Skip to main content

Introvert Inspiration: Don't change for others

Introvert Pride

Growing up, I knew something about me was different.

These are the kinds of questions that ran through my mind almost interminably:

Why am I not gregarious like my peers?

Why don't I seem to get as worked up about stuff?

Why don't I enjoy drawing attention to myself like my friends do?

Why do others give me such a hard time for being quiet and keeping to myself?

If you're an introvert, I'm sure you can relate.

Chances are it wasn't until you reached your teens or young adulthood (perhaps even later, as did I) that you discovered there wasn't anything wrong with you. 

Society had simply conditioned you and me to believe there was because it is extroverts -- the loud, chatty folks who yearn for the spotlight -- who seem in the majority, and they harbor a healthy distrust of mild-mannered, self-contained individuals. 

Take job ads you see online or in the paper.

How many times have seen keywords/phrases like these peppered in said listings:

  • Self-starter
  • Quick on your feet 
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Can work in teams
I've lost count!

How about the disapproving looks you get when you tell people that:
  • You'd rather stay in and read than go out to a party
  • You become drained after heavy social interaction 
  • You prefer small groups to large crowds
  • You observe and gather your thoughts before contributing to the conversation 
No matter how much flak you get from others who can't grasp what being an introvert is really like (since their internal make-up is different), hold fast. 

No matter how hard people try to pressure you into coming out of your shell, or being more like them or how they think you should be, don't budge. 

Now, if you want to work on faking extroversion at times because you feel it might help you career- or relationship-wise, go for it. 

Make adjustments on your terms and not others'. 

There are far too many extroverts and too few introverts in the world to have another one of us defect to the other side, all to gain others' approval.

You need no one's validation but your own!

If someone can't accept you for who you are, maybe you're simply in the wrong job or relationship. 

Your unique attributes as an introvert -- depth, intelligence, creativity, quiet confidence -- are ones to celebrate, not be ashamed of. 

The world should be thankful it isn't solely inhabited by extroverts. If it were, you wouldn't have:
  • as many innovative novels, artworks, and inventions being put out
  • someone in the conversation who actually stops to listen
  • people willing to share (or gladly give up) the spotlight 
  • people who delve into deep topics
Let's face it, fellow introverts: The world could not revolve without us. It's time we took pride and delight in being the rare, introspective, bright, profound breed we are. 

Always stay true to yourself -- and be inspired by your introversion! I came to accept my introversion as fundamental to my identity, and you can too!

Keep reading my posts for can't-miss tips on introvert acceptance and empowerment. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introverts, find your voice -- and let it be heard!

Introverts are, by their very nature, unassuming.  The last thing we want to do is draw attention to ourselves, whether it be promoting our accomplishments at work in hopes of landing a promotion, talking up our best traits on a blind date, or speaking up when on the receiving end of someone's unseemly behavior. But finding our inner voice is imperative. We must never let anyone -- and that includes ourselves -- silence it. It doesn't mean you have to turn surly, treating others like they're beneath you.  But you should never let yourself become anyone's doormat either. You're your own chief advocate. If you don't stand up for yourself, no one will.  Never feel too embarrassed or guilty to speak honestly and respectfully in support of your goals, values, and beliefs.  I'm not saying you need to become a masterful public speaker, or that you should pretend to be a Know-It-All.  Instead, what I'm saying is never to let anyone suppress your voice. You have ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Do introverts always want to be alone?

It's a common misconception that introverts want to be left alone all the time. Sure, we're not as prone as extroverts to becoming lonely and irritable in our own company, but that doesn't mean we avoid social interactions like the plague. We like to socialize, only in smaller doses than our more extroverted peers.  Here's how to keep us from exhausting our energy reserves: 1. Allow us small breaks to disconnect every now and then . Don't take offense to our wanting to go for a walk or take a nap. Perhaps we're drained after spending the day in drawn-out meetings.  2. A stampede of people? No, thanks.  Keep it to a small group of no more than 5 to 10 people, if possible. Introverts feel far more in their element when they can engage in one-on-one conversation. For us, more people usually translates to small talk on steroids. Needless to say, there aren't many things we loathe more than mindless chit-chat. 3. Don't block the exits. Heavy noise and commoti...
Post a Comment
Read more

My bumpy road to discovering I am an introvert

From an early age, I knew there was something about me -- my personality, my temperament -- that differentiated me from my peers. I just didn't know what it was. I sensed I was more retiring, less hungry for attention, and more at ease in solitude than most people.  Now that I'm an adult and comfortable in my introversion, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm proud of my uniqueness, and every introvert on this page ought to be as well.  That isn't to say the road to self-awareness has been an easy one.  Whether at school or work, I've lost count of the number of people over the years who've either questioned or criticized my quiet, unassuming disposition.  In the workplace, supervisors and co-workers have pulled no punches with their biting sarcasm, saying things like "Hey, keep it down over here. You're too loud!" For whatever reason, it makes some folks uneasy when there's someone at work who keeps to themselves. They might suspect they...
Post a Comment
Read more