Have you ever wondered why you (or some people) seem to be full of energy when you’re home alone, but suddenly turn into a tired potato after mingling with people? You may even know that you’re an ‘introvert’ but is this a good thing? Is there some Introvert advantage attached, or is it something to heal from?
Sit tight and let’s find out more on the Introvert advantage!
What Does Introversion Really Mean?
Introversion is a type of personality, and people with this personality type are referred to as introverts. Most often, introversion is misunderstood as being shy or unfriendly. Basically, introversion means the ability to draw energy from within. It’s the direct opposite of extroversion. While the ‘social battery’ of extroverts seems to never run down, introverts have a short-lived social battery. This isn’t to say that introverts hate people. It’s just that the way they get refreshed is by having some alone time.
Introversion affects more than just social interactions. It also determines how introverts think and make decisions, from simple daily choices to more important life decisions.
Six (6) Advantages of Being an Introvert
Introversion isn’t a weakness. Here are some Introvert advantages you can probably relate with.
Ability to Think Deep
Introverts tend to take their time to analyze things. They are in their head most of the time. This single introvert advantage is the reason introverts excel at jobs that require critical thinking skills, whether in Science or Arts. Career paths like data analysis, architecture, and engineering are tailor-made for introverts.
The ability to think deeply also helps them understand complex issues. And they easily identify patterns that others might miss. In work meetings, introverts may not be the first to speak, but when they do, trust them to deliver keen insights.
Listening skills
These days, everyone fights to be heard, but introverts want to hear others. This is in a good way, of course. Their tendency to be quiet makes them more likely to listen attentively. Their listening skills are also rooted in their natural inclination to observe. And when introverts listen, they don’t just listen to the voice, they hear everything–both tone and body language.
They can quickly absorb information. In today’s busy, fast, and loud world, you’d agree that introverts’ ability to listen is a treasure. It’s why introverted mums are easily the best mums. They can listen to their child and understand all there is to be understood.
Improved Self-awareness
To be self-aware means to understand what makes you, you. It is to have a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, which helps you in making decisions as you surf through life. Someone who isn’t self-aware would make poor choices and end up being unhappy with the outcomes.
Research says introverts are more self-aware than extroverts. They understand that they aren’t like others, but also understand how to relate with other people. This is why it’s often said that introverts are emotionally intelligent people.
Ability to Focus and Concentrate
Introverts can zone out from the noise into what matters at the moment. That is, they aren’t easily distracted. They can fill their environment with the same quiet from within. And their ability to focus and concentrate enables them to deliver high-quality work.
Since they aren’t affected by external noise, introverts show great determination and finish up tasks that have been set before them. Look at the successes of famous introverts like Albert Einstein and Bill Gates. Their ability to focus and concentrate was an added advantage in achieving all they did.
High level of Creativity
If you read to this point, you’d agree that introverts are incredibly creative people. They can tap in with their imagination. This is evident in the fact that introverts enjoy solo activities that hone creative skills. Activities like writing, painting, or drawing are often fun for introverts.
Because of their introspective nature, introverts spend a lot of time thinking. Their minds aren’t too busy to think. And this is how out-of-the-box ideas and solutions are birthed. Their voice might not be the loudest in the room, but their thoughtful contributions will definitely be.
Independence
Introverts are comfortable with solitude. They spend time alone, and chase their interests while at it. Many people find it hard to forge their own paths without external validation, certainly not introverts. They don’t depend on the validations of people to feel good about themselves. Rather, they are self-sufficient–a trait that’s necessary for confidence.
Introverts are not swayed by peer pressure or societal expectations. They’re more likely to question norms. Introverts would rather focus on meaningful work than banter over criticisms or await validations.
Read also: What To Know About The Quiet Introvert Parent
Six (6) Disadvantages of Being an Introvert
Every coin has two sides, and introversion is no exception. Now that we’ve seen the benefits of being an introvert—the introvert advantage—let’s look at the other side of the coin. Here are some challenges that may come with being an introvert.
Social Anxiety
Not all introverts experience this, but for many introverts, social anxiety is a weakness. As an introvert, being around people (especially loud ones) for too long is draining. For introverts battling social anxiety, it’s more than that. Simple interactions can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Something as simple as going to the grocery store makes them nervous.
Building a necessary network of people becomes impossible for them. They may overanalyze conversations and wonder a lot if people like them. There’s always an exhausting mental chatter going on in their heads. This problem can be detrimental to their relationships and even limit their career advancement.
More Prone to Being Ignored
An introvert can quickly become invisible in a gathering that’s dominated by extroverts. Or worse still, the introvert’s contribution can be attributed to someone else who’s more assertive. Because introverts are quieter, they stand a greater risk of being ignored. This makes them feel demotivated and further recoil into their shells.
The tendency of introverts to listen more than they speak might be an issue. Others might assume that the reason they aren’t talking is that they know much about the subject. But this isn’t true. Notice how easily an introvert advantage (listening skills) can be flipped. Introverts speak when they feel it’s necessary. They won’t join in the conversation just to repeat what others are saying.
Self-doubt
Their introspective nature, though beneficial for creativity, may cause self-doubt. Some introverts might assume that others are more capable than they are. One of the factors that fuel self-doubt is the feeling of being ignored. This might cause them to retract into their shells and stop trying.
For instance, an introverted writer who has this issue would struggle to share their work because of the fear of being ignored, again. If this sounds like you, sit up. You can overcome self-doubt by staying away from negative energy. Surround yourself with people who truly support what you do. And remember to accept all the love when it comes.
Greater Risk of Being Misunderstood
Introversion has, many times, been misinterpreted as pride. It’s shocking but true. When people can’t get into your head and understand what you’re thinking, they come up with conclusions they deem fit. As an introvert, people may also think you are shy because you aren’t loud.
Additionally, the fact that introverts would rather listen than dominate a conversation can be misinterpreted as their not being interested in the discussion. Extroverts who aren’t emotionally intelligent may begin to resent introverts who seem to not match their energy level.
Communication Challenges
Some introverts struggle to express themselves verbally, especially in group settings. They may fumble over their words and come off as awkward. In meetings, some introverts may find it hard to interject. They fear they might interrupt others. So, despite being creative and having a lot of innovative ideas, some introverts won’t communicate when needed.
One way to bypass this challenge is to opt for virtual meetings where written communication media can be used. This is not the end of the road. Communication skills can be learned.
Reluctance to Ask for Help
A common bad habit of introverts is the reluctance to ask for help, even when they need it. As earlier mentioned, introverts are self-sufficient. This is good but can become bad when introverts are excessively so. Their reluctance to ask for help can stem from the fear of burdening others. Deep down, they believe everyone should be sufficient in themselves, always.
This bad habit can have far-reaching consequences, like increased anxiety levels, missed opportunities, and strained relationships.
Conclusion
In the end, being an introvert is not inherently good or bad–it’s just who you are. No personality type is the perfect one, so don’t try to change. Accept your strengths and pride in your Introvert advantage. Also, accept your weaknesses and be around people who appreciate you for who you are.
If you aren’t an introvert but know one, remember to love them. When you see the world from their view, you’ll realise that they aren’t awkward or proud or shy; they are just… introverts!
