The Quiet Revolution of an Introvert

Posted on June 10, 2024 by Susan Fong, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

They say, “still waters run deep,” and that’s definitely me – an introvert through and through. From an early age, I identified strongly with introverted tendencies. I had my first Myers–Briggs Type Indicator assessment during my early career, and subsequently every few years, each time reaffirming my introverted nature to the tune of 99%. Questions about social gatherings and preferences for solitude versus socializing always lead me back to the same conclusion—I am, undeniably, an introvert.

But let’s be honest, sometimes that “deep” feeling came with a side of “self-doubt soup.” Friends would be like, “Wait, you? An introvert?” In a world where t extroverts shine more brightly, being introverted can feel like swimming upstream in a fast-moving river. Been there, splashed a bunch.

The introvert label friend or foe?
Here’s the thing: being an introvert never felt like a limitation. Understanding the traits and behaviours that come with it, I enjoy being an introvert and the unique strengths it brings. Introverts are fantastic listeners (seriously, award-winning listeners!), which is a skill I truly value. I listen first, speak only when necessary, and that lets me connect with people on a deeper level. Plus, I respect personal boundaries and appreciate the power of a good, quiet moment. Alone time? Absolutely necessary for recharging my internal battery. Social engagements? I pick and choose carefully, like a cat deciding on the perfect napping spot.

But, there’s a flip side. I used to be a master avoider of tricky situations. Social gatherings could leave me drained and a little awkward. My shyness about speaking up sometimes held me back. In meetings, I’d take a backseat, thinking silence showed humility. Big mistake! It turns out, staying silent can also mean missing out on expressing my unique perspective.

The a-ha moment: Missed connections
Then it hit me – all this social solitude might be hindering me from building strong connections. It could slow down my growth, making me a “lone processor” in a world that thrives on collaboration. True growth comes from sharing experiences and bouncing ideas off others. By opening myself up a bit more, I could expand my horizons in ways I never imagined.

Unexpected twist: Introverted superhero
Here’s the crazy part: my job in the do-gooder world (humanitarian and development) became my unexpected growth engine. Working my way up from program manager to leadership roles involved stuff that pushed me way outside my comfort zone – corporate engagement, event planning, and wrangling diverse teams. It turns out, I have hidden extrovert superpowers – bravery, public speaking chops, and a surprising knack for connecting with people. Who knew? In this arena, I totally thrived as a “people person.”

Mindful mix: Embracing my introverted awesomeness
Guess what? This newfound realization trickled into my personal life too. While I still wear my “listening champion” badge with pride, I also started to speak up more. And guess what? I kind of enjoyed hearing myself think out loud with friends! I became less of an avoider and more of a “let’s-do-this” kind of person. Being a new solopreneur, I knew I had to network and chase business opportunities. So, I started attending events, chatting with strangers (gulp!), and keeping an open mind. The more I shared with friends, my mentor and coach, the more I learned about myself and what I truly wanted.

The happy introvert: It’s all about you
So, how do we deal with this whole introvert-extrovert thing? Here’s the key: our personalities aren’t set in stone. Instead of seeing introversion as a weakness, I view it as a strength – the foundation for my growth.

It’s all about having choices. I can choose to lean into my introverted side when I need to recharge, and tap into my extroverted side when the situation calls for it. By being mindful and intentional, I’ve gained control over those social complexities. It’s a journey, and I’m still very much a proud introvert who has embraced all the parts of me. I find comfort and joy in my quiet time, but I also appreciate the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.

Introverted or extroverted, we’re all on this journey of self-discovery. Mine has been about embracing who I am, finding self-acceptance, and ultimately, the unconditional happiness on my own terms. This newfound awareness lets me navigate the social world with confidence, all while cherishing the quiet strength of my introverted nature. Because, hey, even quiet cats can rule the world (one purr at a time).

This article is first published on Brainz Magazine. Read here www.brainzmagazine.com/post/the-quiet-revolution-and-how-this-introvert-learned-to-embrace-their-social-superpowers