Introversion - A Limiting Belief?
I had the opportunity to be a guest on the Bokeh Podcast hosted by Nathan Holritz of Photographer’s Edit. Our topic was introversion and some of the areas we explored are these questions: What does it mean to be an introvert? How does it impact us and does it get in our way of achieving our goals?
I define introversion as a person who enjoys time alone and gets emotionally drained after spending a lot of time with others. We come hardwired as an introvert or an extrovert with childhood experiences that reinforce those tendencies.
What’s important to note is that being an introvert or an extrovert is similar to having blue eyes or brown eyes. One is not better than the other. They are just different. It’s innate and simply a lens we view our life experiences through.
When someone describes themselves as an introvert they are communicating how they experience life and are giving you insight into how they will likely show up. This can be helpful, for example, if you are going to a party with a friend who says they are an introvert. You can assume they’ll want to stay for a short period of time, they’ll likely visit with just a few people and will seek out quiet spots in the room. By expecting these types of needs, you can make adjustments to what the two of you will experience together at the party.
However, describing oneself as an introvert might not be helpful if it stops you from getting what you want in life. When you think, I can’t go to that party/marketing meeting/conference because I’m an introvert and don’t want to deal with people, you limit yourself on a personal or professional level.
I suggest taking a look at the labels you use to describe yourself and ask what do they mean to you? Are they getting in your way of achieving what you want or do they move you forward in obtaining your goals? Our behaviors stem from our thoughts or mindset, so it’s important to ask ourselves, “Is this a limiting belief?” or “Is this working for me?” on a regular basis. If you determine it’s not serving you, then you need to come up with another thought that works.
Toward the end of the podcast I offered five ways to move beyond introvert tendencies that I’ll share below.
Look at your mindset on a regular basis to determine if your thoughts are working for or against you.
Instead of focusing on self, focus on the other. By shifting your focus to the other you can let go of the dialogue that’s running in your head.
Take small breaks during an engagement/party/conference and focus on breathing. Deep breathing relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system and allows for less anxiety.
Schedule time to reboot after the event. Go to a quiet spot and just be.
Hire a Life Coach to partner with you as you examine your thoughts so you can more easily determine if any of your beliefs are getting in your way. Often we don’t even realize our thoughts because we’ve held on to them for so long they become our truths and we don’t realize we have a choice in how we think and experience life. A coach can bring clarity to you.
Being an introvert doesn’t need to limit you in achieving what you want out of life.
Bokeh: How To Overcome Introversion In Your Photography Business