Tuesday, October 15, 2013

are you a rebel?

Are You a "Rebel?" It's Rare

Are You a "Rebel?" It's Rare


October 15, 2013

Do you want to change your habits? If you're like just about everyone, yes. Turns out that the first step to take is to know yourself.
I love dividing the world into different categories, and when it comes to habit-change, people fit into four categories — what I call the Rubin Character Index. If you want to change your habits, it's very helpful to know your category.
These categories describe how people tend to respond to expectations: outer expectations (a deadline, a “request” from a sweetheart) and inner expectations (write a novel in your free time, keep a New Year's resolution).
I recently gave a talk at LinkedIn about the Rubin Character Index. I'm posting four short videos in which I discuss each category.
I've already posted about Upholders (that's my category); read and watch here. I've also posted about Questioners (my husband is a Questioner); read and watch here.
In my very unscientific study of these categories, it's become quite clear that Rebel is the smallest category, then Upholder--this was a shock to me. I didn't realize how few people are Upholders. Most people are Questioners or Obligers.
In a nutshell:
  • Upholders respond readily to outer and inner expectations
  • Questioners question all expectations; they'll meet an expectation if they think it makes sense
  • Rebels resist all expectations, outer and inner alike
  • Obligers meet outer expectations, but struggle to meet expectations they impose on themselves

Do you know what category describes you? How does it affect your ability to change your habits?
More videos to follow.
Photo credit: ollyy / Shutterstock.com
++
The Happiness Project has been a New York Times bestseller for more than two years. Yowza! It was even an answer on the game show Jeopardy! Intrigued? If you’re curious about the book, you can…
Order your copy.
Read sample chapters.
Watch the one-minute book video.
Listen to a sample of the audiobook.



People who read this post also read:
1-4 of 20
  1. The Positive Power of Negative Thinking
    The Positive Power of Negative Thinking
  2. Seven Steps to Prepare for an Interview
    Seven Steps to Prepare for an Interview
  3. The One Job Interview Question to Get Right
    The One Job Interview Question to Get...
  4. How to Become a Top Industry Expert
    How to Become a Top Industry Expert
  5. 3 Ways Halloween Can Kill Your Career
    3 Ways Halloween Can Kill Your Career
  6. The Role of Attention for Creativity
    The Role of Attention for Creativity
  7. Don't Throw Up on the Customer
    Don't Throw Up on the Customer
  8. The Secret Key to Success and Failure - "You"
    The Secret Key to Success and Failure -...
  9. How To Start A Conversation With Someone You Don't Know
    How To Start A Conversation With...
  10. A Silly Weekend Will Make Next Week Better
    A Silly Weekend Will Make Next Week...
  11. Don’t Start a Job Search Without Answering This One Question
    Don’t Start a Job Search Without...
  12. 21 Awesome Things to Say to Yourself
    21 Awesome Things to Say to Yourself
  13. How I Learned to Dream Big. And Why We Must Help Young People Do the Same
    How I Learned to Dream Big. And Why We...
  14. 5 Mistakes Job Hunters Make
    5 Mistakes Job Hunters Make
  15. What One Thing Can You Quit Today?
    What One Thing Can You Quit Today?
  16. Dancing in the Conversation vs Networking
    Dancing in the Conversation vs...
  17. Five Ways to Sell an Idea to Your Boss
    Five Ways to Sell an Idea to Your Boss
  18. Best Way to Have Outstanding References
    Best Way to Have Outstanding References
  19. How To Take Control Of Your Career And Learn To Move On
    How To Take Control Of Your Career And...
  20. The 5 Steps To Master Happiness Through Time
    The 5 Steps To Master Happiness Through...

Like YouSharon W.Sheldon S.Sheila B.nagaraj A.Scott T.+ 50
Add a comment21 comments
Alan Russell 



















    

  • Flag and HideBenedikte E.

    
Benedikte 
E.

    
Product Manager at Hilton Foods
    
Or maybe the Rebels just resist being labeled, and refuse to 
answer :-)

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R., Elizabeth 
O., Sebastien 
L., +3
    

    
2 
Replies
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • Flag and HideGretchen Rubin

      
Gretchen 
Rubin AUTHOR 2nd

      
Bestselling author; blogger 
www.happiness-project.com
      
Yes! Rebels often say, "I'm 
not like anyone else, I don't fit in a category." But then their behavior does 
fit in this category.

      

1 hour ago
      

      
Joanna 
R.
      

      

      • 

    • Flag and HideAdam Bland

      
Adam 
Bland

      
Accountant
      
Im sure that 
you are in over 100 data bases...all from data from your computer, everywhere 
you have gone on the net, every electronic transaction which can be traced to 
you, any profiles you have with any websites, as well as any information that 
any tablets or smart devices that you own. I bet you also have been put into 
more than 100 categories, depending on the context of the question somebody 
wants to answer about you...so don't worry, many have answered for you.

      

2 hours ago
      

      
Bryna 
Ramirez and Joanna 
R.
      

      

      • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideG. Franklin P.

    
G. 
Franklin P.

    
Author at Self employed
    
I 
was born during the civil rights movement and Marlon Brando on a motorcycle. 
Hahahaha! I have no choice to not be a rebel, those were my only role models 
from the Kennedy's to the the Kings-Letters from a Birmingham Jail...

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R., Erik 
D., and Shaun 
K.
    

    
2 
Replies
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideYasir M.

    
Yasir 
M.

    
Strategic Operations Manager at Ajax Financial | 
Senior Market Strategist at fxnewstoday.ae | economies.com | icn.com |
    
Having a rebel worker among your staff could be helpful, all 
you need is to know how to : Gather the energy he/she has, and Steer it to the 
right direction that helps your overall plans ,, Rebels can have big energy but 
they need to be sure not to waste it negatively .

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R. and Shaun 
K.
    

    
2 
Replies
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideJasbir K.

    
Jasbir 
K.

    
Rotarian at Rotary International
    
I am an individual first. I dislike being labeled or 
categorized. Under different situations I can be any of the above. My 
thoughts.

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
4 
Replies
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and Hidepraveen K.

    
praveen 
K.

    
Lead Engineer at John Deere India
    
Its more of what habit a person is looking for a change and 
why? Answer to these questions places that person on categories defined above. 
Secondly its difficult to change some of the habits which are being followed for 
some years as our sub-conscious mind is addicted to it. Need to look for 
alternative to get rid any particular habit.

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
2 
Replies
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideSean O.

    
Sean 
O.

    
Marketing Associate at Job Coconut Ltd
    
Currently I'm probably more of an Obliger but I'm working on 
becoming more of an Upholder.

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideErik D.

    
Erik 
D.

    
Matthews International Bronze Division
    
Unfortunately, we live in a culture that highly discourages 
critical thinking today. However, Issac Newton, Einstein and Freud were all 
critical thinkers. Thinking outside the box means being a rebel. You can't have 
true innovation and authoritarianism. Corporations, by their very nature, impede 
creative and original thought because a brilliant idea can come from anyone, 
even the guy in the mailroom. Very often the CEO is the least creative person at 
a firm with the most to lose by being wrong.

    

3 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
2 
Replies
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideEylem A.

    
Eylem 
A.

    
Consultant, Financial Services, FP&A
    
Depends on who is asking/evaluating.

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideRuby A.

    
Ruby 
A.

    
sales
    
Each of us has its 
own perception of doing things the right way. However in an effort to understand 
, create a careful selected approach to one's initiative decision, I choose to 
trust my senses with philosophical concept and values. I am a rebel when 
practices have no integrity

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideA.J. C.

    
A.J. 
C.

    
Bilingual Marketing & Communications Consultant 
for Small Biz. Focus: Montessori Education, Healthcare, Hispanic Market.
    
Good motivational tips to manage people; however, I think 
some people are not 100% one way OR another, but a combined percentage of all 
the characters. The greatest the reason to be aware of all these tips applicable 
to different characters (and situations) and practice them as needed, IMHO. 
Thanks for the resource, Gretchen 
Rubin.

    

2 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HidePerla J.

    
Perla 
J.

    
PMP, CQA
    
Rebel or 
conflict - both can be positive. These factors bring in fresh ideas and views 
that can be turned into opportunities, Granted, there must be a true leader to 
manage the situation. 

    

3 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HidePriyal D.

    
Priyal 
D.

    
Senior Field Applications Support Specialist 
(Bioinformatics) at Applied Biosystems
    
Smart people 
will not do things blindly. They like learning from other peoples mistakes and 
experience....This is why in science we have libraries and other information 
resources to read up about other peoples mistakes and experience before start 
doing something. Therefore one cannot regard everyone that refuses to do what 
they are told to do as a rebel......they just could be smart.

    

3 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideMichael P.

    
Michael 
P.

    
Information Systems Security Management
    
I rebel against doing things that don't make sense. Guess 
that makes me a questioner, although I probably need to see the supporting data 
to say for sure. ;-)

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • Flag and HideJoanna R.

      
Joanna 
R.

      
Current Position-Sitting on a chair
      
I try to do at least 5 things every day that don't make 
sense. So, far… Success! Just don't ask me about it.

      

2 hours 
ago
      

      

      • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideDr.Sunder S.

    
Dr.Sunder 
S.

    
Lokah: samasthah: sukhino bhavantu
    
That is fine, and she has made four categories, and be the 
upholder, and also be the questioner. But ultimately what you do, and how you 
react will depend upon the habit formed by the fine impression of all 
experiences.

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
1 Reply
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    


    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and Hidemadan gupta

    
madan 
gupta

    
To Increase Sale , Productivity & Profitability 
of a Declining Company
    
really good

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideAlvaro N.

    
Alvaro 
N.

    
Sputtering, ALD, vacuum process engineer
    
Fascinating questions. Hopefully I can read up more on the 
above and the on the "Happiness Project" too as time permits.

    

4 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideShaun K.

    
Shaun 
K.

    
Office Manager at Adecco Staffing, USA
    
I have always considered myself a rebel... however, as the 
article states, my level of "rebellion" is situation based as I see myself 
balancing between "questioner" and "rebel". As for how it affects my ability to 
change habits... well as a rebel I must constantly look to see what I can do 
away with and then question why I was doing it in the first place.

    

3 hours ago
    

    
Joanna 
R.
    

    
2 
Replies
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • Flag and HideGretchen Rubin

      
Gretchen 
Rubin AUTHOR 2nd

      
Bestselling author; blogger 
www.happiness-project.com
      
As to whether you're a 
Questioner or a Rebel--it can be a fine line. Questioners are motivated by 
REASONS, they don't like anything arbitrary, for instance. Rebels want to do 
what they WANT to do.

      

1 hour ago
      

      

      • 

    • Flag and HideJoanna R.

      
Joanna 
R.

      
Current Position-Sitting on a chair
      
Shaun, say that again with green hair. Hmmmm? Hmmmmm?

      

2 hours 
ago
      

      

      • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideDONNA J.

    
DONNA 
J.

    
ecomiste at Not 4 Profit Personnel
    
sens of the word ...

    

2 hours ago
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideJoanna R.

    
Joanna 
R.

    
Current Position-Sitting on a chair
    
Way cool! I'm a rabble rouser! Or a hamburgler! 
Rabble-rabble-robble-robble.

    

2 hours ago
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Flag and HideVéronique B.

    
Véronique 
B.

    
Consulente d'immagine presso me stesso
    
Sure, I am.

    

2 hours ago
    

    

    
Alan Russell

    




    

    



    




    

    

    

    

    

      

    • 

    

    

    

    

    • 

  • Show 
More
    • 






Delete Flag and Hide 








Delete

Are you sure you want to delete this comment?




 



















Posted by



at












































No comments:















Post a Comment


















        

      









Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)