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As an introvert, you may be inclined to think that your introverted side is difficult. But as far as I'm concerned, being introverted has an enormous power. A few examples of what introverts excel at.
Being introverted is sometimes seen as being quiet, shy or insecure. It is quickly dismissed as something negative, which you would rather do something about. But what if you looked at it from the other side? What if you started to see your introversion as something beautiful, as a special power you have?
Introverts have a number of very specific characteristics that make introversion a true force. In this article I would like to give you a few examples of this.
Active listening
Introverts don't like to be in the spotlight. This has to do with how their brains work. Introverts are very sensitive to dopamine, also known as the happiness hormone. They soon have too much of that and so they protect themselves against too many external stimuli. Being in the foreground is one such stimulus that they would rather not expose themselves to.
For this reason, an introvert gives a lot of space to others. Introverts are very good listeners because of this. An introvert not only listens, but also actively does something with that information. We call this active listening. If you tell an introvert that something is bothering you, he or she will be inclined to think along with you. If you give an introvert the time to do this, you will sometimes be amazed by the solutions you get.
Analyzing
As mentioned, introverts need less dopamine, because they quickly have too much of it. This makes it easier for an introvert than for an extrovert to isolate for a while. Introverts are therefore very good at going into depth and having a helicopter view.
If you give an introvert enough time for this, you will notice that he or she likes to look at things from different perspectives. Only then will an introvert share with you what he or she thinks about something. If you want to get to the bottom of something, then that is a job that an introvert is often willing to do.
People oriented
Introverts are usually not fans of network meetings and drinks. But they are definitely social, albeit in their own way. Introverts prefer one-on-one contact or smaller groups. This ensures that they do not become overstimulated and that they can more easily go into depth.
This, in combination with the large amount of space an introvert gives to others, makes them people-oriented. Once you are friends with an introvert, it is a deep and important connection. An introvert usually invests a lot in this.
Want to learn more about the power of introversion and how to best use it? You will learn more about this in my coaching trajectory The Power of Introversion. I also offer workshops and training on the power of introversion.
