{"id":3228,"date":"2020-07-02T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-02T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=3228"},"modified":"2020-10-16T15:22:07","modified_gmt":"2020-10-16T20:22:07","slug":"introvert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/introvert\/","title":{"rendered":"Being an Introvert in an Extroverted World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Shy<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are an introvert, it can seem like you are mis-matched for the roles and tasks around you that seem to prefer extroverts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Statistically speaking, about 60% – 80% of Americans would consider themselves to be extroverted people. With stats like that, it can feel a bit overwhelming to be an introvert! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, you\u2019re certainly not alone if you have an introverted personality. It can be easy to think something is wrong with you or that you should force yourself to \u201cget out there\u201d more. However, there\u2019s nothing wrong with you. Although it is healthy for everyone to nudge themselves out of a comfort zone from time to time, forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations isn\u2019t always the answer. Especially if you are doing so because you think something is “wrong” with you if you don’t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality? You don\u2019t have to change who you are to appeal to society. All you really need to do is be comfortable with who you are and how you choose to spend your time. With that in mind, let\u2019s look at some ways you can become an \u201cexpert\u201d introvert in a world full of extroverted people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand Your Strengths \u2013 and Cater to Them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people view introverts as antisocial or closed off. That is hardly the case. Introversion isn\u2019t a gauge of whether you like people or not. It is more about whether social activities are uplifting and energizing to you (extroverts), or whether it drains you (introverts).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, you might have to spend some extra time dispelling some of the common myths and assumptions about introverts by playing to your strengths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the strengths of introverted people? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, they\u2019re more likely to be great listeners. That\u2019s a wonderful quality to possess in career and personal relationships. You may not be a big talker, but you\u2019re likely a good listener. That can go a long way. In fact, many introverts listen so well that they\u2019re able to grasp details quickly and make connections in ways that others can\u2019t. Believe it or not, many therapists are introverts (Case in point, I had VERY briefly considered being a teacher until I thought about having to be around so many people all day long! Being a therapist fit my natural style of connecting one-on-one much better<\/em>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Introverts<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Introverts are also typically good at concentrating on the task at hand. When they get involved in a project, they\u2019ll see it through. They also tend to be rather thorough and precise. Introverts naturally tend to research or study something until they become an \u201cexpert\u201d on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be As Prepared As Possible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Typically, introverts like to think about things. That\u2019s why going out in social settings isn\u2019t always fun (and can even be scary). It can feel unnerving to dive into potential conversations where you won\u2019t have an opportunity to think about answers to questions, etc. at length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, it can help to prepare yourself as much as possible for things like social gatherings, family get-togethers, and even job interviews. Think about some questions people might ask or topics of conversation that might come up. What will you say? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling more prepared can help ease some potential anxiety. A bit of role-playing or visualization and can make you feel more comfortable being around others. You don\u2019t have to go overboard with it. After all, you\u2019ll never be able to know every topic of discussion. But, having some sort of gameplan in mind can make a big difference. Don’t get “lost in the weeds”, just have a few bullet point ideas to lean on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Yourself Space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best thing you can do as an introvert is to love yourself and give yourself the space you need. You can\u2019t force yourself to become more extroverted, and you shouldn\u2019t have to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There will likely be times when you need to be more social than you prefer (office parties, family gatherings, etc). Try to limit other obligations leading up to this, but especially AFTER an event. You will be more tired and need extra time to recharge yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Introvert<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re at a party and you want to go home, go home. If your idea of a great night is watching a movie on your couch rather than going to a bar, stay home and relax. There is nothing wrong with being introverted, and that can\u2019t be said enough. Self-compassion and self-care matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you consider yourself an introvert and you\u2019re struggling in this extroverted world, it\u2019s okay. There are more things you can do to find peace and really become an \u201cexpert\u201d at who you are and what you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel free to contact me for more information, or to set up an appointment. Together, we can work on different strategies for accepting your introverted nature and using it to your advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n