21 Comments
User's avatar
Robin Andrew's avatar

Definitely a Tigger who tries to cheer on the Eeyore’s in my life.

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

We need those Tiggers - I'm married to one!

Expand full comment
Robin Andrew's avatar

Opposites do attract 😊

Expand full comment
Susie Wilson's avatar

I need to think about this designation before making a decision which may make me an Eeyore.

Whatever I am, although a firstborn, I know I will learn a great deal from reading these thoughtful, wise and valuable words of Prof. Sanderson every week. Susie Wilson

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

I could have guessed that you are a firstborn! Glad to share that in common with you (like our birthday number)!

Expand full comment
Donna Drake's avatar

I am definitely a Tigger! Definitely a glass half full person. However my daughter called me a toxic optimist and I was floored that there was such a thing. Now, instead of rushing to the “you can do it” cheerleading, I listen to better understand where the feelings are coming from and then my daughter (and also my employees) are more apt to move forward in a positive way.

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

This is such a great point, Donna! People see the world in a particular way - and understanding that our own way isn't the only way is so important. I have the reverse problem with my daughter - who is much more optimistic and doesn't always appreciate my doom and gloom predictions!

Expand full comment
Donna Drake's avatar

I love that we are all a little different 😊 even when it drives me crazy 🤪

Expand full comment
James Scott McSheffrey's avatar

Family often finds some traits to be more strong than others. I often get comments like “ you think people can do anything” from family.

I do!!!!

Even as the world is being turned upside down. I have hope we will rectify our ways. What else is there?

Expand full comment
Robin Andrew's avatar

Donna, I am like you a Tigger but your daughter’s comment has given me pause to think. I love your approach and will be mindful of using it as I think it’s very considerate and thoughtful way to approach people. Thanks for sharing!

Expand full comment
Lynne Morris's avatar

My daughter recently told me that I am the most introverted extrovert that she has ever met. I decided to take it as a compliment.

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

I love that - definitely a compliment!

Expand full comment
Ann Cox's avatar

I too am a firstborn woman and a constant worrier with a need of a plan for every eventuality. It is very tiring.

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

Psychologists call this "cognitive labor" ... and yes, it is exhausting!

Expand full comment
James Scott McSheffrey's avatar

Exhausting as hell!🤣🤣🤣

Expand full comment
Lynne Morris's avatar

I can relate to Eeyore.. even saying things like "Thanks for noticing me Pooh" at times in my life. I am the youngest of 4 children, which may give some clarity to that. But I can also be a Tigger, for example going on a solo trip to New Zealand or building my own greenhouse (anything I put my mind to, I can do). I think that putting myself in a box (by labeling myself) makes me believe that I cannot change.

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

I love your flexibility - and I bet that stands you in good stead! Being able to adapt and challenge new things is a GREAT skill!

Expand full comment
James Scott McSheffrey's avatar

I think I repurpose and reconstruct now. I battled anxiety and my mind for many years. Not that it doesn’t arise now but it’s manageable.

I find that I can take an issue or situation and decide to find the silver lining or the opportunity.

However, oddly or maybe not because I think the science backs it up. When I chose and convinced myself to no longer fear death and that “time was not running out” I felt peace.

I cant learn it all, I cant do it all. But all that I can do and learn I can enjoy, appreciate and show gratitude.

Trying to be a Tigger more often.

Expand full comment
James Scott McSheffrey's avatar

Oh yea first born as well.

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

I'm sensing a pattern ...

Expand full comment
Catherine Sanderson's avatar

Congratulations on making this shift (and achieving peace) - that's a perfect illustration of how change can happen - exactly as the science now shows!

Expand full comment