Own Your Odd: How Quirks Become Your Superpower at Work
- Dr. CK Bray
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Quirks Are Your Superpower: Why Being a Little Weird Might Be Exactly What the World Needs
Let’s get one thing straight: that “weird” thing you do—the way you constantly rearrange the pens before a meeting, blurt out random ideas mid-conversation, or your obsession with color-coded calendars—isn’t something to hide.
It might just be your superpower.
The May/June 2025 issue of Psychology Today dropped a powerful reminder: our quirks—those small, sometimes odd traits that make us who we are—aren’t just harmless personality traits. According to psychologists and neuroscientists, they’re often the very traits that make us more creative, resilient, productive, and human.
Let’s unpack why embracing your quirks could change the game for you and everyone around you.
The Brain Science Behind Being “Different”
Neuroscience 101: No two brains are alike. We’re wired with billions of neurons forming trillions of connections and those connections light up in unique patterns based on our genetics, experiences, and personalities. So while society may subtly push you to fit in, your brain? It’s doing everything it can to stand out.
Quirks often come from what scientists call neurodiversity differences in how brains process information, emotions, and environments. Some people are ultra-sensitive to sound. Others see patterns where no one else can. Some ask 10 questions before breakfast. These aren’t bugs in the system; they’re features. Evolution didn’t make us carbon copies—it made us creative outliers.
Quirks at Work: From “Awkward” to Advantage
Think of your office (or Zoom screen) for a second. Who’s the person who insists on using whiteboards for every brainstorm? Or the one who double-checks everything with a fine-toothed comb? Annoying? Maybe. But also—essential.
That whiteboard wizard might be the visual thinker who saves the team from a bad idea. That detail-obsessed teammate? They’re the ones who catch the mistake before it costs you a client.
Psychologists say quirks help us process the world in nonlinear, unexpected ways, where innovation, problem-solving, and new ideas are born.
So… should you shout your quirks from the rooftops?
Well, maybe don’t shout them (unless that’s your thing). But yes; own them.
Here’s how:
Notice what makes you different. What do people tease you about? What do you do without thinking? That’s where your quirk lives.
Ask how that trait helps you (and your team). Are you always the devil’s advocate? That could be why your team avoids blind spots.
Lean into it, don’t apologize for it. Adapt where necessary, but don’t shrink your shine.
And if you're a leader, create a space where people feel safe showing up fully human. Where quirks aren't quirks—they're culture-building strengths.
Final Thought: The World Doesn’t Need More Perfect People
It needs more people who are unapologetically themselves—who think differently, question things, see odd connections, and spark laughter in the middle of serious meetings.
So go ahead. Color-code those spreadsheets. Use your walk-and-talk brainstorms. Share the wild idea that seems too out there because your quirks might be the very thing that helps your team thrive.
Let your weird flag fly. It might be your superpower.
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Header image by Freepik
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