Pushing Past Fear as An Introvert

I recently wrote about finding your element, and pushing past your comfort zone to fulfill your potential. For introverts, this may look like speaking up, becoming more assertive or generally breaking out of your reservedness.

If you are struggling to do this, you may simply need to change how you relate to others. Changing your role or environment can challenge your preconceptions about your capabilities. For me, it took being put in a role where I was training other people. When I became the subject matter expert for the first time in my career, I was finally able to get out of my comfort zone.

Pushing past fear doesn’t have to mean complete self-reinvention. Instead, set manageable goals for what you’d like to achieve. For example, I don't know if I'll ever be truly comfortable in large crowds, but I appreciate the value of networking events. So, when I'm in those situations, I set a goal for myself: make three meaningful contacts. Once I've done that, I allow myself to leave.

Finally, give yourself grace. Because we tend to be more reserved in groups, introverted leaders are often misunderstood. People will make negative assumptions about us, and we often have to work harder than extroverts to get our points across or even be viewed as credible. But holding back can be a smart choice when we feel it's not safe to be fully ourselves. Don't forget that your introverted traits—like thoughtful listening and deep processing—are valuable strengths that can shine through even when you're not fully opening up.

Whether we are introverted or extroverted leaders, it does not disqualify us from being courageous, engaging, or competent.

Find a balance between challenging yourself and staying true to who you are. Leadership is about understanding yourself, leveraging your strengths, and continuing to grow.