Most people think being an introvert has its disadvantages. It’s difficult to make friends and be around people for long periods of time. When people find out you’re an introvert, they can make assumptions you’re shy or antisocial.
For these reasons and more, it’s important to understand the distinct advantages of being an introvert. This list is just a few examples of what it means to be an introvert, but there are many more. Enjoy!
What Is an Introvert?
I am rarely bored alone; I am often bored in groups and crowds.”
Laurie Helgoe
Introverts are people who like to spend time alone and get tired from social situations. They are more reserved and prefer to be alone. In this article, let’s discuss an introvert’s strengths.
Noteworthy Examples
Many famous people who we admire are actually introverts. Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Steven Spielberg, and J. K. Rowling, to name a few, are some notable leaders and figureheads who are introverted.
1. Introverted People Resonate with Themselves
Introverts are often quiet, and they have a strong sense of awareness. They are in tune with their body, emotions, mind, and thoughts. Introverts are also good listeners and they enjoy spending time in solitude. They reflect on what they’ve learned from the experiences in their life.
Introverts care less about what others think about them. So, the opinions of others are not as important as the opinion introverts have of themselves. Unlike extroverts, introverts are strong because they don’t need validation from others.
2. Introverts are Self-motivated
Extremely motivated individuals, introverts don’t like to wait for others to move them forward. Compared to extroverts, they are proactive and will do what it takes to achieve their goals.
Introverts heed other people, and what they have to say before they express themselves. They have a pleasant sense of listening skills they use in their personal and professional lives. An introvert is more concerned with understanding rather than being understood immediately.
3. Introverts Have Focus
Introverted individuals do not get easily distracted by external factors. They can focus on their work for extended periods of time. They do not seek the approval of others and they can be successful within a structured environment.
Introverts are responsible individuals as they do what others expect of them without being given any special instructions. They can also overcome the fear of failing through sheer focus.
Introverts have a greater sense of awareness and think about who they are and how they fit into society. They know what motivates them and they don’t need external validation to feel good about themselves.
4. Introverts are Less Likely to Procrastinate
Introverts are not afraid of hard work and they do not procrastinate. They enjoy doing what it takes to work on a project, so they naturally do their best and don’t leave any stone unturned. Deadlines don’t stress them out or when they have an extensive project coming up.
Introverts know how to prioritize their tasks and they don’t feel overwhelmed with all the work that they have to do. They don’t depend on another person and prefer solitude.
5. Introverts are Efficient
External motivation such as, “I’ll do it when I feel like doing it” doesn’t apply to introverts. Instead, they have admirable internal qualities and want to get the job done as soon as possible. They are efficient at their work.
You will not find an introvert multi-tasking because they need to focus on one area of expertise at a time. They don’t need external stimulation to keep them going. They can keep their inner power channelled to complete their work.
6. Introverts are Independent
They take deep pride in doing things by themselves, with little interference from others. Inherently independent, they don’t enjoy asking for help from others. That’s why they like to do things without caring about what others might think. They are not very social and they are not good at making small talk.
By nature, they possess the power to know how they feel, what they want, and what is important to them. Their self-awareness lets them know their strengths and weaknesses. These independent thinkers do not need validation from others.
They don’t easily get caught up in the drama of life, as they have a high level of emotional intelligence. They know what they want and they do not dwell on things for too long. As business team employees, their strengths and weaknesses don’t shine as brightly compared to extroverts, as being introverted naturally hampers their quality of speaking and leadership.
7. Introverts are Creative
Introverts spend time alone reflecting on what they have learned in life. Unlike extroverts, introverts are creative and like to be independent. Doing this allows them to come up with original ideas they can use to solve problems in their personal and professional lives. Their books and article writing skills are never a weakness for them as they are generally talented writers.
Unlike an extrovert, an introvert likes to spend free time alone thinking about personal behaviour. They are decisive about what they want in life, and so they are comfortable with their decisions and don’t need approval from others, which can be less so for their extroverted counterparts.
8. Introverted People are Good Listeners
Introverts often listen carefully to what others have to say before they give their opinion or share their thoughts on a particular subject. Introverts do not talk just for the sake of talking. They know when to speak and when to be silent. They dislike attention at social gatherings.
Unlike extroverts, introverted people can easily express their thoughts and feelings through one-on-one conversations. They can do this openly without fear of being judged by others. They are calm and don’t feel the need to be around many people at any networking events.
In a group workplace or business office, they are incredibly open to communication. But do not expect them to take on the leadership role during employees’ office meetings as it doesn’t tailor to their strengths and plays to their weaknesses.
9. Introverts Are Good Friends
People appreciate their company. They have the ability and energy to listen to people and are very thoughtful. They dislike being around people they do not know well and will tend to be reserved in social situations. Introverts will not tell you every detail of their lives, but they could let you get close to them and speak in a natural tone.
Since they have a small circle even for meetings, unlike an extrovert, they tend to carefully choose their relationships and friends and value their own space. They are extremely loyal once you get to know them.
10. Introverts Are Empathetic
Introverts trust their own judgement more than others. They do not let deep criticism or flattery affect them in any negative way. They are very independent listeners and they don’t need the approval of others to feel good about themselves. Sadly, their strengths as leaders are inefficient.
Unlike extroverts, introverts have a deeper, unique way of looking at the world and they think creatively. They take time to process things and they do not feel rushed in deciding. They like spending time alone to get new ideas for their projects or activities.
Assumptions on Introverted Individuals
People often misunderstand introverts because they are quiet in social situations. They dislike being the centre of attention and they are not fond of talking about themselves. They prefer listening to others rather than talking about themselves. Extroverted leaders are often more popular.
An introvert will notice what is important to him/her instead of worrying about what other people think. Introverts bring stability and balance into their life by following their own path and own advice.
A Final Thought
Introverts are often ignored or misunderstood because they are quiet. But if you want to make a good impression, understand introverts for who they are and try to appreciate their qualities. Respect them and treat them with appreciation; they will treat you with respect in return. If you find yourself an introvert friend, or you are an introvert, then count yourself blessed.
In this vast world, we are all human and our individual traits make us unique.
