Career

Time Management Tips for Introverts: Career

Scheduling your day for success? Time management is tough. It’s even tougher for introverts who get drained from social interaction. Check out this post for schedule organization tips & career advice for introverts!There are many career-oriented introverts out there. Willing to put their career first and their needs last in order to land the next job/promotion. Often this means pretending to be an extrovert.

Engage in small talk or make a grand speech? As long as it makes me look good in front of the boss! Attend every networking event? I can’t miss the opportunity to meet important people in my field!

“Making it” in your career is all about sacrifice, right?

Yes, your career may require sacrifice. But pretending you’re an extrovert is not sustainable. It’s okay to do it every now and then. But there will always be a new project you want to lead or another promotion. And you will burn out.

You can get out of your comfort zone & grow while still being considerate of your needs. 

Here are my top 10 time management tips for career-oriented introverts that help you work smarter, not harder. As I said in the self-care version of this post: “To me, time management for introverts means making time work for you. Being aware of when your energy levels are at their peak (and at their lowest) is key for time management.”

 

1. Plan focus blocks of “mindful” activities, like studying or working on projects, before social events — this ensures your energy levels are at their peak for optimal focus

2. Be in solitude before an important event that requires focus (exam, quiz, meeting, interview, work, etc.), you’ll save energy & avoid getting flustered by other people

3. Schedule a job interview on a day you don’t plan to socialize & at a time you have the most energy (for me, it’s 1.5-2 hours after I wake up)

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Self-growth

The Introverted Leader: Redefining Leadership

Do you consider yourself quiet or an introvert? Are you also a leader or aspiring to be one? Find out how introverts are redefining leadership. #quietleader #quiet #quietleadership #introvertedleaderWhat words would you use to describe a leader? I used to describe a leader as an amazing speaker, confident small-talker, and someone that could grab the attention of an entire room. That’s what we see in movies, right?

The leader clinks their spoon on a wine glass and everyone stops to hear what they have to say. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always what you see on the outside (or in movies).

Yes, you are the face of an organization/company/team, but you are also responsible for the reputation and well-being of everyone you represent.

Would you want a leader that’s a great speaker but doesn’t have the determination & focus to “walk the talk”? I’ve seen college organizations learn quickly that talk isn’t what leadership is all about. Often the quietest ones will show much more through actions than words.

But of course, there’s elections, speeches, and the dreaded popular vote in student organizations. Will the hardest worker & biggest contributor win, or will the most popular rally up all the votes?

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Career

Networking Tips for Introverts: 7 Reasons to Attend A Conference

Do you find networking uncomfortable or just plain exhausting? Do you hate small talk and prefer staying at home? Check out this post on the key to successful introvert networking! #career #homebody #introvert #conference #network #selfgrowthConference itineraries are packed with networking events and socializing, including the dreaded icebreakers. Apparently, there is a difference between networking and socializing, but for introverts, it all sounds like small talk. So why would we even consider going to a conference?

I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m an avid conference-goer. I’ve been going to at least 1-2 conferences a year since I was 15. Yes, I willingly chose to participate in awkward conversations and stay in loud, crowded rooms for 8-10 hour intervals for ten consecutive years.

Every time I arrive at a conference, I wonder why I signed up. I’m usually exhausted from all of the packing, traveling, and thought of socializing. It’s easy for me to tell myself that conferences weren’t made for people like me.

But every time I leave a conference, I’m glad I showed up. Conferences are the key to successful networking for introverts. If you’re looking to network without feigning the Extrovert Ideal, here are 7 reasons to sign up for the next conference:

1. You just have to show up

Conferences are inconvenient. They cost money. Most require travel to attend. Not to mention they take up 2-5 days of your precious time. Just being present at a conference shows that you care.

Although you may feel pressured to collect as many business cards as you can, you don’t have to. Unless you tell everyone you managed to grab 100 business cards, no one will ever know. They also won’t know that the only business card you collected was from trading cards with a close friend.

You’re at this conference because YOU care. So don’t feel like you can’t be yourself. It’ll only deter you from showing your dedication to the conference’s topic in your own way.

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2. A conference is an introvert networking binge

When I say you just have to show up, I’m not saying you shouldn’t try to make the best of it. I see conferences as introvert networking binges. You attend them, delve into social interaction, then retreat home to hibernate until the next conference.

I miss out on quite a few social events throughout the year due to pure exhaustion from work or classes, and these introvert networking binges catch me up to date. You meet all the right people at conferences. Dedicated members of organizations usually make up the majority of conference attendees. The hard effort put into networking doesn’t go to waste because you’re likely surrounded by people that care as much as you do.

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Self-growth

How to Not Be A Pushover: A Guide for Introverts

Do you consider yourself an introvert, quiet, or soft-spoken? Have you been taken advantage of or been pushed around because of your nice personality? Check out my step-by-step guide for introverts that helps you find your voice and stand your ground when encountering mean classmates or coworkers. #pushover #introvert #bullying

Use this guide when you realize enough is enough.

Introverts may be quiet and reserved, but hell if they are doormats.

Disclaimer: This guideline applies to adult bullies disguised as classmates, roommates, or coworkers. If you are younger, please talk to an adult about bullies! (Children may be little, but they are vicious!). This also applies to situations that can be fixed by open communication. If there’s any violence or violation of human rights, please report it and stay safe!

You don’t leave bullies in high school. Although adult life is filled with bright and shiny experiences like college, internships, and your first job, bullies are still lurking. They are especially attracted to introverts.

Bullies take advantage of our quiet persona–speaking over us, gossiping about us, excluding us, and pushing us around.

Some get frustrated because they can’t figure us out. Our silence irks them. They often feel the need to fill in the blanks themselves by spreading rumors.

It doesn’t make sense why introverts are targets for bullies. We’re just minding our own business. But it’s the sad truth many introverts are forced to live with.

However, each bully comes with an opportunity to stand up for yourself. Introverts have unique personality traits that can be used when approaching a bully. In my 8 steps to NOT be a pushover, you’ll see where these personality traits come into play:

1. Pretend you are a company

Seriously! Pretend you are a company.

2. Determine your core values

You are a company with core values. One that takes stances on these core values and doesn’t waiver.

Now, what are your core values?

For example, my 5 core values are Authenticity, Fairness, Honesty, Openness, and Responsibility.

Determining your core values helps you focus on what you’re fighting for. Introverts are self-aware and thoughtful. They see both sides of each situation. Introverts can easily make excuses for bullies because they are understanding.

Don’t get lost in making excuses for them!!! Although expressing empathy for bullies is admirable, it will prevent you from standing up for yourself. You need to focus on what you deserve!

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