Introverted? How to Thrive in a World Designed for ExtrovertsBeing an introvert can be a huge struggle. In this post, I will offer all the introverts out there some advice.
How to thrive as an introvert in a word designed for extroverts.
"Introvert" is a word commonly used to describe our personality. An introvert is the opposite of an extrovert. According to the type theory of personality, we can only be either introverted or extroverted. introverts make up 50.7% of the United States general population. The trait theory of personality argues that introversion/extroversion is a spectrum. Trait theories of personality propose that we can sit anywhere along this spectrum. Many introverts struggle in a world designed for extroverts. So, sit back, relax and learn the top tips on surviving.
Know your strengths and how these will help you thrive as an introvert.
Knowing your strengths can help you feel more confident. What one person is good at, the other lacks. Take a breakAs an introvert, you may feel a little overwhelmed and exhausted when interacting with others. Based on this, you may need to take regular ‘breathers’ in order to re-enter. At a party, you can do this by going to grab another drink. Or, perhaps you could take a solo trip to the bathroom or head outside for a few minutes to grab some fresh air.
Know when to say no.
It can be tempting to book into many social and business events. Not knowing when you’re stretching yourself too far. As an introvert, you will need to have some alone time to recharge your batteries. One of the most important skills that we can all learn is to say no. With this comes being selective about what events you attend. Like an iPhone on low power mode, conserve your energy.
Speak to an extrovert.
An extrovert's and an introvert's perceptions of the world and their communication style are incredibly different. Find an extrovert who is willing to talk to you and get them to explain to you how they see the world. Tell these extroverts how your perception of the world is different from theirs.
Don’t let extroverts overpower you.
Introverts tend to prefer to sit back and absorb the information. It is important to learn how to share ideas when you have them. ‘Fake it till you make it’ is a great way to think about this. Be loud and grab the attention of others. You deserve to be heard! Find a job that suits your temperament and allows you to thrive as an introvert. You can speak to every extrovert in the world. Or, you can fake being an extrovert in meetings. But, you cannot (and you shouldn't either) spend your whole life trying to be someone you're not. Find a job that supports your social needs. Matching your job to your personality is the key to a fulfilling career. Check out career guides to find careers best suited to your strengths. On a similar note, find friends who match your temperament. Sometimes opposites attract.
Wrapping up.
So there you have it. Six top tips designed to help introverts thrive in a world designed for extroverts.
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Introverted? How to Thrive in a World Designed for Extroverts