How “Quiet Ambitious” Introverts Thrives in a Loud World.
Introvert or Ambitious? You Don’t Have to Choose!
Introverted individuals often face pressure to conform to extroverted norms in society. However, it’s important for introverts to embrace their natural tendencies and understand how they can be used to their advantage in pursuing their passions and ambitions.
My Story:
Growing up, I was always known as the quiet one. I preferred to study hard and keep to myself, which often resulted in my parents and relatives urging me to change my character so that I would fit in better with the rest of society. Luckily for me, nobody ever bullied me for being a “quiet nerd” during my primary school to college years in China.
Despite my introverted tendencies, I am a passionate, brave, and ambitious person. These traits are not in conflict with being an introvert, yet I still struggled with the belief that my introversion was holding me back from achieving my dreams and goals. For many years, I felt uncomfortable with my personality, and my biggest fear was becoming an extrovert.
My first approach is to change into an extrovert — —
My initial response to this fear was to try and change myself into an extrovert. I enrolled in business school, hoping to “better fit the society” and started participating in more student activities and hanging out with my classmates. However, this turned out to be a bad decision. I started feeling less smart in that world, and it did not help me fit in any better.
After graduation, the challenges began in the workplace where people effortlessly build professional relationships, which takes me so much energy. It is not my characteristic, I even feel it is useless at the same time (but the environment told me like, it is the most important character).
Most of the time I did not enjoy the social situation, I mean, I’m fine with the ones that have clear aims or warmful ones. The others are more like tasks and chores. I was always trying to be active and polite, but it is very easy for me to feel drained out of energy.
After many years of fighting my “introversion”, I reached the turning point — —
Self-Acceptance and Exploration:
I used to think that changing my introverted nature was the only way to succeed in life. It felt like everyone was telling me to be someone else, to fit in better with the world. But over time, I came to realize that changing who I am is not so simple. Just like fish cannot climb trees, my introverted tendencies cannot simply be changed on a whim.
Why should I want to change who I am anyway? As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. — Oscar Wilde
Scientific Studies — —
There is scientific evidence that suggests that introversion is at least partially influenced by biology. One important line of research has focused on the differences in brain activity between introverts and extroverts.
Brain imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), have shown that introverts and extroverts have different patterns of brain activity in response to stimuli. For example, introverts tend to have higher levels of activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with introspection, planning, and problem-solving, while extroverts tend to have higher levels of activity in the amygdala, which is associated with processing external stimuli and responding to rewards.
Twin studies, a common method used to investigate the role of genetics in various traits and disorders, compare the similarities and differences in a particular trait between identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) and fraternal twins (who share about 50% of their genes).
The twin studies have shown that genetic factors can account for up to 50% of the variability in introversion, suggesting there is a significant biological component to this trait.
Because of those — —
I started to “be serious and respectful” about my being an introvert. It took me quite a long to truly accept and respect my introverted nature. After all, I spent over a decade in the wrong major, career, and relationship approach. And all the time “being introvert” is like a weakness or blame in social orientation and education.
These experiences give me a strong intention to speak out — —
Introversion is not about being shy or weak; let alone a weakness. It’s about thriving in a quiet, low-key environment where we can be our most creative and productive selves.
That’s why I write this article, to share my experiences and to encourage others to embrace their introverted personalities. We don’t need to feel frustrated or try to modify ourselves to fit in. Instead, we need to realize and optimize our strengths, choosing the right environment to maximize our creativity and talents. So let’s all be serious and respectful about who we are, introverts or otherwise, and start living our lives to the fullest.
Quick facts — —
Introverts are not Rare:
A third to a half of the population is introvert, Introverts are just as excellent as they were. Despite this, introverts are often underrepresented in many areas of society. It’s not uncommon to feel the pressure to act like a “fake extroverted” person to fit in.
However, being introverted is not a problem, but rather a gift. Our need for solitude allows us to engage in deep thought and tap into our creativity. It’s important to embrace our introverted tendencies and recognize the unique strengths and qualities that come with them.
Throughout history — —
Monks and other contemplative individuals have sought solitude as a means of deepening their spiritual and philosophical insights. This practice has its roots in many different religious and cultural traditions, from Christianity and Buddhism to ancient Greek philosophy, which involves spending time in quiet reflection, often in isolation, to gain greater spiritual clarity, inner peace, and wisdom.
Famous early Christian monks in Egypt spent years in complete isolation, fasting and praying, in order to gain a deeper understanding of God and the nature of existence.
Buddhism, the practice of meditation is central to the pursuit of enlightenment. Monks and lay practitioners alike spend long hours in meditation, often in solitude, as a means of quieting the mind and gaining insight into the true nature of reality.
In ancient Greek philosophy, the philosopher Epicurus advocated for a life of simple pleasures and contemplation. They believe the truest source of happiness and wisdom was found in quiet contemplation and reflection.
Fulfill our Passion and Ambition:
As we said, being introverted doesn’t mean I can’t be ambitious. In fact, there are several ways in which my introverted nature has actually helped me in achieving my goals.
For one, I find it easier to explore my passions through self-reflection and deep thought as an introvert, especially when I have the time and space to myself. Also, it is easier for introverts to stick to it, and perform deep and focused work. We can try to carve out blocks of time for undisturbed work on the goals.
Congratulations, for you and me :)
There are many successful people who identify as introverts, such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, Mahatma Gandhi, J.K. Rowling, Emma Watson, Warren Buffett, etc.
A study by Adam Grant, a professor at the Wharton School, found that a mix of both introverted and extroverted leaders is beneficial for organizational success. Introverted individuals are often thoughtful, reflective, and good listeners and grant people more room of creativity, allowing them to make well-informed decisions, think critically about complex problems, and build collaborative teams.
Haha, don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate extroverts; I appreciate them. For example, my friends, gather us up and let things happen. If not then maybe we will not continue the relationship.
Navigate Social Situations:
Introverts have their own social advantages. We can tell a story better, be thoughtful speakers, write better, and listen better.
Those are absolutely two different things: “extroversion (a characteristic)” and “good communicator (an ability).” Personality isn’t something we can easily change, but we can work on developing our abilities.
Also, explore your social boundaries and discover what drains your energy more, so that you avoid the “un-noticeable burn-out” and “overly sensitivity”. For example, I’m totally fine with communication with aims, networking events, and some presentations and public speaking. But not small talks and debates, haha. There is not anything right or wrong but keeps us inside our comfort or growth zone, rather than the panic zone.
I enjoy the energy around people, like in a co-working space and coffee shop. I enjoy deep interaction with people, it can be friends, as well as reading books and listening to podcasts.
At the same time, find a way to interact with the world: it could be your writing, podcast, your hobbies, and people like-minded.
Finally, take advantage of technology: I find it easier to connect with others through technology, such as email, social media, project management software, and video conferencing. Use these tools to build relationships and collaborate with others.
All in all, being an introvert definitely doesn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. By playing to your strengths and finding ways to recharge your energy and connect with the world, you can pursue your ambitions in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Every one of us is the center of our life. Don’t shy away from who we are.
