Being an introvert doesn’t mean being unsuccessful; it’s about how you use your time outside of work.
In a world full of distractions, success is better assessed by what introverts do in their quiet time.
It’s not just about being introverted, but about engaging in enriching activities during downtime.
Here are 7 things successful introverts do outside of work:
1) They embrace solitude
Think about a quiet room right now: the soft hum of the air conditioner by itself, the occasional chirp of a bird from the window, and the gentle ticking of a clock on the wall.
While reading these words, you’ve likely sunk a little deeper into your chair, all by yourself.
If you’re going to be a successful introvert, it’s fundamental to accept that you cherish solitude.
You’re operating in your own rhythm.
It’s important to let go of the societal notion that being alone equals loneliness—it doesn’t.
Your actions and thoughts during solitude do matter, and they are most powerful when they happen without external interruptions, when you act instinctively in a quiet space.
If you can stop relying on constant social interactions and start creating conditions in your life to enjoy solitude, your creativity and productivity will become apparent from what happens in your life.
You won’t need to try so hard.
You will be able to give up on the pressure of always being ‘on.’
This realization dawned upon me after having a conversation with a highly successful introvert.
Common advice for introverts usually suggests “staying in your comfort zone” or “avoiding crowded places”.
While this is frequently deemed as typical introverted behavior, it’s not the complete picture of a successful introvert.
Instead, successful introversion comes from understanding your capacity for social engagement.
It comes from knowing when to connect with others and when to retreat.
When you try to “stay away from social scenarios” all the time, you deny yourself the opportunity to build meaningful relationships.
You give up your innate ability to connect deeply.
Now, I encourage introverts to step out of their comfort zones occasionally.
Sometimes they may feel overwhelmed, other times they may feel invigorated—they shouldn’t worry about this anymore.
3) They prioritize self-care
This was a surprising one for me to discover.
“Being productive” often stems from the notion that our worth is tied to our output.
But the truth is that our worth is inherent, and taking care of ourselves is a crucial part of recognizing this.
If you’re going to be a successful introvert, it’s fundamental to accept that you need self-care. You’re operating from a place of nurture.
It’s crucial to let go of the illusion of constant productivity that comes from believing your success is dependent on ceaseless work—it isn’t.
Your actions do matter, and they are most powerful when they happen with a well-rested mind and body—when you act from a place of self-love.
If you can stop relying on endless work hours and start creating conditions in your life to prioritize self-care, your success will become apparent from the balance and happiness in your life.
You won’t need to push yourself relentlessly; you will be able to give up on exhausting yourself for success.
4) They value deep connections
I began this article highlighting the importance of solitude.
The thing is, solitude also fosters deep connections.
In my experience, introverts often find energy in their alone time.
They sink into their thoughts and ideas, processing the world in their unique way.
Their intentions are noble; their solitude is a sanctuary, a place where they recharge and refuel.
But when they retreat too much into their solitude—they can risk isolating themselves from the world, lose touch with friends, or appear distant and might not be quite approachable.
If they judged themselves for their intentions, they wouldn’t question their behavior.
Instead, because they don’t solely focus on their intentions, they are more able to reflect on their actions and change how they interact.
They are learning to balance solitude and social interaction and appreciate the deep connections in their life.
How you foster relationships is what matters, not the intentions that drive your solitude.
5) They embrace continuous learning
This is a personal one for me.
Throughout my life, I’ve always been drawn to the world of books and ideas.
As an introvert, I found my sanctuary in the quiet corners of libraries and the pages of books—the thirst for knowledge became my companion.
During my early career, I felt a disconnect.
The fast-paced corporate world didn’t seem to value this continuous learning as much as I did; the focus was more on quick results and less on the journey of learning.
I was working on a project and took some extra time to research and learn about a new approach.
My intention was to bring something innovative to the table; but, instead of appreciation, I faced criticism for not sticking to the tried-and-tested methods and for taking longer than usual.
That’s when it hit me—as an introvert, my strength lies in my curiosity and willingness to learn.
So, instead of trying to fit into the mold, I started embracing this trait of mine wholeheartedly.
Today, as a successful introvert, I can affirm that embracing continuous learning has been one of my most rewarding decisions.
It’s not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about growing and evolving with each passing day.
6) They seek quality over quantity
Successful introverts have a unique approach to relationships and experiences; they are selective, preferring meaningful interactions over superficial ones.
This preference isn’t a sign of being aloof or standoffish; instead, it’s a reflection of their depth and thoughtfulness.
This approach encourages us to value the depth of our experiences, to understand the importance of meaningful interactions, and to prioritize quality over quantity in all aspects of life.
For those feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures to be constantly social or productive, this introverted trait can provide a sense of balance.
It’s a reminder that success isn’t about how much we do or how many people we know, but about the value and significance of our actions and relationships.
Valuing quality over quantity encourages us to see our journey not as a race, but as a meaningful voyage, and can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
7) They appreciate extroversion
This may seem unexpected, but successful introverts appreciate extroversion.
They understand that both introversion and extroversion are just different points on the same spectrum of human behavior, neither being superior or inferior to the other.
Introverts know the value of their quiet introspection, but they also recognize the strengths that extroverts bring to the table.
They appreciate the energy, the spontaneity, and the social ease that extroverts often exhibit.
Instead of viewing extroversion as an opposing force, successful introverts see it as a complementary one.
They understand that a balance between introspection and extroversion can lead to a more harmonious existence.
This doesn’t mean they try to become extroverted.
Instead, they learn from it; they might adopt certain beneficial extroverted behaviors like networking or public speaking, not to change who they are but to expand their own range of abilities.
In this way, successful introverts turn a seemingly counterintuitive concept into a thoughtful strategy for personal growth and success.
Interestingly, by appreciating extroversion, they further solidify their own introverted identity and success.
Bottom line: It could be intentional
Human behavior and lifestyle choices often reflect our personal intentions.
For successful introverts, their choices during downtime play a crucial role in their growth and success.
Intentional solitude, such as reading, exploring new ideas, or enjoying quiet time, can enhance fulfillment, productivity, and overall success.
As Carl Jung, who popularized the terms introvert and extrovert, once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
Successful introverts balance solitude with meaningful interactions, valuing deep connections, continuous learning, and self-care.
They appreciate extroversion while embracing their introverted nature.
So, when you see an introvert enjoying quiet time, remember they may be shaping their success in profound ways!
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