In fact, the list of successful introverts is long: Michael Jordan, J.K. Rowling, Christina Aguilera, Bill Gates, President Obama, Emma Watson and more. Here are 10 habits of successful introverts that I hope can help give you the confidence you need to be yourself.
There is a link between introversion and creativity. If you look at some of the world's preeminent inventors, writers, and entrepreneurs, most of them are introverts. That's because introverts enjoy expressing themselves creatively through their work.
Not only do introverts make great listeners, they're mindful of their environment and the things happening around them. Because they're observant, they're able to notice both the mistakes and successes of others and pick up on what to do and what to avoid in order to be successful.
Consider this list: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Marissa Mayer and Elon Musk. Yep, all introverts. Historical leaders who were introverts include Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks and Mahatma Gandhi.
Introverted leaders often empower their teams and let others shine. Since most introverts do not crave the spotlight or a significant amount of attention, they encourage the recognition of their counterparts and direct reports. It is one of the unique skills that many people lack but introverts are gifted with it.
Facebook founder and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg was once described by COO Sheryl Sandberg as "shy and introverted, and he often does not seem very warm to people who don't know him, but he is warm." Zuckerberg has been able to build charisma through his introversion, as contradictory as that may sound.
While introverts make up an estimated 25% to 40% of the population, there are still many misconceptions about this personality type. It is also important to note that being an introvert does not mean that you are socially anxious or shy.
Overall findings show introverts are more vulnerable than extraverts to depression and decreased mental well-being. Introverts are more likely to be compliant and have lower self-esteem than extraverts, and also have less social support than extraverts, which can be detrimental when experiencing depression.
Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.
Some of the world's most successful business people, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, have been described as introverts.
Introverts thrive in professions that offer them plenty of space and independence. Most introverts perform better in workplaces with fewer external distractions. Good jobs for introverts include accounting, engineering, and technical writing.
Introverts are usually better listeners.
The “quiet ones” really do tend to listen and consider the ideas and feelings of others. In conversation, they may take mental notes and focus intently on what the other person is trying to express — as opposed to simply waiting for their chance to speak.
Many of the most visible, successful CEOs have labelled themselves as introverts, and this group has included the likes ofBill Gates, Larry Page, Steve Wozniak and Warren Buffett.
Relationally intelligent introverts are often highly self-aware, observant, and are excellent listeners. In fact, one study conducted in 2018 by Newport Healthcare found that introverts tend to make more accurate observations about human behavior than extroverts. Introverts tend to “read” people and situations better.
There's a lot of evidence out there that shows introverted people are more intelligent on average. For example, a study done by The Gifted Development Center showed that 60 percent of gifted children are introverts. Studies also show that introverts are more verbally intelligent than extroverts.
When Introverts become angry, they tend to hold everything inside, hiding their anger from others and even from themselves. Or at least this is what most people think. In fact, this idea is more myth than reality. When Introverts become angry, they may try to repress their feelings.
Causes of Introversion
Researchers have found that introverts have a higher blood flow to their frontal lobe than extroverts do. This part of the brain helps you remember things, solve problems, and plan ahead. Introvert brains also react differently to dopamine than extrovert brains do.
In reality, Prozac and other SSRIs (including Luvox, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro) may help many people to overcome their social anxiety. But there is no evidence that any medication converts introverts into extroverts.
In a post on Quiet Revolution, Cain confirms what you've probably suspected all along—we act more “introverted” as we age. Psychologists call this phenomenon “intrinsic maturation,” and it means our personalities become more balanced as we get older—“a kind of fine wine that mellows with age,” writes Cain.
Are introverts attractive? Yes, and their gentle personality is one of those reasons. Introverts appeal to people because they're easy to be around. Even though it's a common misconception that they're stuck up, their aura is indeed welcoming.
Even though introverted people tend to prefer time alone, they can also experience feelings of loneliness.
In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
Steve Jobs and Sheryl Sandberg tend to be extraverts. They enjoy addressing an audience, being visible; they seek encounters and action. Steve Wozniak and Mark Zuckerberg are more introverted.
True introverts are rare.
“The vast majority of the population is neither an introvert or extrovert. They are ambiverts,” said Smith. Ambiverts display characteristics of both introversion and extraversion and Smith suspects that most people fall into this category.