How to Be Successful as an Introvert in an Extrovert’s World
It is said that one-third of the world’s population is introverted. What does it mean for someone to be introverted? An introvert is someone who needs alone time away from social interaction to recharge. An extrovert is the opposite—someone who craves human interaction to feel refreshed. Introverts draw their energy from themselves, while extroverts draw their energy from the world around them.
Living as an introvert in an overly extroverted world can present challenges that two-thirds of the world does not have to manage. However, with a few tips and tricks from this article, you can feel more prepared and confident as you face an overly SQM Club.
Tailor Your Job to Your Personality
First and foremost, many introverts wonder how they will fit into America’s workforce when networking and strong leadership and social skills are some of the most sought-after traits in new hires. However, you must face this challenge in a different way. Whether you are in college now, a recent graduate, or already in the workforce and need a change, it is never too late to examine your personality traits and decide what is best for you and your career.
It is completely possible to tailor your career to your strengths as an introvert. Typical jobs for introverts include being an engineer, graphic designer, writer, or accountant. These careers tend to gravitate toward independent work versus working as a team, allowing employees time to themselves during the workday so that their social battery is not depleted as quickly.
Written Communication Is Your Friend
The written word is an introvert’s best chance at stress-free communication. While not true for everyone, many introverts have issues with verbally communicating feelings, thoughts, and emotions productively. Whether in relationships, friendships, or working relationships, writing out thoughts and ideas may be the best option for proper communication to occur.
Similarly, one of the best stress-relievers for introverts is journaling. While an extrovert might turn to a group of friends for advice or a shoulder to cry on, introverts tend to only open up to one close friend—if they open up to anyone at all. Holding in emotions can be detrimental to one’s mental health, so you must let yourself find a release, one way or another.
Network Online
In the professional world, networking and creating contacts within an organization is a hurdle universal to both introverts and extroverts alike. It is not uncommon for companies to hold mixers specifically so that employees within the company can create contacts with people that they typically would not interact with. However, as you might imagine, this can be an introvert’s nightmare. Instead of resorting to awkward small talk and uncomfortable pauses at a mixer, try to network beforehand online via sites like LinkedIn so that you have connections and topics to discuss at such social events. A little research ahead of time can pay dividends to your confidence and ease when interacting with others.
Fake It ‘Til You Make It
At one time or another, you as an introvert are going to find yourself in social environments that you may or may not have wanted to be in. Maybe you see your neighbor out in town and he strikes up a conversation with you or you are invited out for drinks by your coworkers and your typical excuses didn’t seem to get you out of it. For some, “faking” being extroverted can actually feel normal. As teenagers and young adults, being introverted may have made you feel abnormal; you had fewer friends and less of a desire to hang out after school or work so you started getting shut out by others. Many choose to counteract this by acting bubbly in the moment so that they feel included and “normal”. Similarly, in your adult life, there may be times when pretending to be bubbly and energetic in the moment may feel right.
Don’t Let Yourself Be Defined
Finally, despite the rest of this article, do not let your introverted characteristics be what define you. That may mean forcing yourself to step out of your comfort zone occasionally and putting yourself in social situations that you normally would run from. Remember that growth only happens when you allow it to. You must realize that yes, while you may be inherently introverted, encouraging yourself to be in social situations can help ease the anxiety or exhaustion that you typically may feel.
