It wasn’t a walk in the park. High school corridors echoed with voices and the confident strut of those who owned the room.
College wasn’t much different. There I was: quiet, introverted, finding solace in the margins of books or the humming tunes of my earphones.
Society has a funny way of assigning value.
The loudest get heard, while those like me are conveniently pushed to the background. But let me tell you this: I decided it was time to embrace the room, to demand the respect that I deserved.
You think being quiet means I’m weak?
Think again.
Step 1: Acknowledge Your Worth
Before anyone else will, you need to see your value. I had to remind myself daily. Those countless nights I’d spent studying, the depth of my thoughts, the uniqueness of my perspective—all that was my power.
Introversion was not my prison; it was my specialty.
Step 2: Perfect Your Stance
Physical presence is the first line of non-verbal communication. I started with my posture. Shoulders back, chin up. When I walked into a room, I walked with purpose.
Each step, a silent declaration:
“I am here, and I matter.”
Step 3: Master the Art of Speaking Up
Yes, I was quiet. But quiet doesn’t mean silent. When it was necessary, I made sure to speak. And when I did, it was clear, assertive, and to the point.
I learned the importance of eye contact, of projecting my voice, of pausing for effect. Every word I spoke became a dagger of emphasis.
Step 4: Set Boundaries
There’s a fine line between being accommodating and being a pushover. I made it clear what I would and wouldn’t tolerate.
If someone tried to speak over me, I held my ground. If someone dismissed my ideas, I backed them up with conviction.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Strengths
Being introspective brought a unique set of strengths: deep thinking, keen observation, and a rich inner life. I realized my introversion allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level.
I could listen and understand, empathize and inspire. Instead of shying away, I leaned into these strengths and used them to my advantage.
Step 6: Continuously Challenge Yourself
Breaking out of my comfort zone wasn’t a one-time affair. I sought opportunities that scared me.
Public speaking? Done.
Leading a project? Bring it on.
With each challenge, I felt my shell cracking, revealing a fierce, unstoppable force inside.
Respect isn’t handed out; it’s earned.
No one was going to hand it to me on a silver platter just because I desired it. I had to fight for it.
Every.
Single.
Day.
To all the introverts reading this, don’t let the world’s decibel levels dictate your worth.
Our silence is our strength.
Our introspection, our weapon.
Own your space, own your voice, and let the world see the roaring fire that burns within.
Because believe me, once you step out and embrace that room, there’s no going back.
And why would you want to?
Onward, friends 🫡
If you enjoyed reading this and want to show your support, you can check out my children’s books or non-fiction books, Divorced Before 30 and Dreamers Have A Dream Too.
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