It helps me slow down and listen to myself as I reflect. In these moments, I learn more about myself, laugh at my own dad jokes and spawn new ideas.
Meditation – Before the morning rush begins, I prepare with a moment of stillness. Dedicating this sliver of time to consciously clear my mind, remove distractions, and repeat self-affirmations. Meditation helps me to remain focused and calm. Now I find that whenever I hit a metaphorical speed bump after meditation, I can muster up calmness and continue cruising through the day. It definitely has become a trend and I have seen people shy away from it because of that. However, I have also witnessed my friends benefit from this practice and they tout how they are gaining control over their stress levels.
Dragon Boat (@holyshipdb) – I like combining my social and physical activities through Dragon Boat just to be efficient. Joining the Holyship team meant surrounding myself with highly motivated and supportive people. After experimenting with volleyball, ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, dance, and tennis, dragon boat stuck! I was lucky to find a sport that feeds both my competitive nature and an inner social butterfly and we will be competing starting in May.
Who is your inspiration?
Marie Forleo. She approaches work and life with an authentic and entrepreneurial flair on Marie TV which inspires so many to do the same.
Instead of fitting ourselves into a box, she reminds us that we don’t need to restrict our personalities to what we believe we should be. Her main message encourages all creators to grow and cultivate their multiple passions. I love that at the end of each video, she declares “The World Needs that Special Gift that Only You Have!”
What do you enjoy most about blogging?
Writing! I was not sure if this was my passion at first but I had ideas to share. Through my fascination with words as an avid reader, writing became my number one creative outlet. I am able to move into the “state of flow” when expressing myself through writing. Everything seizes to matter at that moment. At that moment, I lose track of time, and suddenly the urge to check social media and other distractions disappear.
Fun Fact: I was so terrible at writing in high school that I was given a tutor for a crash course on grammar. So, for anyone who thinks they are not good enough to start, trust me, you are. It took many years of practice but I am able to enjoy expressing myself through writing and sharing through blog posts now. It helps me as an introvert to put myself out there.