In my second episode, I explain why I qualify to talk about all things introvert. However, I never really explained why I made this all about being an introvert. Before I started my podcast, I had to figure out what I wanted to talk about. I had to figure out why I even wanted to do this and why it was so important to me to voice my thoughts. Then it led me to think about why it’s so hard for me to voice my thoughts in the first place. I believe one of the reasons for that is because I’m an introvert.
When it comes to introversion and extroversion, there’s definitely a spectrum. Some people may lean more towards an extrovert but have introvert tendencies and vice versa. As you know, I’m definitely an introvert and resonate highly with that trait. Like, highly. I can’t even put enough emphasis on highly.
With that said, I do have a lot of the stereotypical characteristics such as being quiet, observant, a good listener, and I enjoy being alone. I’m not loud, attention-seeking, and I don’t require constant human interaction. Because of that, my voice isn’t always being heard. I mention this in my Why Am I Starting this Podcast episode. I also talk about how I’m an introvert in an extrovert family, so you can probably imagine how easy it is to have my voice get lost in the background. With a podcast, my voice can finally be in the forefront.
It is also pretty well known that extrovert traits are typically favored over introvert traits. Some commonly “good” traits to add to a resume are outgoing, adventurous, charismatic, etc. When I worked at Chipotle, they had the 13 characteristics which included high-energy and infectiously enthusiastic. This is not to say that introverts don’t have these characteristics, because some do, but you don’t typically see stereotypical introvert traits on a resume. Employers typically want a people person, someone who enjoys working with others. You don’t usually see employers seeking out quiet people who prefer solitude.
Other than the workplace, you also learn from a young age, that being social and playing with the other kids is essential and you basically get reprimanded if you’re not social. Adults think you’re weird, anti-social, and have some mental issue because you don’t want to hang out with the other kids. You’re deemed abnormal and must have some social or personality disorder, which is absolutely insane. That can really affect a kid’s psyche and make them feel like there’s something wrong with them.
So why the whole introvert thing? I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being told I’m not good enough for being me. I like me. For a long time, I didn’t like me. I didn’t like who I was, and I wanted to change to be more like other people in my family. Now, I have completely embraced my introvert personality and as an adult, I can finally do whatever I want to do. If I’m too socially exhausted to do something, I can simply say no and that’s okay. I truly accepted who I am, but that didn’t happen overnight. I gradually started to love myself and I’m still working on that today. It’s definitely a work in progress and maybe that's something I can talk about on the podcast.
With this podcast, I am given a platform to explain to people why introverts are the way they are. Hopefully along the way, I can also help other introverts see how great they are and embrace this part of them. Don’t take this the wrong way though. This isn’t to say that extroverts aren’t awesome, but this is simply saying that we’re awesome too!
If you’re an introvert, please let me know what struggles you’ve had to deal with. To the extroverts, please let me know what questions you might have about introverts. Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for listening and reading!