From the minute we are born to the minute after we die, every single person on this Earth live their lives with unique personalities that made a positive impact on both society and themselves. Two of the biggest personality traits are extroversion and introversion. A person who exercises extroversion is an extrovert, and a person who exercises introversion is an introvert. For those who do not know what either of these words mean then I will tell you. When a person is an extrovert that means that they are very outgoing and love being the center of attention. However, an introvert is the opposite. An introvert is somebody who likes to keep to themselves and not be in the spotlight. These two personality traits are so unique in their own ways, but there is one in particular that is misunderstood by society, and that is introversion.
People have the wrong idea about introverts. They think that since they like to keep to themselves that means they are not suitable for leadership roles, and they place value on those who like being the center of attention over the ones who don't. This happens a lot at school and in work environments. I grew up as an introvert, and I remember in my high school years that teachers would favor the students who were more outgoing than the students who are a little quiet. Though I have not witnessed favoritism at my job yet, it has been known to everyone that managers and high corporate workers will give promotions to extroverts because they think they are more suitable for a leadership position. This whole concept is unfair and ridiculous, I actually laugh to myself that people think that extroverts can do more and deserve more than introverts, when introverts can offer things that an extrovert cannot.
One of those things is creativity. Introverts spend most of their time to themselves and use that time to go into deep thought. When a person goes into deep thought, they create this wide imagination that leads them to wonderful things for themselves and for others. One of those introverts is J.K. Rowling. Rowling is an introvert herself and would like to know who she is? She is the author of the Harry Potter series! The Harry Potter series has given us two things that we all love and value: the magical world of Hogwarts and Daniele Radcliffe. If it weren't for Rowling's introversion, then the Harry Potter series would have never existed, because she spent time with her own mind.
Introverts are also very good listeners. Extroverts are so caught up in everything else that they can't really focus on one thing or person. Introverts, on the other hand, can. Introverts have a lot of patience and may have more a little more empathy than most people. Take Disney's Inside Out for example. Joy is the most extroverted character in the movie while sadness is the most introverted. In one scene of the film, Riley's imaginary friend Bing Bong becomes very sad, and while Joy was trying to cheer him up with her energetic attitude, she unfortunately failed until sadness came in and cheered up Bing Bong with her genuine empathy and patience.
Now to move on how introverts can stand out in the office or in the classroom. Introverts, this is for you! If you feel scared to share your ideas and become a leader in the office because you think no one will give you a chance, change your attitude right now because they need you as much as they need extroverts. Use your deep thought and creativity to contribute to your job and become the leader you want to be. Do not feel scared to come out and shine!
Students who are on the introverted side, listen up! If you are scared to go for leadership positions such as E-board positions for clubs or the main role in a school play, look fear straight in the eye and punch him in the face. If there is one thing I wish I did do in high school was not caring what other people thought, and not going for leadership positions all because I was afraid that was not good enough to be a leader due to the fact that I am an introvert. Remember every single person on this planet has potential, whether they are introverted or extroverted, and this goes for people in the workplace and students in both high school and college. Those are my final thoughts and I hope you all understand introverts a little better.
(p.s.- Writing this article was not an attempt to bring down extroverts. The purpose of this article was to show introverts side of things.)
