I am getting so tired of hearing the advice to introverts to “pretend to be an extrovert sometimes.” The truth is that I have unsuccessfully tried to do just that for most of my life. It was not until I understood my introversion that I started really moving toward the success in life I was after.
I am naturally drawn to my inner world of ideas. I am a thinker. This is a gift. Sometimes I need time to think. I process information internally, rather than by talking it out. This is what makes me an introvert. I cannot change it and, now that I understand it, I don’t want to. Understanding my introversion unlocks all of my potential.
I have some strengths and needs that are common among introverts and some that are unique to me. By learning to appreciate and cultivate my individual gifts and needs, I can use my own strengths to accomplish whatever I need to do… again, I can succeed by using MY OWN STRENGTHS, not by pretending to be something or someone that I’m not.
Of course I may need to work or practice to get better at certain things, and someone with different gifts may excel in an area where I do not. But as I harness the power of my own strengths, I can be stronger than I ever imagined. And, as I recognize the unique gifts of others and help them understand what makes them strong, I can help them achieve what they want and need. I don’t need to pretend to be something I am not, but by being myself, I can be the strong person I was born to be. And you can, too.
David Hall, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, and host of the Quiet and Strong Podcast, where he interviews thought leaders, creatives, and professionals who help introverts thrive. With over 25 years in higher education, David has led workshops, trainings, and presentations on productivity, personality, and introversion. His mission is to help introverts honor their needs, understand their strengths, and succeed on their own terms. He is the author of Minding Your Time: Time Management, Productivity, and Success, Especially for Introverts and a passionate advocate for creating work environments where introverts can do their best work.
