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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

Breaking a Bad Habit: An Introvert's Journey from Social Media Exhaustion to Mindful Language Learning

Ever found yourself doom scrolling through social media when you're exhausted, only to feel more drained afterward? As an introvert and certified habit coach, I discovered one day that I was spent 6 hours on Instagram reels.

It was a wake up call!

What started as a way to "relax" turned into a vicious cycle of exhaustion and procrastination.

In this video, I'll share my personal experience and the science behind breaking a bad habit.

You'll learn:

• Why the 21-day habit building rule is actually a myth (but can still be useful!)
• How to use the science of habit loops to transform your habits
• A practical example of how I replaced social media doom scrolling with more productive activities
• Why consistency matters less than you might think

If you're an introvert struggling with energy management and finding yourself caught in unhealthy habits, this video will show you how you can start to change that.

Plus, discover how I went from 6 hours of reels to learning Spanish, getting better sleep, and feeling more accomplished at the end of each day. This isn't just about breaking a bad habit - it's about creating sustainable changes that work with your energy needs as an introvert.

Subscribe for more insights on habit building, energy management, and productivity strategies specifically designed for introverts.

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00:00 This month I dove into habit formation and breaking a bad habit

00:43 My experiment to stop doom scrolling on IG reels

01:41 When relaxation turns into a bad habit

02:53 Truths and myths: How long before a habit become automatic and how important is consistency really?

03:15 Three elements of habit building: CUE - BEHAVIOR - REWARD

04:30 What’s the 21-day rul?

07:30 You don't need to repeat a habit every day for it to be effective

07:49 Even though it's a myth, the 21-day rule can still be useful

09:07 How important is it to be consistent?

10:47 breaking a bad habit: replacing doom scrolling with language learning

14:03 What can you learn about habit building from this?

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🧭 Sign up for The Exploring Introvert Letters: https://go.thefrankermessage.com/subscribe

📍 Visit my website: ⁠https://www.thefrankermessage.com/

⁠🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn @mariellafranker

Too busy or too tired? Here are 4 habits to stay sane.Here’s a question that I get all the time: what habits do you focus on when things are really hectic and you have no time?This month has been just that, so I thought I’d take you on a walk today and we can talk about it. What has made this month so hectic is that I’ve taken on a project that I knew from the start was going to be a difficult project. It involves a lot of different people and there’s a lot of emotions and even some conflicts. I decided to take it on because I know that I’m the right person to help right now. But it’s a difficult situation and I knew really early on that this project was going to take a lot out of me. Now, if you’re working in a team or organization, you may not always be able to pick your projects. So maybe you’ve been in a similar situation where you have a project where you immediately know that it’s going to be hard. What can you do to still do a good job and keep your sanity at the same time?Come with me on my walk today and we’ll talk about 4 habits to keep your sanity in hectic times.00:00 Habits for hectic times00:49 Tricky project this month01:34 4 habits to keep your sanity with a difficult project02:19 Accepting that it's going to cost more energy03:18 Habit #1: how to set boundaries05:05 Habit #2 & #3: process and recharge07:07 Habit #4 Peace of mind habits09:17 Focus on what's most meaningful---🧭 Sign up for The Exploring Introvert newsletter: thefrankermessage.com/subscribe⁠⁠📍 Visit my website: ⁠thefrankermessage.com⁠🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn @mariellafranker