7 Lessons From Introverts That Will Change Your Life

Sep 07, 2018 by apost team

If you’ve ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test, you probably know whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. If you haven’t taken the test, you can probably tell which one you are based on how you best recharge. Do you find that you recharge from being around others or yourself? The diagnosis is usually that easy.

Of course, many of us fall somewhere on the continuum between introversion and extraversion. However, when made to identify with one or the other, almost half the population identifies themselves as introverts, as those who best recharge while alone.

If you’re surprised almost half the population identifies as introverts, you are not alone. Introverts have earned a bad reputation over the years with people often misunderstanding their introversion as snobbery. But these aloof individuals are just different from the bubbly personality characteristic of the extrovert, not less-than in any way.

So, while the typical introvert may not find him or herself surrounded by others in social situations or shining brightly as the most sociable in the workplace, they definitely have something to teach us.

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For many of us, we fill our days and nights with noise and distraction. We engage with others almost all day long, and when we find moments to ourselves we plug in: we connect to social media, we turn on the t.v., or we find some way to not notice we are alone.

While there is nothing wrong with doing any of those aforementioned things, introverts do have something to teach us when it comes to being happy with our own company. There’s something to be said about the self-esteem that comes from being content when by yourself.

Perhaps if more of us become comfortable with our own company, we would take a break from all the negative self-talk we engage in.

Many artists and poets throughout the years have been introverted. Take a moment and think of the wonderful pieces they have left behind. Without such introverts, the world would be missing such vital, beautiful works.

So, while introverts may not be the life of the party, they understand the importance of giving their inner self-time to create.

Most introverts understand a fundamental part of life: don’t base your self-worth on the opinions of others. Extroverts thrive on attention; however, this also means they have a tendency to care too much about what other’s think.

Instead, introverts, for the most part, easily master the ability to look within and to find a connection with soul and mind. They have less of a need for other’s validation and find their self-worth through their own self-assessment instead of others’.

Introverts spend much time in contemplation. They are introspective in a way extroverts are not. What this means is that they tend to have an easier time finding their own inner-being. They find ways to meditate and refocus; they find ways of healing from within by examining their inner dialogue. They make changes to themselves and their decision-making tendencies. In other words, they focus on their own personal growth.

Simply put, introverts are better able at silencing the noise around them so that they can find their inner-guidance. They seek truth within, finding they don’t need an external guru to inspire them for their journey.

We all have been there, in the midst of a conversation where you can’t wait for your turn to speak. In fact, so many of us get consumed with what we will say next that we forget to listen to what the other person is saying. We often forget how conversations work.

For introverts, however, this annoying habit is easier managed, as their quiet nature better allows them to sit back and listen to what other people are saying. In fact, because introverts have such a keen interest in the inner-self and others’ inner-selves, these souls are the true listeners you will encounter.

Introverts may not have a long list of acquaintances, but their friendships are strong. Not being ones who like small talk, introverts really get to know their friends. They ask difficult questions and give thoughtful answers.

They value connection and bonding. You may meet one in an airport or at the dry cleaners, and in ten minutes feel like you’ve made a life-long friend.

Introverts will not be the first to volunteer information at a meeting. In school, they were not the ones with ready hands. Yet, when they do find the moment to insert themselves into the conversation, you can bet they will have formulated their response. Not ones to speak impulsively, introverts like to gather what they want to say before they say it.

In fact, because introverts tend to be more sensitive in general, they will make sure to modify their speech in such a way as to best reach their audience. They understand tone and language so innately, they will be oh-so-delicately mindful of how their speech can and will affect others.

While our society tends to value extroverted personalities over introverted, it is important to know just how important introverts are and how much they can teach us all. So let them know by sharing this article and reminding them how amazing they are!