How Introverts Quietly Dominate Self-Improvement
An introvert looks inward, not relying on others for energy and self-betterment. They rest and recuperate best when alone.
Identifying as an introvert can help provide anyone with a sense of ownership over their identity and pushes the label toward being a
pillar of power and, of course, self-improvement.
Introverts and extroverts, while often compared, are not to be pitted against one another. One is not better than the other. Instead,
we will look at the power of identifying as an introvert and the potential course-correcting effect it can have on your self-improvement
journey.
The power of reflection
It could be argued that a more introverted nature pushes you to learn more about yourself. When you operate from a more inward-
based perspective, you can identify your breaking point with ease. Introverts’ natural inclination for introspection and self-reflection
can increase self-awareness, a core element of personal growth. After all, understanding emotions means you can understand
yourself.
Deep listening and empathy
Self-improvement does exactly what it says on the tin. You literally improve yourself. However, a massive part of improving yourself
comes with learning to listen attentively and empathise with others as much as you can. This helps shape a nurturing world-view
and seeps into how you treat yourself.
While an introvert typically enjoys their own company more than anyone else’s, that doesn’t mean they’re bad at listening and
empathising with others. It can be the exact opposite. When you spend more time with your thoughts, as introverts typically do, then
it becomes easier to see where someone else’s thoughts and feelings may be coming from – that “I’m fine” may not necessarily
mean everything is fine, or even something as simple as providing good quality advice. These things become more simple and
identifiable when you’ve spent time looking for patterns in your thought process.
Moreover, introverts don’t like being the centre of attention. Instead of ensuring everyone hears their voice, people who lean more
towards introversion prefer to keep themselves to themselves, placing higher importance on listening.
Listening is one of the biggest advantages anyone can have on their self-improvement journey. If you can listen effectively and show
empathy to those around you, you’ll naturally build a community of caring people.
The strength of solitude
Of course, you may not feel that introversion completely defines you. If you’re a more outgoing, extroverted person, spending more
time alone is a simple yet cunning tool for mastering self-improvement. There are many benefits to spending more time in solitude,
such as:
• Increases empathy
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• Boosts productivity levels
• Inspires more regular creativity
• Builds mental resilience
A big problem many people face is not enjoying or knowing what to do with their own company. Introverts are experts at this, as it’s
what they rely on before and after intense social interactions.
More to the point, spending more time alone provides an insight into who you really are – the person removed from any external
presence. You can ask yourself questions like ‘How do I keep myself stimulated with no one around?, ‘How do I talk to myself with
no frame of reference to ask?’, or ‘Why did I respond to that situation in this way?’. Essentially, an introvert-leaning person places
significant value on inner thoughts. The more attention you pay, the stronger mind palace you can build.
After all, asking yourself questions in any kind of self-reflective manner is the most concrete next step you could possibly take.
Harnessing focus and concentration
Introverts are all about confidently spending time on their own. This leads to more focus and deep levels of concentration on tasks
which aid toward improving their lives, whether that’s professional, social, or personal work.
A productivity-based concept called ‘deep work’ embodies this sentiment, as it requires sitting down for extended periods with no
distractions and a clear focus towards a set goal. When you’re more comfortable being alone than others, the circumstances deep
work requires may come more naturally to introverts than anyone else.
Cal Newport, a psychologist who wrote the book Deep Work, touches on the benefits of an introvert’s tendencies:
“When I talk about my purposefully disconnected life, a common retort is that I’m missing out on the creative possibilities born of the
frequent exposure to new people and ideas delivered through social media and related technologies. But here’s the thing, for the
most part, this is not how high-level creative work is accomplished. It’s not, in other words, lack of input that stymies creative
breakthroughs[…] What does stand in the way of creative breakthroughs — I’m increasingly convinced — is lack of time spent
walking quietly with your thoughts, working and re-working your understanding of a concept in search of new layers of meaning.”
Put simply, making more breakthroughs (creative or otherwise) requires time, focus, and concentration on your thoughts.
Introversion as a self-improvement tool
Introversion has many helpful benefits, many of which will make self-improvement an altogether less daunting task. It places
significant value on you and your thoughts, putting who you are at a core level in the spotlight. Here’s a recap of how introverts are
set up for success when it comes to self-improvement:
• The power of reflection: self-assessment and reflection skills are a self-improver’s bread and butter. The ability to look
back and figure out what you can do better should not be underestimated.
• Deep listening and empathy: when you’re able to listen deeply and show natural empathy, forming relationships with
yourself and others becomes easier.
• Strength of solitude: as introverts watching this will know, alone time provides the circumstances necessary for self-
reflection. It teaches you to enjoy your own company.
• Harnessing focus and concentration: when you can easily settle down and focus, you’ve already started yourself off on
the front foot.
Essentially, an introvert’s advantage over everyone else is their increased tendency to self-reflect. Spending and enjoying your
thoughts and company are the building blocks of your self-improvement journey.
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