Whether you read the bible, believe in God or see the bible stories as just that, stories, there are some great lessons to how anyone, introverts included, can live our life to the fullest. As I continue to be inspired by the book of Daniel, it’s a compelling feeling to share the learning’s with you. It’s kind of a mission; to bring introverts to the limelight without necessarily meaning you have to get on the stage. Daniel shows, with giving credit where credit is due, that being on stage in just not necessary.
One advantage of deeper friendships whether business or personally related, it can help tough times to be more bearable. Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abdenego were deported with him to Babylon and at all times, they stuck together. There are more and more people today with all that is going on who need others to stick by them. If you have an introvert friend, then you have traveled not just wide with them, but deep. And in troubling times, they will give you their full attention if you need someone to listen to you just for the sake of listening.
A second advantage is knowing that giving pause to that “moment of truth” is important in the end. When they could have assured their lives by compromising their beliefs, instead they were wise enough to continue to trust God and each other. I don’t know for sure, but I suspect that introverts, depend on themselves more than many others. Being more introspective than extroverts, it may be advantageous to choose wisely first, and then decide. Once again, in particular with an introvert friend, you will find pause and reflect welcome, before you take the high dive.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abdenego were thrown into a fiery furnace that would have surely turned anyone into ashes and cinders within seconds. I’m very curious: where was Daniel? I like to think that he was working quietly behind the scenes to help his three friends. Advantage three is that introvert friends are quietly effective and friends can count on them.
In particular for introverts, while we generally find ourselves in fewer relationships, what we bring in who we are, has many advantages in all facets of life. A stick-with-you demeanor, an ability to pause and reflect with you, and being a behind the scenes helper when you need one.
What are some other advantages of the introvert relationship? Work or personal, it doesn’t matter. Tell me what you think; I do care.
Great post Pat. Embrace differences. You need them. Build on strength. This is easy to see in sports, where it is pretty clear that in football being the center or a receiver is a unique and different skill than being the quarterback. Without the center to put the ball into play and protect the quarterback there is no successful play. With someone to catch the pass there is little progress toward a goal. There are countless examples in business and personal life also where strengths of one person complement the gaps in other’s skills.
My point is the same as Pat’s that introverts are not more valuable than extroverts, but different. It is like having an argument about which is more important, the brakes, steering, tires, engine or frame. You are not going anywhere fast if you are missing any of them. You need them all in the proper combination. Extroverts and introverts need each other.
Side note, after looking at my list again, it is possible to go somewhere fast without the brakes and steering working which is a great start for another blog post. 🙂
“Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton asked why.” Bernard Baruch *Introverts are asking.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” -Mary Anne Radmacher *Here is our introvert simply moving to the new day with no urge to tell 20 others.