Books

Super summary: Quiet, The Power of Introverts

A super-summary on this blog is basically a “summary of a summary” of a book, with a few additions of my own. It gives you the basic idea of a book to see if you want to read the real thing.

Next up via Lucid: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking [book | audiobook].

Who are the introverts?

Introverts are people who tend to benefit from alone time. They favor reflective and deliberate thinking. This approach lets them dig deep.

Some classic introverts are Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, and Warren Buffett. Isaac Newton was known to be “a deeply introverted character and fiercely protective of his privacy.”

๐Ÿ‘‰My favorite new introvert is standup comedian Taylor Tomlinson, who framed introversion with this joke:

I read a statistic that said in 80 percent of homicides cases the killer was someone the victim knew. When I read that, I was relieved. Like thank god, I donโ€™t want to get murdered and meet someone. Thatโ€™s a lot for a Friday, getting stabbed and acquainted.

Introverts have a hidden side

While introverts tend to be outwardly quiet, they can also be bold, strong, and courageous. This is not a paradox.

See examples above. โ˜๏ธ You donโ€™t have to be loud to revolutionize our understanding of the world, save a nation, or build a fortune.

They may not be fun at parties, but these are some heavy hitters when it comes to lasting, positive change in the world.

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Via Lucid

Introverts aren’t always introverted

Introverts can act extroverted pretty convincingly if it is in the service of something they love. An introvert can do public speaking or standup comedy as long as it serves a core purpose.

This explains introverted, charismatic entertainers such as Prince

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Via Lucid

๐Ÿ‘‰ As a bit of an introvert myself, I admire the fun, freewheeling nature of many extroverts. Iโ€™m trying to learn from them to do more and think less. But I also appreciate that my core happiness lies within and I can have some of my best nights all to myself.

You

The Smarter You Become, the Less You Speak (Keanu Reeves Edition)

With Keanu Reeves as an example, this post explores the power of being purposefully quiet.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Be Aware of the Quiet Ones like Keanu Reeves โ€” They Are the Ones That Actually Make You Think

Quiet people make you think.
Thinking brings clarity.
Thinking can lead to change.

I actually didn’t know Keanu had this side to him. But it is helpful to be reminded by a Hollywood star of all people that being quite and thoughtful is a good thing.

Being quiet: brings people closer, breeds curiosity, interrupts the pattern, and allows time for reflection.

Not bad, Keanu. Maybe he is the cooler, calmer alter-ego to Russell Brand?

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You

Introvert-Friendly Conversation Tips

As a bit of an introvert, I find happy hours ๐Ÿ™„, networking events ๐Ÿฅฑ, and other stand-around-talking situations frustrating. They tend to feel shallow, and they get boring fast.

But these events can be fun, even for us introverts!

I really like this Medium article because it’s just such a simple win-win: tips for having fun and being more likable when meeting random people. Plus it lets the people you are stuck talking with have a better time too!

๐Ÿ‘‰ 3 Habits of Super-Likable People

Basically, it says to go ahead and be the geek that you really are and curiously let other people geek out about themselves. Hmm, that feels like two tips. Anyways, it’s three somehow. ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿปโ€โ™‚๏ธ

There is no right or wrong way to interact with people. Thereโ€™s only the authentic way โ€” being you; which means connecting with others in a way that feels right for you.

See also: 3 Ways To Improve A Conversation If Youโ€™re An Introvert (๐Ÿ‘‰ Ask Open-Ended Questions, Donโ€™t Make The Conversation About Yourself, Improve Your Body Language.

By the way, these tips overlap a lot with a previous post about easy conversation here as well.