This article celebrates World Introvert Day and highlights the importance of introversion in leadership. – January 2nd serves as a special day to honor and appreciate introverts, an estimated 25-40% of the population. It is a day to recognize and celebrate the power of introverts and their contributions to the world. This year, World Introvert Day has been recognized in more than 70 countries, giving us the opportunity to focus on what it means to be an introvert and better understand people who prefer quiet and solitude.
Celebrating introverts is an important way to honor the diversity and strength that comes with introversion. It’s a reminder that taking time for yourself is essential for well-being, especially during the busy holiday season. On this day, we can take the time to appreciate our own introversion or show support and understanding to people around us who identify as introverts. The data from 6 tips on how to recharge an introvert’s energy is especially helpful in understanding how it’s different from extroverts. My book, Secret Lives of Introverts: Inside Our Hidden World, can provide more insight into the inner lives of introverts and help us better understand them.
Why is World Introvert Day important?
Many introverts feel misunderstood or invalidated because our society values extroversion in many ways. In some cases, this means that introverts can feel overlooked or undervalued in both their professional and personal lives. They may also feel that the traits associated with their introversion are seen as inferior.
Word Introvert Day is a day to celebrate the need for more alone time for introverts and to show appreciation for the unique perspective they bring to our world. The day is dedicated to helping introverts get their juices flowing and recharge, while also allowing extraverts a chance to recharge through social activities.
On Word Introvert Day, introverts can gain energy by spending time alone or in quiet environments. Whereas extraverts get energy from being around other people, introverts recharge by turning inward. This gives them a chance to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings without the distraction of others. Additionally, introverts can also benefit from connecting with their social group in ways that help them feel comfortable and secure. Well known people such as musicians, writers and artists often use quiet environments to gain inspiration, which could be an ideal way for introverts to spend Word Introvert Day.
Managers may prefer extraversion when it comes to hiring employees, but introversion is not something that needs to be feared. Introverted employees can be just as successful as extroverts and many introverted leaders have achieved great success. In some ways, the qualities of an introvert are beneficial for top leadership. It is important for introverts to remember that getting enough alone time is essential for a healthy balance in their lives and there are now significantly more people with a preference for introversion than before.
Word Introvert Day is a draining holiday marathon which was first felt on January 2nd, 2018 and was created by the psychologist and author Felicitas Heyne. She wanted to provide a perfect date for introverts to be happily introverted ever since. To help spread this message, she has also published a free ebook titled “Your Perfect Introvert Day” where she shares her thoughts and observations on how to draw introverts out of their collective deep breath. As founder of Word Introvert Day, Felicitas Heyne has been working hard to make sure that holidays such as New Year are more inclusive towards those who prefer the company of themselves.