You may have noticed that my blog is undergoing a bit of a change. In the last couple of weeks I have decided to focus more of my writing in the direction of what it means to be an introverted leader. In fact, my goal here is to “help introverts maximize their leadership potential.” My posts will remain beneficial for all of my current readers, because whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, it’s good for everyone to learn about introverts. Plus, what I write will largely still focus on leadership topics that all leaders will need to consider.
So, I thought it would be great to celebrate the fact that I am an introvert. It’s a label that I tried to run away from when I was younger. But, today, I am proud to be an introvert and I gladly accept everything that comes with it! Here are 5 reasons that I’m glad I’m an introvert:
1. I can go see a movie or go out to dinner alone. My wife, being an extrovert, always thinks it’s odd when she sees people going to a movie or out to dinner by themselves. In fact, she feels sorry for them – like there’s something wrong with it. There are days when I would prefer to see a movie or go out to dinner alone! Going to dinner or a movie alone can actually be a highlight of my week. I’m so glad that I’m not constrained by whether or not I’m with other people when I want to do something or go somewhere.
2. I don’t have to worry about speaking before I think. Introverts are notorious for thinking, very thoroughly, through a response before giving it. In fact, I know that I’ve been accused of being too slow to respond to something. But, it’s in my DNA and I’m glad that it’s there. I see far too many extroverts who have to backtrack on what they said simply because they didn’t slow down and think before they spoke. And, I would add that the quality of what I say is increased because I carefully think through what I want to say about a topic before I respond.
3. I don’t stress about not being invited to the party. This is a big deal to most extroverts that I know. If they hear about a party that happened last night or last weekend and they didn’t get invited, their day is ruined…maybe even their week. If there’s a party happening, extroverts want to be there. On the other hand, as an introvert, I’m ok being invited or not. It has nothing to do with my friends or wanting to see them. It’s just that I don’t have to be around people in order to be energized. I’m ok being alone and I’m ok hearing about a party that I wasn’t invited to.
4. I don’t need a lot of friends. One thing about introverts is that they typically have very few friendships. However, those few friendships tend to go very deep and last a lifetime. For an introvert, it’s much more about quality than quantity. And, friendships are often not an obsession for introverts. It’s not something that we find ourselves fixated on. And, if we’re able to become friends with another introvert – even better! We get each other and if we don’t hangout every week, month, or even year sometimes…it’s OK!
5. I don’t have to answer the phone every time it rings. Talking on the phone is probably one of my least favorite things to do. And, that is in alignment with most introverts. Extroverts, on the other hand, love it. For an extrovert, phone calls are a way to include more people in your day without them being right there with you. Introverts think that voicemail was the best invention EVER. And, texting is the second best invention.
Have you taken the quiz here on my website to see if you’re an introvert or extrovert? If not, click here to take it now. Comment below and let me know which one you are and one reason you’re glad you’re an introvert or extrovert…