How To Be Happy As An Introvert

What is an Introvert?

An introvert is a personality type, the opposite to an extrovert. They are generally people who are quiet, thoughtful, reserved and sometimes reticent. They prefer focussing on their own inner thoughts and ideas rather than reacting to external stimuli. They prefer calm situations and environments and may have a tendency to avoid large social gatherings.

Recognising as an introvert can help in life as it can be the stepping stone to accepting the associated behaviours. The challenges introverts face and 14 ways to be happy as an introvert below.

“Silence is a source of great strength”
John Lennon

11 Challenges Introverts May Face

person sat alone - Challenges introverts may face

In a world where extroverts speak louder, introverts may face a number of challenges. Some of the challenges may include;

  1. Not wanting to participate in small talk
  2. Not being able to find alone time
  3. Potential to be anxious around social situations
  4. Feeling a need to avoid social situations
  5. Feeling tired after social gatherings or being in a large group
  6. Having to finding excuses not to accept invites
  7. Avoiding being the centre of attention
  8. Not being understood as an introvert by others or being seen as “shy”
  9. Feelings of not being accepted
  10. Being interrupted or talked over
  11. Giving a “negative impression” as others may interpret their behaviour as rude or unwilling to participate 
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something”
Plato

14 Ways to be happy as an introvert

Ways to be happy as an introvert

Introverts may face challenges however they can still lead a fulfilling and experienced life just as any other personality type might do. Ways to be happy as an introvert below and more in further exploration;

  1. Recognise that you may well be an Introvert: It’s just your personality
  2. And There is Nothing Wrong With That
  3. Understand Yourself: Understand your behaviours and beliefs. You might want time alone, you may not want to talk over others or be the centre of attention. You may not want to attend social functions. And that is fine. It’s just the way you are
  4. Focus on Your Strengths: Introverts have many strengths including being good listeners, being able to deeply think things through, being observant and making good friends. Recognise your strengths and play to them.
  5.  Introverts have made huge contributions to the world: Albert Einstein, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, JK Rowling, Emma Watson, Mark Zuckerberg, Sir Isaac Newton, Steven Spielberg, the list goes on. You’re in good company.
  6. Keep Things Simple: Don’t overcomplicate life with too many social engagements and commitments. Be comfortable with the things you agree to do. Keep things quiet and simple.
  7. Do Make an Effort: Do make an effort to socialise and be around others. Humans are social creatures and need social interactions. Doing so will give you a boost.
  8. Take Time to Relax: Take time to wind down following both social gatherings and just after a general day. The continual thinking often associated with introversion can be tiring.
  9. Enjoy Silence: Don’t always feel the need to try and make small talk. Say things and make contributions when you want to make them
  10. Schedule Alone / Quiet Time: Schedule some time in the day to reflect and think things through 
  11. Be Around Like Minded Others: Have quiet, calm and deep conversations (skip the small talk). 
  12. Surround Yourself With People Who Understand You: Spend time with people who understand you (you’ll know who they are) so you can be you
  13. Look After Yourself: Keeping yourself in good shape, eating and drinking well and exercising will keep your mind and body, and ultimately your mood, in good health.
  14. Speak to Someone: If you are really struggling with some of your introverted ways or people not understanding you, speak to someone. Whether it be a trusted friend or relative or a professional therapist or counsellor, do get help if you need it. A problem shared is truly a problem halved.  

Further Exploration - Articles & Media

Introvert dear logo

Article: 12 Things Introverts Absolutely Need in Life to Be Happy

Article from Introvert Dear (The Award Winning Community For Introverts) looking at 12 ways to be happy including having friends and loved ones who value us despite our quirks & taking space to dive deep into hobbies and interests & myths about introverts. Introvert Dear also has a wealth of other information to help introverts.

WebMD Logo

Article: Introvert Personality

WebMD article looking at the introvert personality type with information including; what an introvert is, signs you might be one, causes of introversion, types of introversion, introversion vs shyness and myths about introverts

Quiet- The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Book: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

Susan Cain's book discussing the rise and prominence of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and how we can dramatically undervalue introverts and how much we lose in doing so.
***This is one of the few affiliate links on Peaceful Soul***

Quora Logo

Forum: What is the hardest thing about being an introvert?

Forum on Quora with over 60 answers discussing issues such as relationship problems but also looking at the positive side of being an introvert including being a good listener and being in touch with themselves

Charisma on Command Youtube Channel

Video: How To Be Popular As An Introvert

The Charisma on Command Youtube channel looks at introvert leaning Keanu Reeves and his popularity as an introvert. Reasons include always giving praise to others and exuding a zen-like presence.

Medium Logo

Article: 11 Simple Ways to Make an Introvert Happy

11 simple ways to make an introvert happy in an on article Medium by Anastasia Shch. Suggestions include giving them space, letting them speak and respecting their alone time

Tiny Buddha Logo

Article: 4 Ways Introverts Can Super-Charge Their Happiness

4 ways an introvert can super charge their happiness including focussing on strengths and socialising selectively

Success Story logo

Article: Common Life Challenges of an Introvert

4 common life challenges of an introvert from Success Story including having to hang out when you want to be alone and not being considered good enough to be leader

Linked In Logo

Article: Six Key Challenges for Introverts

LinkedIn article by Jennifer Kahnweiler Ph.D. CSP discussing 6 key challenges introverts face at work including difficulty to self-promote and an emphasis on teams

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Your Take

Do you have tips for being happy as an introvert? Your take in the discussion below.