Did you know that last week was National Introverts Week (March 21-27)? It’s no surprise if you didn’t. Do you expect an introvert to broadcast this and celebrate? Probably not.
When I think of introverts, I picture someone who is quiet, reserved, and a bit of a loner. It always seems odd when famous people—actors, singers, politicians— refer to themselves as introverts. They perform in front of hundreds or thousands of people, how can they be introverted?
I decided to research what famous introverts have in common. The first thing seems to be the need for a lot of “alone time”. They take time out of their everyday lives to spend quiet time to think and plan. In this quiet time, free from distraction, they can let their imaginations free to create and dream.
They also have the ability to focus on whatever idea that sprang from their creativity. This focus often allows them to think through their idea and the steps needed to take to succeed. They are prepared when an opportunity arises to put their ideas into action.
Introverts tend to prefer small gatherings to large. A small gathering can make it easier to form friendships or to network, unlike large groups where people meet but don’t really get to know one another.
Hmm. Sounds like me. I might be introverted.
It is still hard to understand an introvert who stands in front of an audience and acts, sings, talks, or otherwise performs. But you can be sure they have thought about what they want, studied their craft, practiced until perfection, and are prepared.
Who are some of these famous introverts? They can be found in every field. Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga and Prince, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama in the fields I mentioned above but there is also Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Charles Darwin, Stephen Spielberg, Dr Seuss, and Michael Jordon.
There is brilliance in that list. I’m in very good company. What about you? Introvert or Extrovert?
