Being an Introvert is Pretty Cool. Here's why ....
HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE AS AN INTROVERTED ENTREPRENEUR
Esther de Charon de Saint Germain is mother, partner, friend, sister and aunt and a self-love advocate and business and branding strategist. A speaker, author, soul whisperer, and the founder of the Brave Movement that teaches women entrepreneurs to build a business based on self-love, radical self-acceptance, and true confidence. Featured in Huffington Post, Marie Claire, Elle, and Thrive Global, Esther is the founder of the Self Love Success Club Follow Esther at Instagram | Facebook I Pinterest
Susan Cain caused many AHA moments with her highly acclaimed TED talk Power of Introverts, and her book Quiet: The Power Of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,
Maybe you’re one of them. Suddenly being an introvert is – well almost – cool. There is that 'Yes, I knew it, I'm special and not weird' feeling
People, who had no clue about their own Introverted State of Awesomeness, suddenly understood why they felt drained after a meeting. Why they needed some time to find the right words. And why being alone felt SO good!
The same for entrepreneurs: in order to thrive you simply need more Alone Time.
And if there's ONE thing we learned the past year is that introverts can thrive without parties and busy business meetings!
There are many misconceptions about introverts. Like: “They are too shy to deliver a speech in a public,” or “She's super shy and introverted. I guess she doesn't like people.”
Well, prejudicial overstatements like this rarely hold water. After all, introverts have been responsible for some of the greatest achievements in history, as well as being some of the most successful business and political leaders in the world. Like Albert Einstein, Meryl Streep, Bill Gates and David Letterman and Rosa Parks.
Rosa Parks became one of the most historically important figures in 1955 after refusing to give her seat up for a white man. In the introduction of her book Quiet: The Power Of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain states:
"I had always imagined Rosa Parks as a stately woman with a bold temperament, someone who could easily stand up to a busload of glowering passengers. But when she died in 2005 at the age of 92, the flood of obituaries recalled her as soft-spoken, sweet, and small in stature. They said she was ‘timid and shy’ but had ‘the courage of a lion.’ They were full of phrases like ‘radical humility’ and ‘quiet fortitude.
- Susan Cain ’
Well, that says it all, right?
I’m a pretty extreme case of an introvert.
And I know I’m not alone! (which is sort of funny when you’re an introvert)
Put me in a cave by myself for a couple of day (with a nice warm blanket and a stack of books of course) and I would be completely happy. I love being alone, but to be honest it took me a while to acknowledge this.
When I grew up I was pushed way out of my safe comfort zone, to entertain the guests. I was very shy and bookish, but I had to take on an extrovert persona. And I turned out to be very (very!) good at it. Which is wonderful because that's how I found out I thoroughly enjoy working with large groups of clients.
When I still worked in corporate every busy office day would wear me out. I thought I was the quintessential extrovert. (I know!) Only after I started my coaching training - many years ago - I learned about this Beautiful Introvert power.
You might be way ahead of me and know if you are an introvert or extravert, or a nice mix of both. And if you’re still in doubt: take this quiz by Susan Cain and you’ll know.
And remember
"No one’s personality can be completely described in 10 questions—we’re all gloriously complex beings. But the test does provide an accurate indicator of where you fall on the introvert/extrovert spectrum."
HOW TO MAKE YOUR INTROVERT TRAIT YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPERPOWER
1. Going to a Full Day Business Event?
Great, block the next day in your calendar. Go out for a walk in between sessions (by yourself) and take extra good care for yourself.
2. Need to take a decision?
You might need some time to go through all the facts and figures. Some might accuse you of overthinking or perfectionism. Don't mind them. You need time.
That's okay.
3. Are you an Introvert who's also very (or highly) sensitive?
I hear you! You and me both sister! You're most likely a deep thinker who feels everything.
Here are some posts that will help you to understand your unique traits.
* Read how to say farewell to Toxic Positivism HERE
* Read why you should never 'thicken your skin' HERE
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