If you are quiet, can perform best alone rather than in social circles and like to do individual activities like reading, writing, gaming, gardening, or drawing, then it is very likely that you are probably born as an introvert. And that ok? You are naturally designed in a certain way and it’s perfectly normal.
Unfortunately, the extrovert world doesn’t fully understand what it means to be an introvert. People have equated introversion with shyness, selfishness, antisocial, anger, disinterest, depression, and whatnot. Introverts often face misconceptions that can lead to misunderstandings about their personalities and behaviours. Here, we debunk five common myths and worst stereotyping about introverts to provide a clearer picture of their true nature.
Myth 1: Introverts Are Shy
Being shy and being introverted are completely different traits. Not all of the extroverts run around chatting with strangers. Most of us too get very nervous and self-conscious in social situations. Introversion means one individual drains his/her energy out in social gatherings. They might not be shy or nervous.
Myth 2- Introverts Don’t Like People
Contrary to popular belief, Introverts are not socially awkward people. Their lack of chitchat is often misinterpreted. Just like shyness, social ineptness is a separate trait from introversion. Some introverts do like people and can have rich, fulfilling relationships. Introvert is rather confident. The difference is these people mingle with few people but when they do they tend to form deep, meaningful connections with them. For them quality over quantity matters.
Myth 3: Introverts Are Poor Leaders
Another myth is that introverts cannot be led from the front. They are not effective leaders. Many successful people in the world were and are introverted. They can serve better when asked to take the initiative to solve problems. They have better thoughtful decision-making skills, can utilize solitude as a strength, demonstrate humility, and strong listening skills and apply critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Introverts are underperforming only when asked to work or motivate uninspired workers.
Myth 4: Introverts Need to Change to Succeed
The notion that introverts must become more extroverted to be successful is a myth. Success doesn’t hinge on one’s ability to be outgoing but rather on leveraging one’s unique strengths. Introverts can succeed by embracing their introspective nature and focusing on areas where they naturally excel.
Myth 5: Introversion deals with mental illness
The most pathetic myth is introverts are most likely to develop mental illness or are going through it. Just because they don’t like socializing in large groups and aren’t talkative, it doesn’t mean that they are dealing with some kind of mental illness. Instead, they want only to be surrounded by good and like-minded people and avoid talking about unrelated things.
