Are you an introvert? Do you know an introvert? Then you should know that introverts can often do things better than others. In our society, extroverts are celebrated for their charisma and assertiveness while introverts are considered rude loners. But when it comes to introverts vs extroverts, introverts can get things done better than their counterparts. How do I know? Well, for starters, I am an introvert myself. But don’t take my word for it.
“Whatever kind of introvert you are, some people will find you ‘too much’ in some ways and ‘not enough’ in others.” – Laurie Helgoe
Although our society and media glamorize the extroverted lifestyle, introverts do most of the work from behind the scenes, away from everyone’s eyes. This is one of the reasons why we are mostly misunderstood. We are labeled as snobby, unfriendly, shy, anti-social, and aloof.
Hence, our contribution and hard work often go unnoticed as people are more focused on what extroverts do on the front line. However, introversion can be a rather impressive personality trait that is shaped by our genetics, upbringing, and environment.
Who is an introvert anyway?
“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured…Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you’re supposed to.” – Susan Cain
Did you know almost 50% of people are introverts? A 1998 survey by the Myers-Briggs organization found that over half the population in a National Representative Sample showed signs of introversion.
In the battle for popularity, introverts may lose to extroverts. But that’s because we do not seek external validation. In society’s perception of introverts vs extroverts, we usually turn out to be the dark horse. But we are not weird unfriendly people. Introverts just operate in a different manner. We respond to stimulus more easily than our extroverted friends. This is why introverts prefer less stimulating activities like writing or reading than going to a party.
As we draw energy from others, both positive and negative, it can seriously affect our mood, thoughts, and emotions. As a result, introverts need to spend adequate time alone in order to recharge themselves. This makes people think that introverts are rude and solitary people.
But in reality, introverts love spending time with people they care about. Being preoccupied with their own thoughts, introverts enjoy their own company more and stay away from crowds. Being naturally intuitive, introverts are always in tune with their thoughts and emotions and are always aware of others.
Related: Are Extroverts Happier Than Introverts? Some Path Breaking Myths, Uncovered
5 Things introverts can do better than extroverts
“Introverts live in two worlds: We visit the world of people, but solitude and the inner world will always be our home.” – Jenn Granneman
With their unique personalities, introverts possess specific strengths that empower them to do certain things way better than anyone else. These inward-oriented souls have much to contribute to our society and everyone can learn a lot from introverts.
Here are a few things which introverts can do best, even better than extroverts.
1. Introverts listen, understand and respect others.
In case you’re keeping score in the battle of introverts vs extroverts, then introverts surely win in the listening department. Listening comes naturally to us as we think before we speak. Introverts tend to understand the opinions of others before voicing their own opinions. So if you want someone to hear you out, then nothing can be better than talking to an introvert.
They will not only listen to you, but they will put in the effort to understand your perspective, ask relevant questions and even offer valuable advice if you need them. This helps us to build a strong and meaningful bond with people.
Introverts are attentive listeners who respect the viewpoints of others. As we are keen listeners, it’s easy for others to open up to us and express themselves without worrying about getting judged. However, we do find small talks useless and draining.
2. Introverts are good at keeping secrets.
When it comes to introverts vs extroverts, we are better at keeping secrets than any extrovert out there. Introverts analyze everything and think deeply before speaking. We strive to find balance and depth in our words which allows us to say only what we want to. Moreover, we spend more time alone to recharge ourselves and don’t usually seek approval from others to feel happy.
This makes us seem arrogant and spoilsport to extroverts. Introverts are authentic individuals who are least interested in seeking attention or impressing others.
These qualities make introverts perfect for sharing secrets and valuable information as we respect others and their personal boundaries. In fact, with a small social circle, which introverts usually have, they value the people in their lives and are reliable and confident.
3. Introverts are exceptional writers.
“Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.” – John Green
Our natural personality makes us great writers. As we invest a lot of time with our thoughts and reflect in solitude, introverts can easily put their thoughts into words. Being intuitive and observant, we gradually develop a natural flair for writing.
In any situation, whether in the workplace or in a social gathering, introverts tend to spend time alone, analyzing and processing information. This enables us to gain various insights and understand the thoughts and behaviors of others. With our understanding of varied perspectives, we can elegantly express our thoughts with our writings.
Whether writing professionally or casually, introverts can craft fine pieces of literature easily as writing is often a better mode of communication for us than talking. Some of the greatest writers, namely, William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, J. K. Rowling, and J. R. R. Tolkien are introverts.
4. Introverts are great problem solvers.
Introverts follow their hearts and intuitions when it comes to solving problems in life. Whenever we face any hardships or struggles, we tend to reflect and look inwards as we feel the answer to all our problems lies within us. We have gained this wisdom by being self-reliant all our lives and overcoming challenges on our own merits.
With an internal locus of control, introverts don’t shift the blame on others. Instead, they focus on what they can do to make things better in their lives and in the lives of their loved ones. This mindset and attitude make them great at facing and solving various problems in life.
Related: 13 Signs You Are An Introvert
5. Introverts are excellent leaders.
In fact, introverts can be better leaders than extroverts. Did you know leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Barack Obama are introverts?
Introverts can be true leaders as they act in a calm and collected manner even under pressure. As we tend to prepare a lot before saying anything or taking any action, introverts have a poised and steady presence which makes their followers feel confident in their abilities to lead. Being empaths and good listeners, introverts understand the needs of others and are capable of getting people together to accomplish a task successfully and make necessary improvements.
This makes them better leaders than extroverts who appear bossy and tend to give directions instead of leading their team. By reflecting repeatedly, introverts know how to stay focused on the goals of the group without getting distracted. An introvert always knows what is best for the group and if the team is led in the right direction.
Introverts are doers, not just thinkers
“Introverts are capable of acting like extroverts for the sake of work they consider important, people they love, or anything they value highly.” – Susan Cain
Yes, introverts are deep thinkers, but contrary to popular belief, they are doers as well. Introverts believe in creating something without the need for seeking attention for it. They do it for the pure joy of creation. And whatever they do, they make sure they do it to the best of their abilities. This is what makes them better than extroverts.
The inwardly oriented introverts are more focused on their objectives and do not prefer wasting their time socializing unnecessarily. Introverts are usually experts in their fields and they use every last bit of information to get the job done effectively.
So if you are an introvert, take pride in yourself and go accomplish your dreams.
You are the absolute BEST!
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