I consider myself a moderately successful person. I’ve got my family with my beautiful and brilliant daughter, I’ve got my hobbies and I’ve done something professionally that I am proud of.

And I’m not comparing myself with other people. I am comparing myself with the person starting from a poor family and from a poor small town.

I was born an introvert. I am still an introvert but a self-educated extrovert. You don’t see me initiating dialogues unless a person strikes me as an exceptional person, intriguing me and lighting up the interest of knowing them.

Below some tips I personally learnt the hard way as an exceptional introvert.

Embrace the way you are

Introversion isn’t a flaw; it’s a distinctive characteristic. Embrace it. Understand that your preference for solitude isn’t a sign of weakness but a source of strength. Introverts tend to be great listeners, observant, and highly self-aware, qualities that can be harnessed to excel in personal and professional endeavors.

It took me years to understand I am not an extrovert, it took me years to understand I have to play my strengths and work with my weaknesses. Every failure put me back to my box, but introspecting and learning I made my box larger and larger each day.

Cultivate deep (not necessarily many) connections

Quality over quantity—this rings especially true for introverts. Building a few strong, meaningful relationships can be more impactful than having an extensive social circle. Invest time and energy in cultivating deep connections with individuals who share your values and interests. These connections can provide invaluable support and opportunities.

I personally find it too tiring to maintain too many quality relationships at the same time. If it’s quality then it needs to be less quantity so that I have time for myself, my family, my hobbies, my inner energy generating engine.

Use your strengths

Introverts often excel in environments that allow for introspection and deep focus. Leverage these strengths by choosing careers or projects that align with your abilities. Fields like writing, research, programming, or creative arts can be particularly fulfilling for introverts, allowing them to showcase their skills and excel.

I successfully (I believe) I have done that at the dawn of my career. I was an avid reader, a decent programmer and very focused on music (listening and creating). But with experience and age, I started to discover people, different people, different personalities intriguing me to find out more about them. And slowly I opened myself to listening more, interacting more and talking more (though initially it hurt).

Develop communication skills

While introverts may not always be the loudest voice in the room, effective communication is a vital skill. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and assertively. Engage in activities like public speaking clubs or workshops to improve your communication abilities. Remember, effective communication isn’t about being the loudest, but about being impactful.

I know it’s difficult. Been there, done that, it’s painful. My first speeches in front of my teams were horrendous. But I learnt by practicing (sometimes in front of a mirror), trying different audiences, different styles and preparing, preparing, preparing. A lot of effort and sometimes feeling low, but eventually it pays off. Never give up!

Embrace solo pursuits

Embrace the beauty of solo pursuits. Whether it’s reading, painting, hiking, or any other activity that brings you joy, embrace it fully. These solitary activities not only recharge your energy but also foster personal growth and creativity.

I like to spend time with myself, introspecting, playing piano, listening to music or just walking in the park side by side my doggo. But I also love to be surrounded by people, telling each other stories and sometimes even be the fire-starter of a party.

Continuous learning and growth

Commit to a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Embrace new challenges and opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. Each new experience, no matter how small, contributes to your personal development.

Take care of yourself

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Prioritize your well-being by carving out time for self-care activities. Whether it’s meditation, exercise, or simply enjoying solitude, nurturing your mental and physical health is crucial for success.

Hope this helps. They helped me for sure!