An Introvert's Guides for Success

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Society tends to bias toward introvert students. The word “introvert” almost synonymous with the words, “timid” or “unconfident”. And no wonder introverts are often disregarded for leadership positions, even though they can make the most thoughtful and understanding leaders when selected. Why? Because every time, they always listening to every suggestion carefully even from below.

If you are an introvert student, actually there are many advantageous for you. Maybe sometimes you may find it difficult to do work with other students or strive in a circle of extroverted acquaintances. However, little did you know that this could be because you are not aware of your natural strengths and not know how to use your strength for your advantages. Here are 5 tips you can do to succeed in an extroverted domain.

1. Listening is your strong point

Based on a study, generally introvert students have better listening capabilities and can develop an excellent ability to pay attention to what people say around you. One of the reasons why introvert students have better achievement in listening than extroverts is probably because of their characteristics as an introvert which are careful and passive lead them to have better performance in listening while extroverts characteristics are talkative and sociable, which help them better performance in other skill such as speaking. You may be always surrounded by the chatter in your class while the lecturer is teaching in front of the class. Don’t worry, you are doing the right thing by not participating in their business. Paying close attention in class will not only appreciate by lecturers, but it will also improve your grades as you know how to do the assignments and given tasks well.

2. Ace a presentation like a pro with practice

Of course, if you ask any introvert students, they always feared to give presentations. Not because you need to speak, but because it requires to interact with large audiences. Anyway, it should not stop you from being an excellent presenter. Preparing your related slides ahead of time can help you to be a master in the presentation. Then, you need to understand everything on your slide and it is best for you if you can remember and familiar with every keyword, point, and fact. So that if someone asks you to elaborate more about the topic that your present, you can give one without any hesitation. We have all heard of the old saying — practice makes perfect. This is very important to combat your nervous and heightened confidence. Trust me!

3. One step outside your comfort zone; Overcome fear

Sometimes, you need to pretend to be an extrovert or the so-called pseudo-extrovert. Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts mentioned in her book for those who struggle with this: “Sometimes it helps to be a pretend-extrovert. There’s always time to be quiet later.” You need to fake it a little bit so you can push yourself out of the comfort zones and do the things that you never thought you can do. I do not ask you to be a pseudo-extrovert all the time, but you need to be like that at a certain time when it is necessary, such as when you want to give a presentation in front of the crowds to boost the confidence.

4. Take advantage of your written communication capabilities

In today’s society, the internet is one of the major parts of everyone’s life, even for doing works and become the most powerful tool to dominate the world. It also gives the introverts the advantage. But how? Since introverts more prefer to do the works in solitude, so online platforms are their best friends. It can give you the freedom to express all your thoughts and ideas that you never express before. Some of the platforms that you can express your feeling include blogging, photography, editing or online writing. All these could not be done 20 years before.

5. Study alone rather than a group study

The learning styles for extroverts and introverts are totally different. Studying alone is the best way to get good grades – at least for introverts. Peace and quiet place is what the most introverts prefer while studying, however, this does not mean that they do not prefer studying with others. Actually they like being around others, but, noise and actions created by many people can give pressure for introverts and at last, they will tend to withdraw after a certain period of time.

That’s all the 5 tips that I want to share with you. Remember, success is not only for a certain group of people. Everyone deserves success in their life. It depends on you, how you manage your strengths and capability. If you are an introvert, it is possible for you to find ways to unlock your hidden potential and thrive for success.

Introverts might not say much but has a universe inside his head - Unknown