In Defence of Introverts: Why the World Needs You!

Introverts don’t want to be seen as shy, stand-offish or ineffective.

In a world dominated by extroversion, people are always surprised to hear that famous or highly successful people are introverts.

Someone like Oprah Winfrey, who has made a career of being in the spotlight and sharing space with others, isn’t the typical image of what most people assume an introvert looks like. For example, the awkward man-child who lives with his mother and doesn’t speak unless urged.

But Oprah isn’t the only fantastically famous and trail-blazing introvert out there. She is one of many, who include first Lady, Michelle Obama; director Steven Spielberg; actress Courtney Cox; leader Mahatma Ghandi, and legendary civil rights activist Rosa Parks – to name but a few!

The fact that some of the world’s most positive change-makers were and are, introverts, speak to the incredible power of introversion. Like Rosa Parks’ autobiography tells us, there is a ‘Quiet Strength’ to introversion.

As an introvert, you possess qualities that are incredibly valuable, not only for your own growth and success. But also, in the betterment of your community, and if you want to, the world.

You have a rich inner world and capacity for creativity.

Introverts tend to enjoy spending time alone; it’s how we re-energise. And in this alone time, we’re able to tap into our own inner knowing. When you’re surrounded by others, it’s easy to get influenced and distracted by outward ideas and stimuli. But as introverts crave solitude, we create the space to really make the most of that inner guidance system.

Even though you don’t speak a lot, you’re not lacking ideas. Introverts tend to make decisions and process inwardly, before action-taking – you might not be an impulsive as your extroverted counterparts. This, coupled with your creativity, means you’re a great problem-solver.

But just because you’re a deep thinker. It doesn’t mean you don’t get s*** done.

You may have the tendency to overthink. Which when you don’t actually do anything with, or take-action on, can feel paralysing. Introvert (oh, and another First Lady) Eleanor Roosevelt famously said: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” And this is advice that’s helpful for both introverts and extroverts.

You’re a practiced listener.

Yeah, you’re not always the loudest person in the room, and you may even get spoken over from time-to-time. But this means you’ve mastered the art of really listening.

We often talk about the great orators of our time; the famous speeches and those that spoken them. But rarely do we talk about the famous listeners. But that doesn’t mean that listening is any less important that speaking.

In fact, there’s a silent power in being a great listener. You can learn so much about other people’s needs by just listening to what they have to say. Really listening is the first step towards deeper service. Whether that’s deeper service in your relationships, your job, your community or the world.

So, in defence of introverts, your introversion isn’t something to be ashamed of. Or used as a barrier in between you and the kind of impact you want to make. You have strengths and qualities that are so valuable, and that mean you can be as powerful and game-changing as Oprah, Spielberg or Ghandi.

If you’re an introvert looking to make an impact in a traditionally extroverted space, but you’re exhausting yourself and regularly burning out then make sure to get my free guide, “Introvert Power Save Mode” to help you hold onto your energy in a world built for extroverts.

Keep kicking ass and taking names from the comfort of your sofa!

Jx