How to Turn Your Introvert Struggles into Quiet Superpowers

“Is everything okay?”

“Why are you so quiet?”

“Why aren’t you coming to the party?”

If you’ve been asked these questions a little too often, then congratulations, you’ve passed the introvert check.

For introverts, the corporate world can sometimes feel like it was built for the extroverts. The frequent team meetings, the after-work social gatherings, the long hours of being “on,”—these common workplace norms are sometimes enough to leave an introvert drained for the whole day.

And for most introverts, the struggle to be themselves without “faking” being an extrovert sometimes clashes with the desire to have a thriving career. But, while it’s easier said than done, having those two co-exist is still possible with balance and effort.

Treat extroversion as a skill, not a personality trait.

Ancestry.com CEO, Deb Liu, who describes herself as distinctly introverted, once shared how she was able to thrive in environments where making oneself seen or heard often correlates with success.

Having graduated from engineering school and achieving high honors “without practically speaking at all,” Liu’s turning point was starting Stanford Business School and learning that class participation equates to at least 50% of her grade.

What she came up with as a solution is this: treat extroversion like a practicable skill rather than an unattainable personality trait. That meant setting small goals for herself, like speaking up at least thrice a week in a class. And those little steps she took as part of her “extrovert training” paid off. That quiet kid in engineering school? Now a CEO who speaks to different kinds of people every day.

So, it’s okay if you don’t hit the unmute button and speak up 10 times in a meeting. Just try to do it twice or at least once during a session. Set small, attainable goals for yourself and be consistent with them. Eventually, you’ll develop the courage and confidence you need to use your voice.

Communicate better.

For most introverts, there’s probably nothing more relatable than leaving a meeting and thinking, “That could’ve been an email.” So, how can you lessen the number of Zoom meetings on your calendar or going back and forth with your colleagues or clients?

By communicating clearly and effectively.

One email that itemizes everything that needs addressing can save you one less meeting on your calendar. Setting a list of discussion points and sticking to them can prevent soul-crushing, energy-draining meetings that last hours.

Not only does communicating better can save you time (and social battery), but it can also help you achieve a more peaceful and productive work day.

Harness the power of silence.

Did you know that silence can actually improve productivity? A study by the National Library of Medicine shows that exposure to prolonged silence can cause the brain to produce new cells.

So, when somebody comes up to you asking why you’re alone and quiet, just tell them you’re pumping out more creative cells you need at work.

Additionally, harnessing the power of silence means taking the time to carefully and critically think things through before speaking. It allows you to say things that hold weight with only a few words or minutes of being in the “spotlight.” And during conflicts and confrontations, it helps you pace yourself to keep your emotions in check.

Leverage your strengths.

Look at some of the infamous introverted public figures like Vincent Van Gogh, Emma Watson, and Mark Zuckerburg—they embraced their rich, inner world and tapped into the treasure trove of inspiration within instead of hiding it from the outside world.

If they can accomplish groundbreaking work because of their introverted nature and not in spite of it, why can’t you?

So, before you give up on that position because the “client-facing” in the job description scares you, or decide whether a job in public relations, marketing, or any other “extroverted” field is not for you, think about your own strengths and how they will add value to the table.

Create your boundaries.

Take the time to observe how you feel after participating in certain activities. Do you feel drained after a 10-minute call but rejuvenated after a long chat on Slack? What are the things that made you feel the most energized and drained?

Once you’ve identified the things that affect your energy, it’s time to work on your boundaries. In most offices where post-work parties or gatherings are a norm, think about how can you find the balance between “you” time and “people” time.

Remember, it’s okay to say no to others if it means saying yes to yourself.

In a world that doesn’t seem to stop talking, it’s easy to retreat into your inner world where you feel the most safe and comfortable. But, just as extroverts have their own things to say (which are a lot), you also have your own voice that deserves to be heard.

You don’t have to try to fit in. You don’t have to try to change the way you are. You just have to learn to use your quiet strengths with no reservations or apologies.

Always remember, being quiet shouldn’t mean keeping silent on things that matter to you.