I loved this piece. How you highlight the mismatch in energy profiles -- the "proven" playbooks and how that might not sit well for an introvert.
I'd also add that most advice isn't designed for beginners. And we are all beginners at some point in this journey.
Even if you are not an introvert (I'm a bit in the middle), the process of learning new skills takes tremendous energy.
To keep taking on more, faster and faster, that's a recipe for burnout. A far better method is to do what you recommend: a nervous system test. Do what feels like you can absorb. This isn't a formulaic process because anytime you do something new, you'll be uncomfortable. Being able to discern when discomfort is something to push through vs. something to pause for -- that's what's worth learning.
Thank you for always providing deep, meaningful reflection, and strong actionable tips, Kat!
Awww, thank you so much for your compliments, Kathy! I'm so glad you loved this piece. I really appreciate the restack, too.
You are so spot on that most advice aren't tailored to the beginners as well. As a beginner for any strategy, there's always a learning curve and states of discomfort you have to go through before that strategy starts to make sense or before you gain momentum.
I've definitely gone through those states of not fully factoring in the learning curve and get frustrated with my progress, then blame myself for not being good enough. I believe this is where most entrepreneurs quit, pivot, and chase after other strategies.
But if you have that wisdom to know when to move on versus when to stick it through, that does make that experimental process much easier as you can cycle through misaligned strategies faster (or even reject options before you start).
Having a Work Life Vision can be really valuable here as you can make decisions quicker and more effectively by clearly define your goals, values, and nonnegotiables ahead of time. (That's something I've been refining myself, and I feel more aligned with my business strategies now than I've been before.)
This is sooooo real. I often ask myself some variation of: how do I inform the masses about my new 1:1 thing? It's definitely tiring having to adapt all the "best" practices into something sustainable for me. Appreciate you discussing this one!
Thanks, Jones, and I'm glad this resonated with you! Haha, well, that's marketing and sales for you as we all continue asking ourselves some variant of that question for whatever offer we have—new or old.
I'm with you on that as it can become tedious and tiring at times, while I also came to this unavoidable reality that as an entrepreneur, that's what we have to do as the industry, market, and technology continue to evolve. I've interviewed several successful, veteran entrepreneurs who are continuously working through that still, regardless of what state or stage their business is in.
So what could potentially make that process feel more fun and enjoyable for you, Jones? Or how can you make it simpler for you to implement versus needing to come up with new ideas or adapt those latest "best" practices?
This is such a powerful piece. I love that part of Susan Cain's book too, it's validating that character was once more valued than being a bold extravert. I love your tips, so helpful! I like to find that balance for me between having my message heard by the right people so I can have an impact, and doing it using a method that aligns with my strengths - even though we do have to stretch sometimes.
Aww, thank you so much for your compliment, Natalie. Glad what I shared was helpful.
Yah, that part of the book really surprised me, and I wonder if we're also in a pivotal moment where that is now shifting. Btw, which other parts of Susan Cain's book did you enjoy, too? I'm currently part way through the book.
I so agree with what you've said, and that's the balance I'm learning to create myself, too. Unfortunately, that is never a one-sized-fits-all scenario and those who seek that balance have to go through their own explorations to find that right balance for them.
Any tips you can share for how you came across that right balance for you?
This is such an interesting and game changing. I often feel like a failure because I can't post daily unsocial media. Most of what you said resonated, but it's finding an alternative way that’s the challenge. It's learning to move away from social media, to focus on a new approach when all the advice that floods your social media favours the extrovert. Thank you for pointing out what I struggled to see and understand. Thank you for showing another way and giving me something positive to think about.
Awww, thanks, Robert. I really appreciate your comment, and know that you are not alone in this process. It takes a lot of patience, self compassion, and courage to put aside the loudest advice to discover your own. I admit it's not easy but very worth it. I'm cheering you on!
The first step is believing that another way is possible, and that'll give you the fuel to discover the right strategies for you. Hope my future posts can help you on your journey, too. Thanks for subscribing, and looking forward to hearing more from you.
I've been filtering the playbooks through my personality for a while, though I am at the point I need to do some of the "extrovert" outreach to keep my lights on!
What have you discovered so far with your explorations? Any helpful tips you can share, so that others can learn what worked for you, too?
I agree, it's not about rejecting all of those extroverted-favoring strategies. You are running a business and making an income, so there are some unavoidable things you'll have to do. Ultimately, it's about finding ways to make that work somewhat more enjoyable and easier for you to do.
"At some point, you’ve probably assumed the issue was you—your inconsistency, your lack of motivation, your own self sabotaging tendencies." -- YES! I think just acknowledging the tactics that are draining to me is a big first step. I need to lean into what makes me feel good because if I don't, I can't possible help anyone else in this work. Thank you.
Of course, Monica. I'm glad this resonated. It's so good to know that I'm not the only one. I agree that acknowledgement of that is a big, BIG first step. That continual self blame doesn't serve you in the long run. It's about recognizing what doesn't work for you and then discovering what does.
Btw, check out my latest post: "Your intuition isn’t a hall pass to stay comfortable" (https://www.soulfueled.co/p/intuition-vs-fear) It was inspired by yours (yup, this one) and others' recent comments, and also what I've discovered myself, too. It got me thinking about that "feel good" energy, and I wanted to call out that there's a difference between what feels good and what is right for you. Hope it helps you discover the right strategies for you.
Love the clarification post, too. I think for me, feeling "good" is feeling authentic. Some of the good is still scary/uncomfortable and that discomfort is okay when it feels authentic. When it's not authentic, it doesn't feel "good." I'll use my own example -- I made a concerted effort this year to appear on more podcasts. That kind of activity is not in my comfort zone BUT connection is one of my core coaching values and being connected in conversation is even more authentic to me as a person. So while the act of being interviewed felt initially uncomfortable (ack, hearing our own voices, right?!), pushing past my comfort zone here felt good and authentic to me and my business.
Thank you for this important reminder Kat, I really needed it today. Like most people trying to become more visible, I've been doing all the things that these so-called experts tell you to do, thinking that it must be the way to go.
But just because I can, doesn't mean I should.
I'm now focussing on a more energetically aligned approach which means more writing, email marketing and occasional speaking gigs. I like doing in person work but I know now I must give myself a day afterwards to recharge and recalibrate.
I thought I wasn't good with strategy and must be doing it all wrong but now I realise I've just been using someone else's blueprint and not one that's designed for me and my unique energy.
What's 'proven' for one person does make it right for everyone.
Yess, Kerry! So glad this is what you needed today. I love and resonated with what you've said, especially "just because I can, doesn't mean I should." I followed that same path for so long, and finally said no more!
We're also in the same boat of focusing on a more energetically aligned approach now, too. Glad you're clear as to what works for you, what you enjoy, and knowing your recovery strategies, too. Celebrating all of your progress and energetically aligned success, Kerry!
"Creating intentional experiences or self-paced offers that don’t rely on constant energy spikes"
👆 It took me so long to learn that this is a valid way to grow a business too. It doesn't have to be about big splashy launches or showing up live (which is something I hate -- I don't do well presenting off the cuff because to another thing you mentioned, I'm a deeper slower thinker who likes time to process and plan what I say) or letting strangers into the inner sanctum of your personal life.
There are a million and one ways to grow a successful business. But as an introvert myself (and someone who has a lot of clients who are introverts), something I see a lot are introverts using their introversion as an excuse for hiding or staying small or not taking risks. It can be an easy scapegoat or crutch. Introversion and being afraid of trying something uncomfortable and potentially failing at it are two totally different things.
The reality is business will always involve some measure of putting yourself out there, being visible, and promoting yourself, especially if you're a solopreneur. Your tips for how to honor your quiet power and do it authentically are pure gold. Introversion isn't a limitation. It's an asset when you know how to use it and respect it.
Yess!! Love your share, Morgan! Thanks for bringing up these points. Exactly, it's not about using introversion as an excuse to avoid showing up, but learnings how to leverage your natural tendencies in an empowering way so that you're showing up on your own terms vs blindly using someone else's playbook.
I agree about that reality of running a business is that you have to put yourself out there somehow to be found by the right audience and there will always be work involved that you won't like doing or have a hard time with. But those aren't reasons to avoid them. It's about finding a way to make those tasks more doable in a way that works for you.
Glad you enjoyed my tips! What you said at the end was perfect: "Introversion isn't a limitation. It's an asset when you know how to use it and respect it." I celebrate you for finding a way to work well with your introverted side.
Kat, you're speaking to my soul here! I thought I'd learned so many of these lessons but starting a small business was a whole other level! And I feel like I've had to unpick a lot of 'shoulds' all over again in order to find my own way at all this.
I wrote a note about this the other day: how I kept assuming my resistance to certain things was fear or nervousness, but that actually those approaches just weren't a good fit for me. Thanks so much for these reminders :)
So glad that this post resonated with you at the soul level, Susannah! I so agree, and I thought I had to and did the same, too. Running a business is a whole other level of personal growth, and challenges who we are and what we believe in at a much deeper level.
What perfect timing for your Note (I found it and it was so well said: https://substack.com/@susannahworth/note/c-118939923). It seems we're on a similar wavelength here and have been learning similar lessons, too. Celebrating you creating Gutsy and supporting the "shy dreamers, quiet creatives & reticent rebels". Love what you're doing, Susannah!
I can relate to everything you describe here, Kat.
It's essential that we check in with our nervous systems regularly to to make sure that the challenges involved in taking on something new are balanced with resting, recharging, and refueling. And that we question whether we fit the path we're on or need a detour, or a quiet bench to sit on and regroup.
Only we can answer and honour our own questions.
Susan Cain is clearly responding to an unmet need in many of us.
What you recapped and shared is so spot on, Jeanette, especially the part that "only we can answer and honor our own questions". We might have been trained to seek externally for answers, but those answers might not always work for you.
Sometimes the answer isn't to push harder or chase further. It's to pause, reflect, and closely evaluate whether that advice truly aligns with you, your vision, and your particular goals.
Apparently, thanks so much for introducing her to me, Jeanette!! That book recommendation was so spot on for what I needed right now. Thanks again,
Not taking time to recharge batteries. I learned to make task over more time so I can give myself to reflect and deep think it. Not overthinking but deep thinking and knowing the difference.
Thanks for sharing, Linda! I can resonate with not taking the time to recharging my batteries as well, and I had to reprogram myself to see rest and self care as essential versus being optional or selfish.
I like that you're taking more time with your tasks for deeper thinking rather than rushing through it. Know that difference takes quite the discernment. What has helped you carefully tread that line of deep thinking without overthinking?
Ohh, I love how you leveraged what you learned from gardening and integrated that into how it feels when you're curiously exploring vs overthinking. What an interesting way to look at it, and I can get a sense of what you mean. Thanks for sharing, Linda!
Totally feel this, and I love Susan Cain’s book. Extroverts are so much louder than introverts, which is part of the reason why their noise drowns out the voices of introverts.
But introverts have that “quiet power” which is also increasing valuable.
Writing online seems to be kind of an equalizer because introverts have great ideas that need to be heard and do well with writing.
Something I’ve been thinking about is what happens when an introvert and extrovert team up together. I think both together create a powerhouse.
I so agree, Maggie! For so long, I believed in those extroverted strategies because that's all I heard and what people kept touting. Now, I've been on a hunt searching for those quieter voices, those calmer, slower paced entrepreneurs who have that lifestyle I do want to model. Thanks for mentioning this point!
It feels so different leaning into my quiet power while trying to shut out all the noise. It does require taking some additional effort, but my nervous system feels so much better because of it. Protecting my peace has become a higher priority than scaling faster.
Writing online can help equalize the field a bit, but nowadays, it's no longer simply "writing online" as visibility typically requires volume, access, and engagement. There's also that multimedia aspect, too, with podcasting and video content on the rise. Audience building is something we can't ignore, especially when you're starting off, else you're just writing into void. But that does get easier over time as your audience grows. Lol, the pros and cons of technology and the internet! Some parts of it becomes easier, while it complicates the aspects, too.
Yah, that introvert and extrovert pairing can be helpful or a good start, but there are plenty of other factors to consider as well before they could become a powerhouse. I believe that there are also powerful introvert + introvert pairings, along with extrovert + extrovert ones, too.
So, how have you started to leverage your quiet power in what you do, Maggie?
I really appreciate this article. I'm in the process of setting myself free from a strategy I adopted 2.5 years ago: publishing an article every week and posting on socials daily. I'm just plain tired of the pace and demand. Yes, it helped me find my voice and get discovered, and it also creates pressure and takes me away from writing the deeper articles I want to write. Part of me feels like I'm letting my readers down, but my wise self knows, and your article reminded me, that a slower rhythm will be a gift to us all.
Awww, thanks so much, Lori! I appreciate your comment. I so feel you on that since that was something I was struggling with as well! I felt a massive resistance when I got the advice that I need to post even more. (Ugh!) It's so important to find the right cadence for you. I know for me creativity doesn't thrive in obligation.
Thanks for reflecting back that "a slower rhythm will be a gift to us all", which is so true! As creatives, producing from a full cup is so much more effective than producing from an empty one. So if weekly articles and daily notes drain you, give yourself permission to find another pace that feels more aligned. Ultimately, your audience and biggest fans totally get it... and those who don't aren't the ones you want to serve anyways.
So what would it look like if you dropped that pace, Lori? And what do you think is in the way of you implementing that?
I did it! I just changed my long-form rhythm to every other week. I mean, it's really that easy.
Part of me was believing that I was obligated to continue the pace I committed to in order to be in my integrity (not true) and was kind of waiting for someone's permission (but I only need it from me).
So, I changed my schedule, exhaled and went for a walk in the woods. I'm curious to see what new creativity might flow in. Thanks for your encouragement, Kat.
YAY, Lori! I'm so excited for you. Everything you said is so spot on: You didn't need anyone else's permission but your own. Being in integrity with what feels right to you is much more important to continuing a commitment or pace that doesn't serve you anymore.
How has it been for you since you changed your long form to every other week? I'm excited for what new creativity comes in for you, too!
Of course. It was my pleasure. Continuously cheering you on, Lori!
I loved this piece. How you highlight the mismatch in energy profiles -- the "proven" playbooks and how that might not sit well for an introvert.
I'd also add that most advice isn't designed for beginners. And we are all beginners at some point in this journey.
Even if you are not an introvert (I'm a bit in the middle), the process of learning new skills takes tremendous energy.
To keep taking on more, faster and faster, that's a recipe for burnout. A far better method is to do what you recommend: a nervous system test. Do what feels like you can absorb. This isn't a formulaic process because anytime you do something new, you'll be uncomfortable. Being able to discern when discomfort is something to push through vs. something to pause for -- that's what's worth learning.
Thank you for always providing deep, meaningful reflection, and strong actionable tips, Kat!
Awww, thank you so much for your compliments, Kathy! I'm so glad you loved this piece. I really appreciate the restack, too.
You are so spot on that most advice aren't tailored to the beginners as well. As a beginner for any strategy, there's always a learning curve and states of discomfort you have to go through before that strategy starts to make sense or before you gain momentum.
I've definitely gone through those states of not fully factoring in the learning curve and get frustrated with my progress, then blame myself for not being good enough. I believe this is where most entrepreneurs quit, pivot, and chase after other strategies.
But if you have that wisdom to know when to move on versus when to stick it through, that does make that experimental process much easier as you can cycle through misaligned strategies faster (or even reject options before you start).
Having a Work Life Vision can be really valuable here as you can make decisions quicker and more effectively by clearly define your goals, values, and nonnegotiables ahead of time. (That's something I've been refining myself, and I feel more aligned with my business strategies now than I've been before.)
This is sooooo real. I often ask myself some variation of: how do I inform the masses about my new 1:1 thing? It's definitely tiring having to adapt all the "best" practices into something sustainable for me. Appreciate you discussing this one!
Thanks, Jones, and I'm glad this resonated with you! Haha, well, that's marketing and sales for you as we all continue asking ourselves some variant of that question for whatever offer we have—new or old.
I'm with you on that as it can become tedious and tiring at times, while I also came to this unavoidable reality that as an entrepreneur, that's what we have to do as the industry, market, and technology continue to evolve. I've interviewed several successful, veteran entrepreneurs who are continuously working through that still, regardless of what state or stage their business is in.
So what could potentially make that process feel more fun and enjoyable for you, Jones? Or how can you make it simpler for you to implement versus needing to come up with new ideas or adapt those latest "best" practices?
This is such a powerful piece. I love that part of Susan Cain's book too, it's validating that character was once more valued than being a bold extravert. I love your tips, so helpful! I like to find that balance for me between having my message heard by the right people so I can have an impact, and doing it using a method that aligns with my strengths - even though we do have to stretch sometimes.
Aww, thank you so much for your compliment, Natalie. Glad what I shared was helpful.
Yah, that part of the book really surprised me, and I wonder if we're also in a pivotal moment where that is now shifting. Btw, which other parts of Susan Cain's book did you enjoy, too? I'm currently part way through the book.
I so agree with what you've said, and that's the balance I'm learning to create myself, too. Unfortunately, that is never a one-sized-fits-all scenario and those who seek that balance have to go through their own explorations to find that right balance for them.
Any tips you can share for how you came across that right balance for you?
This is such an interesting and game changing. I often feel like a failure because I can't post daily unsocial media. Most of what you said resonated, but it's finding an alternative way that’s the challenge. It's learning to move away from social media, to focus on a new approach when all the advice that floods your social media favours the extrovert. Thank you for pointing out what I struggled to see and understand. Thank you for showing another way and giving me something positive to think about.
Awww, thanks, Robert. I really appreciate your comment, and know that you are not alone in this process. It takes a lot of patience, self compassion, and courage to put aside the loudest advice to discover your own. I admit it's not easy but very worth it. I'm cheering you on!
The first step is believing that another way is possible, and that'll give you the fuel to discover the right strategies for you. Hope my future posts can help you on your journey, too. Thanks for subscribing, and looking forward to hearing more from you.
So much this; agree with all of it!
I've been filtering the playbooks through my personality for a while, though I am at the point I need to do some of the "extrovert" outreach to keep my lights on!
Thanks, Bryant! Glad you agree with all of it.
What have you discovered so far with your explorations? Any helpful tips you can share, so that others can learn what worked for you, too?
I agree, it's not about rejecting all of those extroverted-favoring strategies. You are running a business and making an income, so there are some unavoidable things you'll have to do. Ultimately, it's about finding ways to make that work somewhat more enjoyable and easier for you to do.
"At some point, you’ve probably assumed the issue was you—your inconsistency, your lack of motivation, your own self sabotaging tendencies." -- YES! I think just acknowledging the tactics that are draining to me is a big first step. I need to lean into what makes me feel good because if I don't, I can't possible help anyone else in this work. Thank you.
Of course, Monica. I'm glad this resonated. It's so good to know that I'm not the only one. I agree that acknowledgement of that is a big, BIG first step. That continual self blame doesn't serve you in the long run. It's about recognizing what doesn't work for you and then discovering what does.
Btw, check out my latest post: "Your intuition isn’t a hall pass to stay comfortable" (https://www.soulfueled.co/p/intuition-vs-fear) It was inspired by yours (yup, this one) and others' recent comments, and also what I've discovered myself, too. It got me thinking about that "feel good" energy, and I wanted to call out that there's a difference between what feels good and what is right for you. Hope it helps you discover the right strategies for you.
Love the clarification post, too. I think for me, feeling "good" is feeling authentic. Some of the good is still scary/uncomfortable and that discomfort is okay when it feels authentic. When it's not authentic, it doesn't feel "good." I'll use my own example -- I made a concerted effort this year to appear on more podcasts. That kind of activity is not in my comfort zone BUT connection is one of my core coaching values and being connected in conversation is even more authentic to me as a person. So while the act of being interviewed felt initially uncomfortable (ack, hearing our own voices, right?!), pushing past my comfort zone here felt good and authentic to me and my business.
Thank you for this important reminder Kat, I really needed it today. Like most people trying to become more visible, I've been doing all the things that these so-called experts tell you to do, thinking that it must be the way to go.
But just because I can, doesn't mean I should.
I'm now focussing on a more energetically aligned approach which means more writing, email marketing and occasional speaking gigs. I like doing in person work but I know now I must give myself a day afterwards to recharge and recalibrate.
I thought I wasn't good with strategy and must be doing it all wrong but now I realise I've just been using someone else's blueprint and not one that's designed for me and my unique energy.
What's 'proven' for one person does make it right for everyone.
Yess, Kerry! So glad this is what you needed today. I love and resonated with what you've said, especially "just because I can, doesn't mean I should." I followed that same path for so long, and finally said no more!
We're also in the same boat of focusing on a more energetically aligned approach now, too. Glad you're clear as to what works for you, what you enjoy, and knowing your recovery strategies, too. Celebrating all of your progress and energetically aligned success, Kerry!
"Creating intentional experiences or self-paced offers that don’t rely on constant energy spikes"
👆 It took me so long to learn that this is a valid way to grow a business too. It doesn't have to be about big splashy launches or showing up live (which is something I hate -- I don't do well presenting off the cuff because to another thing you mentioned, I'm a deeper slower thinker who likes time to process and plan what I say) or letting strangers into the inner sanctum of your personal life.
There are a million and one ways to grow a successful business. But as an introvert myself (and someone who has a lot of clients who are introverts), something I see a lot are introverts using their introversion as an excuse for hiding or staying small or not taking risks. It can be an easy scapegoat or crutch. Introversion and being afraid of trying something uncomfortable and potentially failing at it are two totally different things.
The reality is business will always involve some measure of putting yourself out there, being visible, and promoting yourself, especially if you're a solopreneur. Your tips for how to honor your quiet power and do it authentically are pure gold. Introversion isn't a limitation. It's an asset when you know how to use it and respect it.
Yess!! Love your share, Morgan! Thanks for bringing up these points. Exactly, it's not about using introversion as an excuse to avoid showing up, but learnings how to leverage your natural tendencies in an empowering way so that you're showing up on your own terms vs blindly using someone else's playbook.
I agree about that reality of running a business is that you have to put yourself out there somehow to be found by the right audience and there will always be work involved that you won't like doing or have a hard time with. But those aren't reasons to avoid them. It's about finding a way to make those tasks more doable in a way that works for you.
Glad you enjoyed my tips! What you said at the end was perfect: "Introversion isn't a limitation. It's an asset when you know how to use it and respect it." I celebrate you for finding a way to work well with your introverted side.
Kat, you're speaking to my soul here! I thought I'd learned so many of these lessons but starting a small business was a whole other level! And I feel like I've had to unpick a lot of 'shoulds' all over again in order to find my own way at all this.
I wrote a note about this the other day: how I kept assuming my resistance to certain things was fear or nervousness, but that actually those approaches just weren't a good fit for me. Thanks so much for these reminders :)
So glad that this post resonated with you at the soul level, Susannah! I so agree, and I thought I had to and did the same, too. Running a business is a whole other level of personal growth, and challenges who we are and what we believe in at a much deeper level.
What perfect timing for your Note (I found it and it was so well said: https://substack.com/@susannahworth/note/c-118939923). It seems we're on a similar wavelength here and have been learning similar lessons, too. Celebrating you creating Gutsy and supporting the "shy dreamers, quiet creatives & reticent rebels". Love what you're doing, Susannah!
I used to think long stretches of alone time were the answer. But honestly, too much of it makes me start overthinking everything.
I can relate to everything you describe here, Kat.
It's essential that we check in with our nervous systems regularly to to make sure that the challenges involved in taking on something new are balanced with resting, recharging, and refueling. And that we question whether we fit the path we're on or need a detour, or a quiet bench to sit on and regroup.
Only we can answer and honour our own questions.
Susan Cain is clearly responding to an unmet need in many of us.
What you recapped and shared is so spot on, Jeanette, especially the part that "only we can answer and honor our own questions". We might have been trained to seek externally for answers, but those answers might not always work for you.
Sometimes the answer isn't to push harder or chase further. It's to pause, reflect, and closely evaluate whether that advice truly aligns with you, your vision, and your particular goals.
Apparently, thanks so much for introducing her to me, Jeanette!! That book recommendation was so spot on for what I needed right now. Thanks again,
Not taking time to recharge batteries. I learned to make task over more time so I can give myself to reflect and deep think it. Not overthinking but deep thinking and knowing the difference.
Thanks for sharing, Linda! I can resonate with not taking the time to recharging my batteries as well, and I had to reprogram myself to see rest and self care as essential versus being optional or selfish.
I like that you're taking more time with your tasks for deeper thinking rather than rushing through it. Know that difference takes quite the discernment. What has helped you carefully tread that line of deep thinking without overthinking?
Overthinking feels dead. When you are exploring it feels alive. I learned this from gardening. What life and death look like.
Ohh, I love how you leveraged what you learned from gardening and integrated that into how it feels when you're curiously exploring vs overthinking. What an interesting way to look at it, and I can get a sense of what you mean. Thanks for sharing, Linda!
Totally feel this, and I love Susan Cain’s book. Extroverts are so much louder than introverts, which is part of the reason why their noise drowns out the voices of introverts.
But introverts have that “quiet power” which is also increasing valuable.
Writing online seems to be kind of an equalizer because introverts have great ideas that need to be heard and do well with writing.
Something I’ve been thinking about is what happens when an introvert and extrovert team up together. I think both together create a powerhouse.
I so agree, Maggie! For so long, I believed in those extroverted strategies because that's all I heard and what people kept touting. Now, I've been on a hunt searching for those quieter voices, those calmer, slower paced entrepreneurs who have that lifestyle I do want to model. Thanks for mentioning this point!
It feels so different leaning into my quiet power while trying to shut out all the noise. It does require taking some additional effort, but my nervous system feels so much better because of it. Protecting my peace has become a higher priority than scaling faster.
Writing online can help equalize the field a bit, but nowadays, it's no longer simply "writing online" as visibility typically requires volume, access, and engagement. There's also that multimedia aspect, too, with podcasting and video content on the rise. Audience building is something we can't ignore, especially when you're starting off, else you're just writing into void. But that does get easier over time as your audience grows. Lol, the pros and cons of technology and the internet! Some parts of it becomes easier, while it complicates the aspects, too.
Yah, that introvert and extrovert pairing can be helpful or a good start, but there are plenty of other factors to consider as well before they could become a powerhouse. I believe that there are also powerful introvert + introvert pairings, along with extrovert + extrovert ones, too.
So, how have you started to leverage your quiet power in what you do, Maggie?
I really appreciate this article. I'm in the process of setting myself free from a strategy I adopted 2.5 years ago: publishing an article every week and posting on socials daily. I'm just plain tired of the pace and demand. Yes, it helped me find my voice and get discovered, and it also creates pressure and takes me away from writing the deeper articles I want to write. Part of me feels like I'm letting my readers down, but my wise self knows, and your article reminded me, that a slower rhythm will be a gift to us all.
Awww, thanks so much, Lori! I appreciate your comment. I so feel you on that since that was something I was struggling with as well! I felt a massive resistance when I got the advice that I need to post even more. (Ugh!) It's so important to find the right cadence for you. I know for me creativity doesn't thrive in obligation.
Thanks for reflecting back that "a slower rhythm will be a gift to us all", which is so true! As creatives, producing from a full cup is so much more effective than producing from an empty one. So if weekly articles and daily notes drain you, give yourself permission to find another pace that feels more aligned. Ultimately, your audience and biggest fans totally get it... and those who don't aren't the ones you want to serve anyways.
So what would it look like if you dropped that pace, Lori? And what do you think is in the way of you implementing that?
I did it! I just changed my long-form rhythm to every other week. I mean, it's really that easy.
Part of me was believing that I was obligated to continue the pace I committed to in order to be in my integrity (not true) and was kind of waiting for someone's permission (but I only need it from me).
So, I changed my schedule, exhaled and went for a walk in the woods. I'm curious to see what new creativity might flow in. Thanks for your encouragement, Kat.
YAY, Lori! I'm so excited for you. Everything you said is so spot on: You didn't need anyone else's permission but your own. Being in integrity with what feels right to you is much more important to continuing a commitment or pace that doesn't serve you anymore.
How has it been for you since you changed your long form to every other week? I'm excited for what new creativity comes in for you, too!
Of course. It was my pleasure. Continuously cheering you on, Lori!