4 reasons why introverts have the loudest minds
The Internet is divided between two broad personality types: the gushing extroverts and the brooding introverts. It is also widely accepted, nurtured and laminated in big bold words about how the former “rules” the world while the latter shoots daggers to the existence of humankind.
If this world were a stage, extroverts would waltz around to their own tunes while the introverts would quietly let themselves be subdued. Almost everyone applauds the extroverts for their appetite at being brave and a go-getter. Ironically, people also write down names in gold of successful tycoons like Warren Buffet, Charlie Munger, Bill Gates and Elon Musk to celebrate their introversion.
I am an introvert and it is mind-bending when people presume things about me. Sure, I don’t mind having a conversation with strangers and love voicing my opinions in a stand-up meeting. And I am not shy and definitely do not hate people.
And yes, I am an introvert.
There is no hard and fast rule that introverts should be book-nerds. It is just a personality type that makes us what we are. Just like extroverts “recharge” themselves by meeting people, introverts find solace with heaps of time to themselves to unwind.
Here are 4 ways that my tribe of introverts contribute in their own “muted” (read: not loud) ways:
- Arbitrators of opinions
We have a reserve of energy, thoughts and vices in our head. Most of the time you can find us nose-deep in any activity, sky-gazing for hours or feeding the cute little strays on the streets; but we have a loud mind of our own. We exude confidence in our own way and are not afraid to lend other people a piece of our own mind.
A lot of us are vociferous public speakers who can stun a crowd with their wit and charm. We tend to open our mouths only when we think we add value to any dialogue because doing things on the contrary is intellectually (and physically) painful for us.
2. Dedicated hoarders of time
Time is our NFT that we continuously invest in. Often, self-indulgence gets the best of us as we immerse ourselves in our favourite pastime or hobby.
Personal finance is one theme that keeps my curiosity on its toes. I could sit for hours surfing the web and jotting down my plans while I discover the magic of compounding discipline. I chart out the limitations to avoid my biases while decision-making. This makes me feel powerful as I understand my wants and needs in a more practical and futuristic way.
3. Wizards of deep energy
I have met many fellow introverts who claim themselves to be a fair observer of people and their personality. They love to decode and dissect the different layers of human behavior and turn up the notch at understanding human psychology.
Recently, a 60 minute riveting discussion with an (introverted) friend revealed a bunch of things that we unknowingly found amusing; be it any person’s gesture to a situation, a response to an uncomfortable situation or planning their career goals. As introverts, we are armed with the power of attentive and intensive listening. This helps us to also interpret our decisions wisely.
4. Bearers of muted craziness
Several of us would put the extroverts to shame while we unlocked our hidden crazy side. Now, we may not be “out-there” or brattishly loud but we have our subtle way to make people go “oh really?” with our deductions, perspectives and unusual banters.
In continuation to #3, we can make the room spin on our terms and be the life (and death!) of anything. We can also graze through your soul and make it look like no big deal while we continue doing our tasks at hand.
Closing thoughts
Extroversion and introversion are different from each other but compliment each other well too. They both help in understanding ourselves and experience our differences in small yet significant ways.
Come what may, the world revolves around the biggest star (that we know of!) because of ambitious innovators who are a blend of introverts and extroverts.
This is a light-hearted dig at my extroverted friends. Don’t come at me with your invitation for parties as a sweet revenge. All opinions need to be taken with a grain of salt, most possibly on the rim :) .
