There’s a misconception about introverts that they’re these antisocial-types, or that they’re painfully shy or lonely, but the truth is being an introvert can be more powerful than being an extrovert.
Introverts are types of people who get their energy from spending time alone. Because of this, people believe that being an introvert is a disadvantage when it’s the farthest thing from that.
If you hone your natural strength, you can stand out even more than anyone else. And guess what? It’s not about becoming a fake extrovert. You’re acknowledging the valuable traits that you already have.
Are you ready to discover the inner powers you may not have known how to harness before?
Quiet
by Susan Cain
⏱ 12 minutes reading time
🎧 Audio version available
They Make Great Leaders
Did you know that about 90% of the most successful people on earth are introverts? Think Forbes’ annual list of the wealthiest billionaires list: Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffet, and more. There’s about zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.
If you have an introvert as a boss, you’re in luck! They’re more likely to be effective leaders. So your listening skills work in everyone’s favor as they encourage your employees or coworkers to propose ideas. And because introverts are usually incredibly observant, they pick up on things no one else does.
Now, you may be thinking, “I’m an introvert, and these things don’t apply to me.” Well, that may be because introversion doesn’t apply to just one type of personality. We can divide or give four different types of introverts.
Social introversion is the first type. It’s the type of introversion we recognize most. Social introverts are the ones who prefer being alone in social activities or prefer to hang out with small groups of people over large ones.
One of the newer recognized types of introversion today is “Thinking introversion.” These are people who are reflective and thoughtful. These are the daydreamers, the ones who get lost in their own heads, creating entire worlds and fantasies that keep them busy for days in their own heads. And unlike social introverts, thinking introverts don’t share that need to distance themselves from large social gatherings.
Then we have the anxious introverts—the wallflowers. Somewhat like social introverts, anxious introverts shy away from social areas. But they experience painful shyness and awkwardness around new people. And that recharging bit? When alone, anxious introverts don’t relax because they replay over and over again what happened and cringe at what went wrong or what could have gone wrong.
Lastly, there are restrained introverts. They’re the ones who think deeply before they speak or act. Reserved, they don’t let their impulses affect their decisions.
Introverts Tend to be Healthier
Did you know that introverts tend to be healthier? This behavior that people call “antisocial” allows us to be alone with our thoughts. This can be just as refreshing as sleeping or as nourishing as eating.
And guess what? Because of introverts’ notorious ability to not act right away when they think and overthink before speaking or acting, they’re less likely to commit impulsive decisions and behavior, protecting them from accidents that can result because of that.
And because introverts tend to feel drained after a lot of social interactions, they tend to need recharging, so they get more sleep than extroverts.
Introverts Don’t Need Hand-Holding
For the next benefit, we have the fact that introverts don’t need any hand-holding. Need a decision made? Consult an introvert. Need a problem solved? An introvert will think it over and break it down from every angle.
Because of the amount of time introverts spend quietly observing, reflecting, and thinking, they tend to amass a deeper understanding of life and erratic human behavior. This means that introverts make great psychologists as well as they’re able to pass unique insight and judgment.
Being a good judge of character goes without saying. Critical thinking and problem-solving come easy. Someone more outgoing is always on the move and thus is prevented from engaging in their deep thoughts, which lessens their creativity and productivity. Introverts, on the other hand– in the solitude they seek– can effectively think through problems.
Introverts Have Book-like Relationships
Introverts have book-like relationships. What does this mean? It means that introverts live by the system of choosing “quality” over “quantity,” thus cultivating intense and fulfilling relationships with the people in their lives that have broken through their barriers. Their sensitivity means they’re more in tune with the feelings of the people they like.
The author of “Introverts in the Church,” Adam McHugh, said, “Introverts treasure the close relationships they have stretched so much to make.”
Because introverts do extend themselves or take a risk in trying to put themselves out there, it works out in the end because the relationship they did build so carefully will be cherished to the end of days. Those people that introverts allow into their worlds and their minds are very fortunate.
Because introverts have built such a tight-knit social circle or group of friends, they’re often surrounded by loyal and trustworthy people.
And if they spend a long time not talking to a friend, that friendship can be rekindled.
They Need Less Supervision
Maybe it’s their independent ways– or perhaps it’s because they’re too hesitant to ask questions, but introverts need less supervision in professional environments.
Self-sufficiency is their motto. A lot, and we bet nearly all introverts hate being dependent on others. When they get something done on their own or conquer a challenge, that’s incredibly empowering to them.
If you have an introvert in your workplace or your class, here’s a benefit! You can trust them to get their work done without being distracted by small talk at the water cooler or by unnecessary socializing.
They Have a Golden Sense of Humor
Because introverts prefer their own company more often than not, lost and caught up in fantastical daydreaming– they’re always creating, reading, watching movies– they know what makes them laugh best. And if they get comfortable around someone, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of witty remarks they have in store.
When we say introverts have a limited need for socializing, that’s not a bad thing. It’s the opposite. To an introvert, “alone” is not a scary word. Not like it is for more outgoing personalities. To an introvert, solitude is a sanctuary.
They’re More Creative
One of the top benefits of being an introvert is that their creativity knows no bounds. Don’t believe us? Take this Albert Einstein saying instead: “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
While extroverts are constantly taking in thoughts from others, they never have time to create something on their own as they’re so dependent on mental stimulation from outside sources. Introverts prefer their vibrant, vivid inner worlds that their imaginations have created.
Drawing upon what we said earlier about successful people and billionaires being introverts, tons of history’s most talented creators– whether those are performers, writers, athletes, or artists like J.K. Rowling, Meryl Streep, or Steven Spielberg– are introverts as well.
The world is such a brighter, more magical place with these people around it. And you know what? If you’re an introvert and watching this, the world is so much brighter because you are in it.
People Are at Ease Around You
Believe it or not, there’s a certain “Zen” vibe that introverts have going on. And whether you realize it or not, the air you put out makes people feel comfortable with you. This is why introverts make such awesome friends!
They’re Mysterious
Introverts’ quietness makes them alluringly mysterious. Think something like the Great Gatsby standing at the balcony, coyly smiling down and observing the people around you. The mystery that surrounds them is credited to how private they are.
And not only is this incredibly alluring to people, but it’s also intriguing. You make people want to get to know you and get past your hard shell. While other people may broadcast all their problems and their family issues out like laundry, introverts are masters of releasing tiny tidbits of information that keep people curious enough about them.
Introversion is Attractive
We won’t go all cliché and say something that one boy band once said, “You don’t know you’re beautiful. That’s what makes you beautiful,” but we will tell you that introverts are incredibly attractive, but they just don’t flaunt their awesomeness. The world just can’t handle how awesome introverts are!
You’re an all-around extraordinary human being. Why? Because you’re working for a cause, not applause. And even after achieving something, introverts don’t go around shouting it to the world. That modesty introverts often portray doesn’t go unnoticed.
Introverts are attractive because you know your connection means a great deal to them. They’re appealing to both potential friends and partners because they’re known to be able to take care of people.
An introvert knows all too well what it’s like to be on the outside looking, to be on the outskirts of social circles, so they’ll do their best to include others into the conversation. Introverts are the kind of people that will wake you up with a cup of tea in the morning, who will bring you soup when you’re sick, who will send you memes to make you laugh.
Their generosity is often given without any expectation of receiving anything in return. Introverts are just beautiful. Inside and out.
Do you believe us yet when we say that being an introvert is incredible?
That’s a wrap on the little known benefits of being an introvert! Are you an introvert? Tell us the best thing about being an introvert. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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