Not only am I an introvert (INFJ here!), I’m highly sensitive, shy, and have been trying to learn how to navigate my way through social anxiety as of late. We believe that your personality affects your work, so it’s important to know how the way you think affects what you do. Back when I worked in a not-so-creative job, I only had to think about my introversion when invited to team building events or feeling overwhelmed by coworkers. Now that I work alone, you’d think it would be easier to deal, but it’s actually made things tougher! As fellow introverts know, our personalities do not mean we don’t need connection and conversation! We just handle it differently. So, working alone means I have to initiate whatever interactions I have, or I won’t have them at all. It’s tough, because to creative introverts, all these conferences and workshops and networking events seem amazing in theory, but also very daunting and draining.
Now, I’ve read extensively on personality, solitude, introversion etc. and usually I don’t feel what I read is worth sharing. Usually, I feel like I’m reading from bloggers who don’t truly understand what I feel. Everyone is unique so advice for different personalities is tough in itself, but it’s so important that we all read and learn from people we relate to. So once Jennifer suggested we do this as a topic, I set out to find 4 resources that I *actually* related to, and wanted to take advice from! Here goes…
Side note, the reason I loop blogging into this is because what was once the ideal introvert wind-down time has become such an active world, in person and online! I think it’s great, but I can’t deny that it’s a bit scary too. Hope these help!
1. This older post from Female Entrepreneurs Association hits on something really important about working alone as business owner and how that can be just as energy depleting as a traditional office setting. I love what the author says about managing your energy, not just time!
2. Her Lovely Heart’s post on marketing for introverts is the most authentic, genuine post I’ve read on the topic. I’m taking her tips to heart, especially focusing on the right people and leading with a story, which are very important to me!
3. Conferences are a big deal in the creative biz owner world, so learning how to navigate a conference as an introvert might help those if you in the same boat. If you are shy in addition to being introverted, you’ll find Elizabeth’s tips quite the push from your comfort zone, but I think they’ll ultimately make it so much easier.
4. Belong Magazine recently wrote a post on being yourself and succeeding. Introvert or extrovert, it’s a great read. It’s impossible to feel secure in your work and business if you don’t feel comfortable bringing your true, authentic self into everything you do. And I think as an introvert in a loud world, it’s easy to think you can’t do that and still reach goals.
I’m so glad I gave reading up on this important topic for introverts another chance, each piece of advice helped me in some way and I hope it helps you! Happy weekend!
Darlene says
I really enjoyed reading this post. It was definitely something I needed to read. I am also an INFJ and I am new to the blogging world. It is incredibly scary to put myself out there but I am learning that I am able to still breathe after I hit the “Publish” button. So, hopefully, I am on the right track.
Dea Andriany says
These are so helpful as fellow introvert. People said you cannot be successful unless you’re extrovert, but clearly, they’re wrong ;) Thanks for sharing.
Cat Rose says
INTJ here! I can absolutely relate to using blogging as the ultimate restorative activity (that and crochet does it for me!) especially when building a business – it’s energy draining work and we definitely need to look after ourselves. Great links too!
Marianne says
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad our post helped you along. xo