Life of the party? Tuh! You barely want to attend the party (or any other social gathering). But if you were somehow convinced to go and found yourself in a quiet corner, living in your own headspace and wishing you were elsewhere (aka home), you might be an introvert. If that’s the case, you’re in good company. So before you go cray cray trying to be a social butterfly, let’s look at some ways you can still thrive without overcompensating for your laid-back nature.
Know Your Strengths
Introverts are often perceived as shy or antisocial when in reality, they just have a different way of interacting with the rest of the world. While some introverts are extremely self-aware, instead of viewing their personality traits as strengths, some have compared themselves to extroverts and internally labeled themselves as socially awkward.
Introverts, listen up! You possess qualities that are often undervalued but should never be mistaken for weaknesses. Most introverts are:
1. Great active listeners
If you’re fortunate enough to have an introverted friend, they are probably who you call when you really want to feel heard. Introverts don’t just hear words; they absorb their meaning and excel at understanding all sides of a discussion. People feel safe opening up to introverts because they know they’ll observe and listen with empathy, often without judgment.
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2. Creative thinkers
Introverts have an eye for and can appreciate a well-crafted sentence or a piece of music or art, but most of all, solitude—that’s where all the magic happens and the most innovative ideas come to life.
You can bet that an introvert is somewhere in the world right now telling their company or workplace “You’re welcome” for coming up with a bomb idea (quietly, of course, in true introvert fashion).
3. Amazing leaders
Compared to extroverts, introverts usually aren’t nearly as flamboyant and outspoken, so it may surprise you that they make exceptional leaders. Most introverted leaders take the time to learn about their employees and work environment, so they are more reflective and considerate in their decision-making. They tend to do less micromanaging and more empowering, and because they don’t care about having the spotlight, they are less likely to take all the credit for their team’s success.
Recognizing strengths helps introverts overcome challenges and develop a more positive self-image. Your traits are superpowers, not limitations.
Know When To Say No
One of the most common challenges introverts face is overextending themselves, whether to fit in or