In this intimate monthly update, I'm sharing the evolution of my coaching practice and this podcast as we head into summer. While I'll be taking a podcast break in August, I'm excited to continue working with clients and developing new programs that better serve our community of thoughtful explorers.

Last month's Habit Building Basics taster sessions revealed how powerful it is when introverts build habits aligned with their natural energy patterns. We explored the fundamental differences in how introverts process information internally before sharing ideas with others, and how this understanding can transform our approach to creating sustainable habits.

As an introvert myself, I'm currently in what I call the "connecting the dots phase" with my business - that nervous energy when you sense things coming together in your mind, but can't quite articulate them clearly yet. This reflective process takes time and can feel frustrating, but it's essential to honor this uniquely introvert way of processing and integrating information.

After months of careful reflection, I've clarified my mission: I help cross-cultural introverts build sustainable habits so they can grow and find fulfillment in their careers without exhaustion or guilt about how they spend their time.

My focus is now specifically on supporting introverts who navigate multiple cultural contexts - whether you're working in multicultural environments, have relocated internationally, or professionally engage with diverse cultures. I've worked with literature scientists amplifying marginalized voices, diplomats transitioning between countries, and academics adapting to new cultural settings.

The habit-building approaches I teach are designed specifically for the introvert mind, recognizing our need for deeper processing time, meaningful connections, and sustainable energy management. By working with your Natural Advantage® rather than against it, you'll discover how to create lasting habits that support your growth without burnout.

The podcast will return in September. In the meantime, you might see new content formats as I experiment with different ways to serve this community.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Remember that as introverts, our strength lies not in forcing ourselves into extroverted systems, but in creating thoughtful practices that honor our unique processing style.

Connect with me via email, Instagram, or LinkedIn before the next episode. Have a wonderful summer of exploration!

#IntrovertHabits #CrossCulturalIntroverts #HabitBuilding

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Hi there, explorers! This month has been all about getting things ready for the Habit Building Basics Tasters that are happening next week. Most of my time working hours has been going towards that.

You can sign up here: ⁠https://go.thefrankermessage.com/welcometobacktobasics⁠

On a personal note, we're doing some small renovations and it's pretty messy in our home. Our son has a tent going on in the living room, he calls it his secret laboratory...

My son and I are also participating in the five-kilometer, four-day walk (avond 4 daagse). It's a big thing in the Netherlands. 5 km is a lot for a little kid – it takes us about 2 hours. But it’s actually a lot of fun and the whole neighborhood comes out, people stand along the sidewalks to give candy to the kids and cheer you on. Today is the last night, wish us luck!

Instead of our usual monthly update, we’re revisiting a previous episode this time.

I’ve been talking to a lot of people about Building a Second Brain(BASB), the book by Tiago Forte.

This is a topic that a lot of people are interested in. It's one of the most popular episodes of the Exploring Introvert, so this topic is definitely going to come back!

Let’s revisit the previous episode where I tell you all about Tiago Forte’s system and maybe it can give you some ideas of how BASB could be helpful to you.

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📧 Email me: ⁠contact@thefrankermessage.com⁠

** If you found this podcast helpful, please share it with a friend! I'll be super grateful and your friend will be happy that you thought of them too 🤗 **

In today’s podcast episode we’re talking specifically about cross-cultural introverts.

What’s a cross-cultural introvert? A cross-cultural introvert is an introvert who navigates multiple cultural. They’re people who move between cultures whether you’re working abroad or you’re bringing your multicultural perspective to your work or professional role.

What’s unique for cross-cultural introverts is that you need to balance your natural introverted character with the demands of navigating multiple cultural contexts.

When you’re “in between” cultures like that, it’s normal to feel a little out of place.

A lot of introverts I know have a similar experience when it comes to being an introvert. You feel slightly out of place because, let’s face it, the world is still geared mostly towards extraverts, especially in Western cultures. A lot of introvert are told that they need to change themselves in order to be accepted, appreciated or successful.

I've learned that actually the opposite it true.

In this podcast episode you'll learn why and discover what actually works to manage your energy well and feel confident as an introvert, no matter how circumstances change.

You’ll also learn about the taster sessions Habit Building Basics for cross-cultural introverts. 5 days, 5 topics, 15 minutes a day to help you rethink your habits and figure out what actually works.

Sign up for Habit Building Basics here: http://go.thefrankermessage.com/welcometobacktobasics

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00:00 the Exploring Introvert monthly update

00:44 what's a cross-cultural introvert

02:23 when you’re not really a local (anymore)

03:37 feeling out of place (in between cultures and as an introvert)

04:08 what does this have to do with energy management?

05:09 why most traditional advice doesn't work

08:23 why you need personal pillar habits

10:04 What I've been up to this month

10:59 Habit Building Basics: 5-day taster for cross-cultural introverts

12:05 what exactly is a taster?

13:27 get a personal focus session worth €150,- for free

13:59 Habit Building Basics: 5 days, 5 topics, 15 minutes a day

15:26 recap of the main take aways

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Sign up for Habit Building Basics: http://go.thefrankermessage.com/welcometobacktobasics

Related episodes:

🎦 010 Are you a "low energy person”?

🎦 054 Introverts lack discipline and have no energy...?

⭐ Follow the podcast: Exploring Introvert with Mariella Franker, PhD

⭐ Contact me: contact@thefrankermessage.com⁠⁠

⭐ Visit my website: ⁠⁠thefrankermessage.com