Marty Priest’s Post

“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: I have to go to work—as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for—the things I was brought into the world to do?” – Marcus Aurelius This quote resonates deeply with me. It reminds us to embrace our responsibilities and lean into our purpose, even when the energy to begin the day feels elusive. I am what I call a forced extrovert. Most people wouldn’t guess this about me. I don’t naturally gravitate toward big crowds—I actually move away from them. If a restaurant is packed, I’ll probably find a different one. Big cities with lots of traffic? No, thank you. As for concerts, I’ve been to one. I loved it—but it was overwhelming. Want to go out tonight with a group? My answer is almost always - No, thank you. About 10 days ago, I took the stage at Ignite. The night before, I slept a full 10 hours (an unusual night of rest, as I typically get 6–7 hours). My morning schedule was clear, just a couple of low-stress team meetings and discussions. Afterward, a close friend observed, “Knowing you, that had to be completely exhausting—a room full of people, you at the center of attention.” And they’re not wrong. For me, being a “forced extrovert” means that while I genuinely enjoy connecting with customers and engaging with audiences, it also drains me. It’s a paradox: I find energy in the conversations and moments, but it’s a type of energy that requires recovery. For me, recovery is alone time or time with just my wife and boys. Defining forced extrovert for me is this balance—choosing to step into the spotlight because it’s where I can make the most impact, even though it’s not my natural state. If you relate, I’d love to hear: How do you manage the balance between energy and effort when stepping into roles that push you outside your natural tendencies?