How can you be an influencer/blogger and an introvert? Well, it’s actually a lot easier than one might think. Sharing things about yourself on the internet is quite different than interacting with 50+ people at a meeting or an event. Granted in the beginning, I did go to a lot of blogger events, and they were absolutely soul sucking, so I stopped. I realized, once again, I was falling into the pattern of thinking if I want to succeed, this is what I have to do. It’s just not the case. But there is a delicate balance, and over the last few years I’ve gotten better at how I manage my business and social life in a way that’s beneficial to my brand but not detrimental to my health. Here are some of my strategies for surviving as an introvert.
How to Survive As An Introvert (in Business and in Life)
23 responses
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One of the most emotionally freeing things I’ve done in my life is accepting that it’s OKAY to not be an extrovert.
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Absolutely. Couldn’t agree more.
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Have you read the book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain? More helpful for those still coming to terms with their introversion, but also a nice validation of the introvert personality. Extroverts could benefit from the book too – understand the “other half” so to speak.
I once cried in front of my boss when I got the “you should talk more” spiel for the umpteenth time in my life. Since pre-school – no joke. It was a cry of frustration, as I was going through a bunch of stuff at the time, but hearing that ‘you need to fix this’ attitude again tipped me over the edge that day. Not typically emotional so I was mortified. I’m in a better place now, and I’d like to think if I got that talk today, I would just shrug it off.
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Thank you for sharing this, Jess!! I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation for “Quiet” by Susan Cain for all introverts and those who love us—it actually changed my life and completely reframed the way I looked at how I interacted with the world. She includes a lot of information about traits that define “Highly Sensitive Persons” (HSPs)—people that are very sensitive to external stimuli (bright lights, noises, touch, smells, and often other people’s emotions).
I read it in my mid twenties and it was the first time in my life I was able to appreciate my sensitivity, set boundaries to avoid draining myself to zero, and stop apologizing who I am.
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Yes I am definitely ordering that. Looking forward to reading it.
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Thank you Jessica for this article it helped me alot and I will read the book “Quiet”
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Thanks a lot I’ve been always blaming my self about, why am I so shire in front of people. Why is it hard for me to socialize with other people, how can I fix this. Every time I would feel like I’m not good enough for certain things. I would definitely buy the book.
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I haven’t but definitely look forward to reading it. Sorry to hear about that experience with your boss. I’ve definitely been there (and also not typically overtly emotional which makes it even more painful).
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I am 100% an introvert as well and it took years before I understood why I hated all my friends after 5 days of being on a trip together. I was CRAVING alone time. I now know what it is and know it’s not them, its me, and that I need to go do something solo for a few hours to be a better travel buddy. My friends now know what it is too so they’ve stopped giving me shit for leaving the bar early or saying no to a late night out.
xo Jessica
My Style Vita-
Yeah totally understand. I think the main reason Craig and my relationship has survived so long is because we are both introverts and fully appreciate alone time. Even if it’s just separate parts of the house. Haha.
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As a fellow introvert, I can really relate to this post. My husband is an extrovert through and through, so it’s definitely helped with a lot of social situations.
Thanks for the great read, Jess! I love how your posts are always so well thought out.
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Thank you so much Angelica!
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Learning to say no has played such a huge part in my social life lately. Even when people don’t understand it and still think I am “lame” I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders every time I am honest.
xxx
Isabel
https://isabelstories.com/-
Could not agree more.
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Wonderful post. The writing is so beautifully clear and insightful. As a mix of both, I often push through painful experiences which reinforces the extrovert. Then I can come home relieved I did – which is why I love living alone!
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You’re not alone, you have Tux!
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I don’t think I’ve ever related to a blog post more than this one. Thanks for sharing your tips.
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Totally agree and liked your post 😉 ıntroverting is good 🙂 have a nice weekend.. Ebru
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So much yes to this post!! Finally coming to terms with being an introvert myself and I think writing has been one of the best ways I’ve found to express myself when I feel at a loss in other ways. Even writing a note to my partner, friends, etc. sometimes feels so much more natural to me than trying to put my appreciation and love for them into words. Thank you for this! Definitely leaving with some inspiration for unapologetically being an introvert!
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Thank You for your piece on being an introvert, “How to Survive as an Introvert.” I have been one all my life and I have suffered for it tremendously.
Thank You for the advice and your beautiful blog. -
This is wonderful. Thank you!
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This post is exactly what I needed to read. You’re absolutely right— western culture favors extroversion. I’ve felt for most of my life that there was something wrong with my need for more alone time. On the cusp of starting a business myself in a few months, you’ve helped me feel so much more at ease about the inevitable increase in social interactions that are part-and-parcel with the territory. Thank you so much! K
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INTJ. Introverts are rock solid co-workers. They are the get it done people.
Extroverts are okay one on one, but they’re exhausting in groups.
Thanks for sharing.
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