The hidden power of not (always) fitting in. | Marianne Cantwell | TEDxNorwichED

Summary

This insightful talk explores the concept of being a 'Liminal' person—someone who doesn't quite fit into any one box but thrives in the in-between spaces. Drawing from personal experiences and examples of cultural icons, the speaker emphasizes how the world often rewards specialists, yet many individuals feel boxed in by society's one-size-fits-all expectations. Instead, they advocate for embracing one's multifaceted nature and creating a unique 'island' that blends various influences. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace their liminality as a strength, arguing that in a rapidly changing world, it's this very trait that fosters innovation, creativity, and success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace your unique identity: Many people feel like they don’t fit perfectly into any one box, and that’s okay. Embracing your differences can be a strength rather than a flaw.
• 😀 Generalists can thrive: While specialists are often praised, being a generalist, someone who bridges different worlds, can lead to innovation and success.
• 😀 Lial: A state of in-betweenness: The term 'Lial' describes individuals who don't fully belong to one identity or world, but navigate multiple spaces with ease.
• 😀 Society often encourages a narrow path: We're taught to specialize and fit into predefined roles, but for some, this path feels limiting and restrictive.
• 😀 You don’t have to fit a mold: Rather than forcing yourself into a specific identity or career, create your own space where all parts of you can fit and thrive.
• 😀 Innovation happens through combination: Successful leaders and creators often find success by combining ideas and influences from different areas or industries.
• 😀 Leaders are often 'Lial': Those who excel in bridging multiple worlds and combining different perspectives are the innovators and change-makers of our society.
• 😀 Being 'Lial' is not about rebellion: It’s about finding your own way and bringing different elements of your personality, background, and experience into the light.
• 😀 The world needs you now: At a time when the world is increasingly divided, people who can navigate between different perspectives and industries are more valuable than ever.
• 😀 Create your own 'island': Instead of trying to fit into an existing space, build your own niche where every part of who you are can thrive and be valued.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's talk?

The central theme of the talk is about embracing the concept of being 'Lial,' which refers to the in-between state of not fitting neatly into any one identity. The speaker advocates for creating your own space, or 'island,' where all aspects of who you are can thrive, rather than conforming to a singular identity.

What does the term 'Lial' mean, and how does it relate to personal identity?

'Lial' describes a state of in-betweenness, where a person is not fully defined by one identity but instead exists on the borders of multiple identities or categories. The speaker emphasizes that this trait, often seen as a challenge, can actually be a valuable asset, especially in creative and leadership roles.

How does the speaker's personal experience contribute to the talk's message?

The speaker's personal experience of growing up with a mixed cultural background, struggling with fitting into one identity, and later creating a successful career outside traditional molds, highlights the practical application of the 'Lial' concept. Her journey of creating a career that allowed her to embrace her full self without compromise serves as a powerful example of the talk's message.

What does the speaker mean by 'creating your own island'?

'Creating your own island' refers to the idea of carving out a personal or professional space that blends various aspects of your personality, background, and interests, rather than trying to fit into predefined categories or identities. It is about building a unique niche where you can be fully yourself.

What role do 'vampires' and 'zombies' play in the speaker's argument?

The speaker uses vampires and zombies as metaphors for people who exist in a state of liminality—they are not fully alive nor fully dead, not fully human nor fully other. These figures represent individuals who don't fit into a single, clear category, reflecting the 'Lial' nature of being in-between worlds.

How does the concept of liminality relate to popular culture?

The concept of liminality is explored through popular culture, where characters or themes often embody this in-between state, such as vampires in TV shows or the moral ambiguity in shows like 'Breaking Bad.' These stories resonate with audiences because they reflect real-life experiences of feeling like you don't fully fit into any one box.

What does the speaker suggest about the traditional advice of 'finding your passion'?

The speaker critiques the traditional advice of 'finding your passion' or 'finding your tribe,' arguing that this advice often leads to frustration for people who don't fit neatly into one identity. Instead, the speaker encourages embracing one's multifaceted nature and creating a career or life that allows for multiple interests and personalities to coexist.

How does the speaker redefine the concept of success?

The speaker redefines success by shifting the focus from fitting into a specific mold to embracing one's unique blend of traits and interests. Rather than striving to be a specialist, the speaker highlights the value of being a generalist and creating a new space where different aspects of oneself can flourish.

Why does the speaker use the example of Elizabeth Gilbert?

Elizabeth Gilbert is used as an example because she demonstrates how success can come from embracing a diverse set of interests and not limiting oneself to one identity. Gilbert moved beyond her fame from 'Eat Pray Love' to explore other creative avenues, which aligns with the speaker's message of growing and evolving without being confined to a single identity.

What is the speaker's perspective on innovation and leadership?

The speaker believes that innovation and leadership arise from bridging different worlds, combining diverse perspectives, and embracing one's 'Lial' nature. By straddling multiple identities or fields, individuals can bring fresh ideas and solutions, making them highly valuable in today's rapidly changing world.