Heb je ooit het gevoel dat je de boel flink wilt opschudden? Misschien door op je werk in een uitbundige outfit te verschijnen, of op een stressvol moment spontaan iets excentrieks te doen?
We reageren allemaal anders op stressvolle prikkels zoals deadlines, lange takenlijsten of spanningen in het team. Soms uit zich dat in persoonlijke expressie, waarbij jouw unieke identiteit naar voren komt.
Of je nu degene bent met een bureau vol wilde planten, of een collega die in zingen uitbarst wanneer de druk toeneemt – het zijn interessante manieren om met stress om te gaan.
This blog explores how eccentric behavior is linked to personality and stress, plus three ways you can turn this reaction into a strength.
Understanding Unconventionality As a Stress Response
Many psychological factors shape our responses to stress; one of them is our personality traits.
These long-term determinants of our behavior are hard to change: they’re a large part of what makes us uniquely “us,” driving how we express ourselves and react to the world around us.
They are Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness: the five proposed personality elements we each possess in different degrees.
When the stakes are high or we have a lot to deal with, our expression of those personality traits can influence our coping strategies. Think of it as stress “drawing the curtain back” on the Big Five.
Specifically, when we are under stress:
- Neuroticism might translate into more emotionally charged and visibly unconventional stress responses
- High Extraversion could manifest as more assertive or direct connection-seeking behavior
- Agreeableness often drives overly accommodating or “people-pleasing” ways of behaving when we feel overwhelmed
- Those of us high in the Conscientiousness trait might display more zealous behavior, e.g., being overly focused on organization or minute details
- High Openness could trigger more eccentric responses, such as creativity with ideas or self-expression.
This month’s Stress! Coaching Card is focused on the last one, Openness, and how this manifests as a coping mechanism for stress. I chose this card because of its potential to impact team relationships, as we’ll see in just a second below.
Too Much Of a Good Thing…
Unconventional choices and behavior often lead to innovation and self-discovery that promotes personsal growth. However, going against the grain can also have challenging impacts on how we are seen by and fit in with those around us.
Depending on our environment and social context, eccentricity as a stress response can have potentially negative impacts:
- It might be misunderstood: Unfortunately, we can’t control how others interpret our behaviors. While your quirky jokes or dress sense might be a harmless way to relieve stress, being viewed as “unprofessional” or “unreliable” can impact your career and personal opportunities, regardless of how unfair those impressions might be.
- It can lead to social isolation: Building on the last point, misunderstandings and judgment can result in social exclusion or difficulties connecting with others. This is especially true in environments where conformity is highly valued.
- It might trigger conflict: In extreme cases where a (work or social) culture prioritizes conventionality and “blending in,” social challenges might even escalate into conflict. This can be particularly problematic when stress levels are already running high.
- It can be distracting: There’s nothing truly harmful about wearing bowtie or bright colors if it makes you feel better under pressure. But if it (or, say, your “stress singing”) distracts others from their work, it may be worth considering alternative coping strategies for the strain you’re under.
3 Healthy Ways To Channel Your Eccentricity
To recap, context largely defines whether being “out there” is helpful or a hindrance. By becoming more self-aware and purposeful about your behavior, you can ensure your eccentricity has a positive rather than self-sabotaging impact.
Try out these three practical tips…
1. Find A Balance
As we’ve seen, openness and how you choose to express it is what makes you unique. Find the right balance between professionalism and personality, and it’s a strength that helps you stand out in life and work.
One tip is to be mindful of how others perceive your eccentricity; try to aim for a balance between expressing yourself personally and acting in the professional way your workplace requires. For instance:
- Seek others’ feedback on your behavior and choices. Reflect on your personal and professional history, then use that knowledge to guide your behavior
- Respect others’ boundaries. There’s nothing wrong with channeling your unique self, but consider how your actions impact others before you act. Treat others how you’d like to be treated!
2. Reflect To Enrich
Identifying patterns in your eccentricity may help you become more intentional with it. Take some time to think about what form your eccentric behavior takes, when you tend to show it, and how it serves you when you do.
For example:
- Does joking about a tight deadline help you feel better about your ability to meet it?
- Do you express your creative side by dressing up quirkily on casual Fridays?
Set time aside or start a journal—whatever helps you learn more about “leaning into it.”
3. Structure Your Creativity
Designate “creative hours” especially for channeling your eccentric energy in ways that don’t negatively impact your professional life.
Whether it’s evening painting sessions or a drama class each weekend, setting time aside enables you to embrace your artistic side and leverage your strengths. All without distracting you from work!
