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Being an introvert has always been a challenge for many people. Despite the fact that there are millions of introverts in the world, there’s still a pervasive belief out there that introverts are socially awkward and can’t stand out.
We live in a highly extroverted world, where jobs, politics, and how quickly we make friends largely depends on how well we can communicate with others. Introverts can sometimes be mistaken for being shy, uncaring, or otherwise uninterested in their surroundings. The fact is an introvert’s brain functions differently than that of the extrovert. Introvert’s brain tends to recharge by spending time alone. They lose energy from being around people for long periods of time. Extroverts are the people-friendly people. Being around people, in fact, makes them energetic and spirited. Extroverts get energized by being with people because too little stimulation drains them.
There are some strategies that you can adapt as an introvert to thrive in this extroverted world.
1. Find time for quietness and solitude:
Source: Siraat-e-Mustaqeem
As an introvert, we usually get tired of socializing. We often get mentally drained and even physically tired. An introvert doesn’t derive energy from other humans. We often tend to seek solitude to recharge our batteries. As an introvert, we experience a sense of satisfaction, even joy, in solitary pursuits, and it is not because there is something wrong. It is because we are, by nature, designed to generate life energy in this manner. It’s our way of recharging and collecting ourselves for the next event or a day. To perform better, we often need to generate energy by being alone.
2. Don’t feel pressured to act like an extrovert:
Source: HuffPost UK
As an introvert, we often felt like we don’t fit in at school, work, and even with friends and family. Some of us can put on the extrovert mask easily. Wearing the mask is more draining than just being yourself. Pretending to be someone else will not let you showcase your strengths. Keeping up with the facade and the image, you have created will become an inevitable struggle. For an introvert, there is no greater feeling than being accepted for who we are. You may encounter some bullies in your way. Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by those who treat your introverted nature as an affliction or a weakness.
3. Build close friendships:
Source: Crosswalk.com
Being an introvert, we are rarely the most popular. If anything, We’re probably most well-known for being the mysterious ones. We usually dislike small talks. Introverts are the least likely to engage in gossip or hang around in big groups. We should concentrate on building close friendships with a few friendly extroverts and other introverts.
4. Focus on your strengths:
Source: mbassett.com
Introverts are often intimidated by the charm and communicating skills of the extroverts. Counting on other’s skills and forgetting about yours can make you feel weak and insecure. There is a famous quote ”The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulate the creative minds.” Cultivate your quiet time. Search for your qualities and talents in your solitude. We need to consider the independent nature of our introverted personalities. We must realize that many extroverts appreciate the open spaces where they can work alongside each other, but we can perform well all alone.
As an introvert, we merely depend on others. Many extroverts think as they speak. Doing that can lead them to say things they don’t mean. You can never take back words. We introverts think a lot before speaking. Thinking before speaking can be an advantage for us. Make sure that you speak up when you have something important to say. Before you speak up, take advantage of your ability to observe other people, the environment you’re in and the energy flow in the room. Since you don’t speak too frequently, people will pay more attention to what you say when you do speak up. We should cherish our strengths and put them to use.
5. Believe in yourself:
Source: Improve Confidence and Self-Esteem
Introverts are often mistaken for being either arrogant or shy. As an introvert, you are often judged by others. It may be difficult to believe in yourself if you are always trying to please others. We also tend to assume people are focusing on us more than they are.
Try to remind yourself to focus on the positive more than the negative. Surround yourself with supportive and passionate people who can both inspire you and bring out the best in you. You can find them with friends, family or books.
