Why it's fine to be an introvert.

I am an introvert. I know, pretty hard to believe when I regularly speak in front of large audiences and appear on TV but it is true!    
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When working with my amazing clients, whether it is running a wellness workshop, speaking at a conference or working one on one with clients, I often hear them getting annoyed with themselves wishing they could be more outgoing or feel more comfortable or relaxed in social situations.

The first question I always ask them is Why? 

If their answer is based around their own self development and they feel it is something that they truly want to do, then that is fine and we happily work together to achieve this outcome.  

However, the response I often receive is that they feel they ‘should’ behave in this way. For example, they feel they should feel comfortable in large crowds or feel they should be more outspoken. Often this is due to societies beliefs that you need to be an extrovert in order to succeed in life. 

But let’s get honest here – why should you force yourself to do something that isn’t going to feel good? What if actually being an introvert is more of who you really are?  

Contrary to popular opinion, introverts are not necessarily shy or anti-social. The truth is that they just recharge their energy by being alone and prefer environments which are not too stimulating.  

Conversely, extroverts need to be around other people to recharge their energy.  

Research shows that over a third of the population is introverted. Despite this, we have a society filled with introverts forcing themselves to be extroverts in order to fit in.  

If you are an introvert, why would you want to keep putting yourself in an overly stimulating situation? Also, if you are an extrovert, why would you feel like you should spend more time alone?  

If this resonates with you –  why not just accept the fact and accept that being an introvert (or extrovert) is who you really are and honour this authentic part of you?  
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Lisa (a true introvert who loves it!)  
 
Lisa Phillips is a Sydney Professional Speaker and Confidence Coach based in Sydney. Lisa features regularly in the media and is a popular speaker on the topics of empowerment and confidence. For more information, please see www.amazingcoaching.com.au or www.howtoempoweryourstaff.com.au