The Overlooked Advantage of Being an Introvert
Introverts know who they are and are comfortable in their space.
You’re quiet, but it doesn’t mean that you’re shy, fearful, or uninterested in others. Being quiet doesn’t mean you’re inferior to someone who is boisterous. Small talk doesn’t excite you; neither does large crowds for extended periods.
You like your alone time. Sometimes you prefer to ditch meetings or plans in favor of an evening filled with just you and your interests.
With others, you appear quiet. In truth, you can be an entirely different person at home — in your bubble. You can be the most talkative but only to yourself or with a few people whom you’re comfortable around.
And if you’re reading and some of this sounds like you — you’re like me, a fellow introvert.
One of the worst things about being an introvert is that others misunderstand us. We communicate differently.
Quiet people have the loudest minds. Sometimes, maybe too much. I find myself going over scenarios time and time again and find confidence in planning for a conversation. If I have to speak on the spot, it usually takes me a little longer to formulate what I deem as an efficient response.
I love stories and in-depth discussions about things we might never fully understand. I like learning new things about mythology, history, biology, music, philosophy, and language.
I’m interested in great themes over conversation fillers. I often think of my position, my place, among others, and what I value. I can be pessimistic but hopeful. I’m optimistic, but open-minded. Because I’m often quiet and in deep thought, I’m self-aware.
Self-awareness is an overlooked advantage of being an introvert.
One of many introverted traits is that we’re great observers, and we enjoy time alone. Observing others and situations allows for more considerable attention to detail.
Compared to our extroverted counterparts, interactions with others and large crowds drain us of energy more quickly. Spending most of our time alone allows us to recharge, regroup, collect our thoughts, and make sense of our experiences. Ultimately, becoming more aware of our thoughts and interactions.
Self-reflection is one of the primary ways we examine ourselves and how others see us. It is deliberate, conscious introspection to better understand our thoughts, experiences, and emotions, as well as how others see us.
Here are a few benefits to being more self-aware:
- Better Self-Control/Regulation
- High Self-Esteem and Pride
- Help reduce anxiety
- Develop an understanding of others
- More selective — quality over quantity
Take-Home
We are influenced by our environments, peers, and personal bias. Many individuals walk around, unaware of the influence they have on others. Vice versa, some react, unaware of the things that trigger them.
Being self-aware and reflecting allows us to understand who we are and what we want out of life. Introvert or extrovert, mastering one’s thoughts and behaviors is one class that doesn’t expire.
If you’re quiet, like spending time alone, and have a constant inner monologue, you’re most likely an introvert. Whereas some may see introverts as shy, many of us are not; we enjoy the many things that come with being quiet — now that’s quite the advantage.
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