Introvert Qualities, Myths, and Power

• Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? 
• Do you find yourself gravitating towards big crowds of people or feel more comfortable acting like a wallflower on the side?
• Is being an introvert bad?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an introvert? 

Introverts and extroverts both possess many positive characteristics – often, introverts get outshined, and people forget to celebrate their unique qualities. Not to mention, there are so many introvert qualities that people neglect to look at and embrace as hidden superpowers.

This post will explore the stigmas and strengths of being an introvert. We hope you find a new appreciation and power in being an introvert. In our society, being an extrovert is considered something to strive for. Introverts deserve to feel this way, as well! If you are an introvert, remember to value your capabilities and never doubt what you can do!

Let’s Explore Introvert Qualities

First, let’s define introvert and extrovert. Extroverts excel and feel energized by being around others. You can often find them talking to many people or always out in social situations. Introverted people are those who keep more to themselves. These people usually have lower thresholds for stimulus and can pick up on noise more quickly than extroverts. Due to their likelihood of getting overstimulated, they need time to themselves to recoup. Introverted people do not usually run into big crowds or leadership positions, but that doesn’t mean they can’t thrive in these situations.

Furthermore, introverts are in tune with their inner thoughts and ideas. Due to this ability, introverts tend to be more thoughtful and empathetic. This is a very special quality to have and is an excellent benefit of being introverted!

You’ll know you’re an introvert if you:

• Feel revived when you get to be alone
• Appreciate being by yourself and use this time to
  • Explore your interests
  • Practice hobbies
  • Focus on your work – you work better when you are isolated and secluded from others
• Open up to people you can really trust
• Feel captivated by your inner world
• Are more empathetic and aware of surroundings

Bias against Introverts

As mentioned before, many people perpetuate stereotypes about introverts, or “introvert shaming”. Why does the society hate introverts? A society who glamorizes very over-the-top celebrities can leave the more quiet people out of the spotlight. Due to this, we forget to celebrate all the fantastic qualities that introverted people possess. This section will go over certain bias and stigmas about introverts and see why they may not be true.

“Introverts are Shy”

Introverts enjoy being by themselves and recharge their emotions when doing so. They might be quieter in public and keep their true personality available to those they are comfortable with. The APA defines shyness as feeling awkward or uncomfortable in social situations. 

The stigma that introverts are shy is not necessarily true. Many introverts may be shy, but extroverts can also feel this way. Anyone can experience this emotion! Being an introvert or extrovert doesn’t mean that you will always fall into very rigid descriptions of what each title means. These words merely define which way you feel more comfortable being during most of your time.

“Introverts Don’t Enjoy Socializing”

This stereotype is not accurate. Humans are social beings. We all are in search of finding connections and meaning with other people. Introverts may enjoy their alone time and tend to be by themselves often, but that doesn’t mean they dislike socializing. These people may thrive in social settings and enjoy talking or laughing with others when they aren’t engaged in alone time.

“Introverts Don’t Enjoy the Spotlight or Can’t Be Leaders”

Think of some famous celebrities. One star, Meryl Streep comes to mind. Streep is an award-winning actress who is famous all around the world. Do you think Streep considers herself an introvert or extrovert? You might be surprised to know that she thinks of herself as an introvert! Meryl can thrive in situations like movie sets, award shows, and red carpets while also preferring her time alone.

Some people also think that introverts can’t be leaders. According to this article from The Conversation, many introverts doubt their ability to be leaders. Moreover, they think that they will dislike being in charge or feel negative emotions (like distress or anxiety) when doing so. Extroverts seem to have a more confident mindset when it comes to leadership. Introverts just need a self-esteem boost!

Benefits of Being Someone with Introvert Qualities

Value Being With Themselves

We live in a society where it feels like everyone is in constant communication. Especially due to social media’s impact on the world, it feels like people are meeting up with and talking to others all the time. This social pressure makes people who don’t utilize social media or have many friends feel bad about themselves. Also, since the pandemic started, people have been even more isolated. One of our recent articles mentioned that the omicron variant has caused people to spend the holidays alone. Loneliness is a pandemic in and of itself. Being lonely can increase feelings of depression, especially in older adults.

One great thing about being an introvert is that you can enjoy being alone. Being alone as a more extroverted person may make you feel restless or sad. If you recharge through other people, it can feel hard to energize yourself since you do most things remotely. Extroverts also might not see the value in “hanging out” with themselves. This is a shame because being alone allows you to: explore new hobbies, work on your passions, and learn more about yourself. Introverts bring new meaning to the idea of being alone but not lonely.

Thrive at Remote Work or Schooling

Another way COVID has affected this world is how it changed the way we work and learn. As of December 2021, 18% of people reported working from home full-time. Many people may be upset about this idea, but introverts can thrive in this scenario.

Introverts can feel energized without being surrounded by coworkers, customers, or patients. They can appreciate their alone time and feel motivated by their capabilities and surroundings. Remote work also allows introverts to get the alone time they crave while working – this scenario allows them to reserve their energy for being with their friends or loved ones.

Introverts who enjoy working remotely have an advantage in the world, right now. If being in the office is a deal-breaker for you when looking for a job, you might have a rough time finding a position. Most jobs are either hybrid or fully remote!

Here is a statistic that was highlighted in one of our recent articles: as of November 2021, 4.2% of people are without jobs. With the already high unemployment rate, it is beneficial to be someone who would enjoy working remotely. This quality makes you eligible for more jobs.

Consideration and Thoughtfulness

People who are introverts tend to think more before they speak and act. This helps them be more empathetic and thoughtful to others. The APA defines empathy as understanding someone and looking at things from their point of view. Empathy is an amazing quality to have!

Being empathetic allows you to excel in your relationships. Since you can see situations from other people’s perspectives, it helps you understand their emotions and feelings better. If you are dating someone, your introverted qualities can be very beneficial. Imagine that you and your partner got into a fight. Instead of yelling right away or saying unreasonable statements, you can think before you speak/consider their side of the dispute.

High levels of empathy can also help people become better leaders and bosses. Since you are more thoughtful, you will value your team’s needs and focus on everyone’s wellbeing. This can promote a healthy and happy work environment!

Mind Connections Values Introverts

Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, our team thinks you are awesome! If you are an introvert, we want to help you find your hidden power! if you need help building self-esteem to become a better leader or to feel confident in your abilities, we can help. Also, if you are dealing with other topics mentioned in this article, like depression, our therapists want to offer you support. Call or reach out to us now!

Content Creator, Victoria Gallo; Reviewed by Dr. June Cao