Benefits of Being an Introvert

“The limited circle is pure.” Franz Kafka

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes” C.G. Jung

There is no doubt that this world is mostly an extroverted world. People are rewarded for going out into the world and being noticed. Being social and friendly is seen as an advantage and aid to networking the connections necessary for business success. Quiet and solitary individuals are seen as at a disadvantage and without the qualities and skills deemed necessary for success in this extrovert world. Besides, who would not want to be known as the “life of the party” instead of the dull wallflower who goes unnoticed in the corner?

In fact, extroversion is such the standard that we all tend to “fake it” a bit to fit into our workplaces, at social engagements and within all aspects of daily life to avoid being thought of by others as shy, awkward or weak. We all learn, starting at a young age, that traits of extroversion are those deemed healthy and socially acceptable and become conditioned to exhibit those traits of social friendliness such as talkativeness and openness in order to attract and be liked by others. Introverted traits are given negative labels such as shyness, anti-social behavior or loneliness.

In truth, introverts are not necessarily shy or lonely. They simply just prefer the company of themselves or small groups. In addition, there are even unique advantages and benefits to having characteristics of an introvert personality.

Generally, introverts prefer being in a one-on-one setting or within a small good as opposed to within a large group or at a party.

Introverts don’t mind being or working alone.

Introverts tend to think before doing and take their time at making decisions.

Having the characteristics of introversion simply means that you don’t need as much outside stimulation as an extrovert. As a result, you may steer clear of situations that would cause you to be overly simulated. You are satisfied with the stimulation that comes from your own thoughts and ideas, as well as those of a few close friends.

Being called an introvert isn't all bad. Here are the good points:

• Concentration. The quiet allows for deep concentration on difficult tasks, unique problems and the development of creative solutions. The moments of aloneness allow for the creative space to develop solutions, strategies and ideas that are innovative and gifted.
• Great partner in life. Good at listening and helping people one-on-one with a problem and offering support.
• Opportunity to know oneself. Without a lot of outside distraction and noise, introverts have time to get to know themselves, discover their interests and passions and get in touch with their beliefs and values.
• Observant. Tend to notice and be conscious of things. Introverts tend to notice all of the suffering, injustice, beauty and kindness that exists in the world that can provide opportunities for them to address needs, solve problems and express gratitude for the small things.
• Time. Introverts have the time to develop a craft, interest, hobby or skill to the level of an expert. They can hone a skill to the point of becoming an invaluable member of any workplace, team or endeavor.
• Independent. Can work independently to get a task done without expecting to be encouraged or supported by others. Inward motivation often provides the drive for introverts to successfully complete a project and be trusted to complete a task on time, providing the added benefit of reliability.

These are just some of the benefits that can be characteristic of an introvert. Obviously, real people fall all along a spectrum of personality characteristics and encompass both the traits of extroversion and introversion.

"There is no such thing as a pure extrovert or a pure introvert. Such a man would be in the lunatic asylum." Carl Jung

Check out the videos about Susan Cain's book, QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking for more information about society's privileging of extroversion and dismissal of introversion. I have posted the first video of the series.

The point is to not stereotype and label people and their personality characteristics as all good or all bad. There is good to be found in the qualities of an introvert that should be rewarded, encouraged and valued at school, within the workplace and among family members. Enjoy the power of introversion and use the quiet to develop a great idea, solve a perplexing world problem or write the next great novel.