Project Reset: Meet the Four Vibes
A new, more focused approach to vibes and how I'll use them in the future.
Long before I started writing this newsletter, I had a set of big ideas that I could not stop thinking about. Over the past eight months, I’ve published 31 newsletter issues, all focused on setting the stage for those ideas.
Along the way, I searched for a way to frame or structure my points and how they relate to each of us. A new framework is now in place, and it represents a significant (and exciting) change.
The Four Vibes
A vibe is the default setting of how you engage with the world; what comes naturally, even when you’re not trying. Who we are, how we behave, and how we think are part of our vibe and often, innate parts of us. Vibes are part of our nature and how our brains operate.
The Vibes Project is now oriented around four specific vibes. Each vibe has a set of observable traits or qualities. The vibes are mostly social; they matter most in how we relate to one another.
My hypothesis is that all four vibes apply to everyone to different degrees. Your unique mix of vibes is part of what makes you you. The four vibes are:
The Natural - Intuitively attuned to people, situations, and culture
The Analyst - Driven by knowledge, projects, and things more than people
The Feeler - Highly sensitive to environments, people, and culture (coming soon)
The Performer - Motivated to fit into groups, reflect culture, and make an impression (coming soon)
Why These Vibes?
These vibes live in the same social universe. They are all part of how we appear to others and understand ourselves. This list may not be complete, and may change, but will serve as a valuable starting point. Let’s look at them one by one.
The “Natural” Vibe (Formerly Coolness)
In researching coolness, I wrote the Roots of Cool series and listed four qualities that are necessary for someone to be considered cool. They are:
Cool Composure: Calm effortlessness and grace under pressure
Hip Awareness: Social grace and cultural awareness
Spirit of Rebellion: A willingness to challenge norms and the mainstream
Authentic Expression: Being true to oneself in all things.
These also describe the "Natural” vibe. People with this vibe are naturally in tune with others and the broader culture while being authentically themselves. They socialize and adapt effortlessly via intuition. Their default setting is relaxed and above it all. They can also seem detached, arrogant, or dismissive of others.
👉 Read a summary of the Natural Vibe.
The “Analyst” Vibe (Formerly Nerdiness)
This vibe connects to my research on nerdiness and the Welcome to the Nerdiverse series, where I outlined qualities that are common in people who are considered nerdy. They are:
Rational Thinking - Why Nerds Don’t Smoke
Rule-Based Systems - How Nerds Get High
Intellectual Curiosity - Library Rats and the Rage to Master
Precision and Completeness - When Good Enough Isn’t Enough
When someone possesses the qualities above, they are naturally attuned to knowledge, ideas, and things more than to people. Analysts prefer to spend time reading, learning, experimenting, and analyzing. They excel in problem-solving and can focus for long periods. They may be awkward in social situations and enjoy time with other analysts. Today, the skills of Analysts are in high demand.
👉 Read a summary of the Analyst Vibe.
The “Feeler” Vibe
An analysis of the Feeler vibe is coming next. It relates to people who are naturally sensitive to their environment and to the needs of others, both personally and culturally. They feel and think deeply. They are often creative and express their individuality. We’ll see that sensitivity is deeper and more fascinating than you expect.
The “Performer” Vibe
The Performer is someone who naturally assumes different roles for different situations. They focus more on trends than on expressing an authentic version of themselves. They are social and knowledgeable about cultural changes, and work to make a desired impression. This series is coming soon.
Looking Ahead to the Real Fun
The four vibes will become a platform for understanding ourselves and our fellow humans. Once they are in place, I’ll share a fun tool for analyzing public figures in terms of their vibes, as well as an assessment to help you understand your vibes.
It will take time for the full picture to emerge, but I’m convinced that this idea will be captivating and appeal to virtually anyone. Thank you for being with me!
The way you explain how people ARE, it makes sense why I don’t want to deal THEM!