Written by: Kriti Surjan Thepade, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
“You see things. You keep quiet about them, and you understand.” — The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Will I ever be like that person who can socialize so much?
Or, how do you manage to do this or become successful?
I am not fond of talking to people or being around them.
Why is he/she so difficult to talk to? How do they manage at work?
Excuse me! We manage just fine — thanks for the concern anyway!
Let me start this article by reminiscing about my past! When I was a radio jockey, and to be honest, it was one of the best times of my life, the reason being, there was less interaction involved with people and more imagination and being myself in a studio, surrounded by soundproof walls, headphones, microphone, console, speakers and a computer.
By now, you must have added two and two and aimed for a conclusion that yes, I used to be an introvert. Got awkward around people, never seemed to have the right foot forward and mostly spoke general knowledge facts to cover up for lacking conversational skills.
Well, this is not just me, but the story of many introverts or introverted-extroverts that I’m now!
However, it’s not a shortcoming or a disease or a disorder. It simply means I like to preserve my peace and quiet and energy. It’s not necessary to enjoy and do everything as someone else does and at the same time does not license people to create unwarranted opinions, doubts, or myths about us and our life trajectories!
But hear, hear!
If you are shy, reserved, inward-looking, self-contained, the party has just begun! According to some surveys, introverts make up 25‒40% of the total world’s population. We even have an international day dedicated to celebrating the musings of our quiet and charming personalities, and that’s on January 2nd! How cool is that! Nevertheless, it’ll be nice to touch the corners regarding why there is so much hullabaloo regarding being of a particular personality type?
Introverts or socially reserved people have some great traits and qualities that make them:
Great Leaders. Because they observe so much and have a thought-out approach, introverts make quite remarkable leaders. They are open to feedback, convey more through action; their focus is enviable, and successfully convert their reclusion into action.
Great listeners. Because they make people feel that they ‘get’ them. Introverts can keep secrets, listen to all the venting out and be there as a quiet and comforting shoulder. When you just need to shed some silent tears. That also puts them into the ‘awesome friends forever’ category.
Great creators. Because they find inspiration in small details and are absorbed into it, using all the sensory aspects and observational skills. This process allows them to constantly and quietly work while unleashing their creative genius. Introverts actually believe in moving and working in silence.
Great strategists. Because they observe so well, introverts are great with epic comebacks, planning, and following a plan to the ‘T.’ These guys have an eye for the minutest of details and are trusted with getting the job done. Every decision made has been introspected thoroughly with a lot of thought and ado. Introverts are aware of their dynamo, which entails less word power, more contributions, inputs, and collaborations, making them good team players.
Great partners. Because when they bond, they really bond well. It amounts to a colossal effort to let someone in for someone who doesn’t like to entertain too many people in their private lives. That is a significant reason introverts cherish and nurture relationships for as long as possible.
Great networkers. Because they don’t attend every social event, are particular about their time and energy, and have a circle developed with a lot of thought and care. So, their acquaintances come with high recommendations and are appreciated equally. Introverts have an edge regarding social influences, which gives them leverage to develop a niche of selective and substantial people.
These traits make introverts a fab fit into various fields, including creative writing, designing, and even publicity campaigns or managing social media. They know when to recuse themselves while painting a perfect picture for someone else. Understanding how someone needs to be portrayed and expressed is a highly sought-after soft skill and has often been seen as a part of their personalities.
Their emotional quotient is transformed into considered and deliberate responses accompanied by a calm demeanor and an unperturbed persona that hardly shows cracks to the outer world.
So if you today, while reading this article, are still second-guessing yourself regarding whether or not to make or break into a field like PR or content strategy that requires the power of expressions, proclamation, and casts- don’t think twice.
You’ve got this! Also, we humans keep changing and evolving; there is no particular format that fits us all. Having said that- explore what ticks you, bring out your best, and make you bloom. You’ll be surprised to perceive that every wallflower has regaling stories to tell and inspire!
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Kriti Surjan Thepade, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Kriti Thepade is from India residing in Oslo. She has been working in print and radio for 15 years in India and Hong Kong as a copywriter, editor, reporter, translator, educator, and business partnership manager. She is now a workshop organizer for art and craft (for children) and vision boards (for adults), a content creator, a book consultant, a speaker, and an advocate for body positivity and body neutrality. As an avid writer, her favorite subjects to write about are - politics, culture, food, and travel. When not writing- she likes to bake, photograph, and read. Kriti strongly believes that growth comes when you help others to flourish as well. Kriti holds a B. Com in Taxation, LL.B Laws of Taxation and Forensics Science and Diploma in Cyber Law, Certification in Cyber Crime Investigation, Meditation, and a Life Coach Certification.
