The word introvert has a lot of myths and misconceptions about it. In this episode I talk about the real meaning of the word "introvert"

Hello and welcome to the travelling introvert. Today I want to talk about how about the word introvert? Introvert is a word to explain how you manage your energy levels. However, when you go and look at a dictionary, like dictionary.com says a person who prefers calm environments, limits social engagement or embraces a greater than average preference for solitude, that sounds great, but then when you go and look at thesaurus.com, it's synonyms for introverts. It's got observer, okay, homebody, solitary, loner and wallflower.

And those aren't necessarily true.

In a world that is constantly moving, it can be really easy to forget the importance of taking time for yourself and for us introverts, that is especially true. It doesn't mean that you're shy or antisocial. Of course you can be both. But in the pure sense of the word introvert, it means that you manage your energy levels differently from, say, an extrovert. As an introvert, you may need more time alone to recharge after a long day or maybe a night out.

And to be fair, it is no secret that introverts need alone time to recharge their batteries. But what many people don't realise is that energy levels can also affect how an introvert functions in social situations. When an introvert is low on energy, we are more likely to be withdrawn and less engaged in conversation. On the other hand, when we're feeling energised, we may be more talkative and outgoing. So what causes these fluctuations in energy levels?

It could be anything from a poor night's sleep to too much stimulation from being around people. For introverts, it's really important to pay attention to our energy levels and make sure that we are getting enough downtime and recharge time. Otherwise we risk burning out and becoming overwhelmed by social interactions, interruptions and just not having enough me time. And so when you think about this need for managing the energy levels, that's why introverts may prefer to work independently rather than being in a team setting. This is why introverts might prefer an office where they can be closed off, where they can function and go ahead and deep dive into work than an open plan office.

Even in the cubicles, they might prefer the corner cubicle rather than the one that faces out to the career. Introvert might also enjoy having some me time after work or on weekends in order to relax and recharge. And this looks different for all types of introverts. We all have different ways how we recharge and how we manage our time. And sometimes we are more aware of our energy levels than other times.

But if you meet us when we've had back to back meetings and haven't had any chance to take a drink of water or a bio break, you're probably more likely to have a lower energy level, which will lead to us seeming less attentive or taking part less. It's not that we don't want to, it's just our battery, our energy battery has been drained. Some people say, oh, you have resting hate face on you. Well, no, I'm just tired. I'm just tired and I want to go home.

So when you think about the word introvert, don't think about it as being shy or socially anxious or not liking people. While those things might be true, they are not the pure thought about introversion. It's a word to explain how you manage your energy levels. And you, as an introvert, are in charge of managing your energy levels, not anyone else. So this is why you have to advocate for yourself.

This is why you have to learn what works for you to energise yourself. And what does deplete you. Different things will deplete you in different ways. Different people will deplete you in different ways. You are in charge.

So use that energy that you have. An advocate for yourself. Advocate for your needs. Speak out. And this is how people will get to know more.

That introvert, it's not a bad thing. It's just a word to explain how you manage your energy levels. Thank you for listening. This is Janice@thecareerintrovert.com helping you build your brand and get hired. Have a great rest of your week.

Bye.