What being an introvert really means

"Leonie is on the introverted side; she doesn't like to talk much." And just like that, the label is stuck. But is that actually true? What happens when we casually link concepts that really have nothing to do with each other? Let's take a look behind the scenes at what being an introvert truly means—and how you can leverage your strengths as an introverted person in the professional world.

Common misconceptions about being an introvert — and why they’re wrong

“Introverted people don’t talk much; they are shy, insecure, and always quiet. They fade into the background because they don't speak up, attending every conversation only as silent observers. Out of a fear of social interaction, introverts choose to withdraw.”

Does this sound familiar? Have you ever been confronted with these statements, or perhaps thought them about someone else? From the outside, it is often difficult to distinguish between shyness and introversion, which can lead to misunderstandings and a distorted image of what being an introvert actually looks like. A person's inner world would reveal so much more, but we simply cannot see what others are truly thinking and feeling.

Shyness involves a fear of social contact and a feeling of not being able to cope with it—essentially, it is an expression of anxiety. Therefore, both extroverts and introverts can be shy, as it is independent of whether a person is energized by solitude or social settings.

Of course, an introvert can certainly be shy as well. However, this is often a learned behavior—a result of the gap between the natural desire for peace and society’s constant demand to "come out of your shell." The difference between shyness and introversion can be summarized like this: Shyness describes a fear of social situations, often triggered by past negative experiences. Being an introvert, on the other hand, is simply a personality trait—one that comes equipped with its own unique set of strengths.

How to recognize introversion: The one crucial question

The most important question when determining whether someone is an extrovert or an introvert is:

Where do you draw your energy from?

Introverts recharge through quiet time. They process new impressions more deeply and slowly, and can quickly become overwhelmed by too much sensory input. They tend to prefer one-on-one conversations and calm environments. Typically, introverted people are more risk-averse, prioritizing security and stability.

Extroverts draw their energy from interacting with others. They process new information very quickly and actively seek out high-stimulation environments. They feel most at home in large groups and crave action. Extroverts tend to love risk and enjoy venturing into the unknown.

4 questions to help you navigate personality types

How can you discover what truly defines your personality?

Carl Jung’s "Theory of Psychological Types" can offer valuable guidance. This theory is based on four psychological dimensions used to describe personality. A "psychological dimension" means that there are two theoretical endpoints, with many varying degrees in between.

The first dimension deals with Extraversion and Introversion: Extroverts are social individuals who love variety. They thrive on contact with others. Introverts, on the other hand, are quiet and prefer to be alone, needing that time to recharge their strength. These are, of course, the extreme ends of the spectrum, with most people falling somewhere in the middle. Which of these two points do you identify with more?

The second dimension examines perception: Do you perceive the world in concrete or abstract terms? Concrete perceivers tend to be pragmatic and detail-oriented, with a love for hard facts. Abstract perceivers, however, look for patterns and often have an eye for the "big picture."

The third dimension describes decision-making: How do you make choices? "Thinkers" analyze the situation and often decide based on factual criteria. "Feelers" consider other people and broader contexts when making decisions. sie are focused on harmony and balance.

The fourth dimension of type theory concerns your approach: How do you tackle challenges? Organized people are characterized by their strong time management and structure. Finishing tasks is very important to them. More "easy-going" or flexible people are more adaptable. They might struggle to bring things to a close because they fear missing out on other opportunities.

Where would you place yourself? What matters most to you?

Practical tips for navigating life as an introvert

If you’ve discovered that you lean toward—or fall deeply into—the introverted side of the spectrum, here are a few tips on how to navigate and embrace your introversion:

1. Self-Acceptance and Understanding

Introversion is a natural and valuable personality trait. Many successful people are introverts. To navigate life healthily and reach your full potential, it is essential to acknowledge and accept yourself as you are, rather than trying to force yourself to be an extrovert.

Here is what can help you achieve self-acceptance:

Positive Self-Talk: Have you ever observed your inner monologue from a bird’s-eye view? What do you say to yourself? If you tend to devalue your introverted traits, "reframing" can help. Susan Cain reminds us that many of the world's greatest thinkers and artists were introverts who viewed their introversion as a source of creativity and wisdom (Cain, 2012).
Acknowledging Your Needs: You are allowed to acknowledge and respect your need for peace and solitude instead of apologizing for it. Laurie Helgoe (2013) emphasizes how crucial this recognition is for both your well-being and your productivity.
Identifying Your Strengths: Since we live in a world that often recognizes extroverted traits as the standard for "strength," it is essential for introverts to see and communicate their individuality as a strength. The more aware you are of your unique talents, the more natural this becomes. If you would like support with this, feel free to reach out to Kerstin, she specializes in identifying skills and personal character strengths. You can learn more here.
Support Through Community: By connecting with like-minded people who share similar experiences, you can strengthen your sense of acceptance and understanding. So, here’s a question for you: Where could you potentially meet other introverts?
Self-Care and Mindfulness: Regular practices such as meditation, journaling, or simply pausing for a moment of stillness can help you accept and appreciate your own introversion.

2. Managing Your Energy Budget

Because introverted people draw their energy from quiet surroundings and can feel depleted by the hustle and bustle, it is especially important to use their energy mindfully and schedule enough time for themselves to recover. Breaks and "me-time" are essential for recharging your batteries.

Here are more tips to help introverts manage their energy levels effectively:

Regular Breaks and Quiet Retreats: To recover from social interaction, regular breaks are key. Do you know of places where you can retreat? By identifying these spots, you can integrate intentional periods of silence and solitude into your daily routine.
Strategic Activity Planning: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, strategic planning is a game-changer. This means attending social events in moderation and ensuring you have enough "downtime" afterward to fully recover.
Setting Personal Boundaries: Learning to say "no" is a vital tool for preventing burnout. You are allowed to focus on your own needs—because you can only support others when you are operating from a place of personal strength.
Creating a Quiet Environment: A calm workspace can significantly boost the efficiency and well-being of introverted individuals.
Mindfulness and Self-Care: By moving through life mindfully, you’ll start to notice the moment things become "too much." This self-awareness helps you take a break exactly when it matters most. Support in this area is available through partners like Achtsämchen or here at waldzeit Coaching.

3. Improving Communication Techniques

While introverted people often prefer listening over talking, learning effective communication techniques can help them express their thoughts and ideas more clearly. This can be achieved through targeted practice in smaller groups, preparing talking points in advance, or utilizing the following strategies:

Active Listening: Using your natural strength as a listener to build rapport.
Meeting Preparation: Preparing notes beforehand to feel more confident in discussions.
Nonverbal Communication: Signaling openness and engagement through body language.
Written Communication: Utilizing email or messaging as a way to formulate thoughts with precision.

4. Leveraging Your Strengths

Susan Cain writes in Quiet (2012): "I have seen firsthand how difficult it is for introverts to take stock of their own talents, and how powerful it is when finally they do." (p. 7). To utilize your strengths, the first step is to develop a deep awareness of them. If you would like support in this process, you can find more information here: Time to see your strengths.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

Quiet and Reflection: Silence and the ability to reflect can be used as a strategic advantage. This allows you to make well-thought-out decisions, which is a clear strength in leadership positions.
Empathy: Use your empathy to build deeper, more meaningful connections. Marti Olsen Laney recommends leveraging this as a strength in her book The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World.
Choosing the Right Environment: Not every environment values the qualities of an introvert. This makes choosing the right setting even more vital. Are you currently in an environment where active listening, reflection, and level-headedness are recognized as assets?

5. Networking on Your Own Terms

Networking is just as important for introverts as it is for everyone else, but it can be done in a way that feels authentic to you. This might mean prioritizing smaller, more intimate gatherings over large crowds, or building and maintaining your professional network through written communication, such as personalized emails or social media.

6. Setting Boundaries

It is crucial to set clear boundaries and say "no" when your capacity is reached. This helps prevent overwhelm and stress, allowing you to focus on the tasks and relationships that truly matter. Learning to say "no" often isn’t easy—support is available through the Soulful Change Journey (in German).

7. Proactively Shaping Your Work Environment

Whenever possible, introverts should try to actively shape their work situation to better suit their needs. This might mean seeking out a quiet workspace, utilizing flexible hours, or carving out dedicated "deep work" blocks for undisturbed focus.

The importance of finding the right environment for introverts

The environment we live in constantly feeds us sensory input. These impressions can either overwhelm us or leave us under-stimulated, both of which can lead to significant stress. Because of their personality type, introverts in particular have unique requirements for their surroundings.

However, it is important to note that not all introverts prefer the same type of environment. On one hand, some feel crushed by the hustle and bustle of a big city, which can lead to nervousness and restlessness; the noise and the crowds simply become too much. On the other hand, some introverts actually appreciate the city because they can "get lost in the crowd," enjoying a sense of anonymity.

The countryside is often quieter, with fewer people and less noise—which sounds like the perfect setting for an introvert. Yet, even here, challenges exist. In smaller towns, everyone knows everyone else, making it much more likely that you’ll be drawn into small talk or expected to socialise. You might also face certain social expectations that you, as an introvert, cannot or do not wish to meet.

When choosing your environment, the key is to find a place where your needs are met and where you can truly express your own individuality.

Moving past stereotypes: Why we shouldn't jump to conclusions about introverts

When it comes to introversion, it is vital to distance ourselves from stereotypes. Leonie might be an introvert, but that doesn't make her a fearful person who lacks courage. It is equally important for introverts not to limit themselves through their own self-labels: "I’m an introvert, so I can’t..." Being introverted simply means that you draw your energy from quiet and solitude.

Do you recognize yourself in these descriptions? Do you see yourself as having an introverted nature? Wonderful—then we have something in common! :-) Let’s focus on creating our own "oases of calm" so that we can truly unlock our full potential.

Strength lies in stillness.