A few years ago, I thought I was an extrovert; when I used to take these personality tests, it always said borderline extrovert. Many people think I am a connector and networker, which is true (somewhat, it is more nuanced). Still, my connections and networking come from my innate passion and curiosity to understand life, the world (physical), and the inner spiritual world. Specifically, I am curious about non-conformist ways to live life, conscious capitalism, cultures, philosophy, etc.
I see my time with people who fill me as like meditation. The other day, meeting a friend to attend an art exhibition and spending time with my wise friend from Indonesia were lovely spiritual moments. I cherish them.
Time and age make me connect with my existence more and appreciate my solitude time. I feel that when we don't spend time in solitude, we are running away from our insecurities, or they are hollow from the inside, and hence, they need a facade of people to cover their hollowness.
Social psychologists are attuned to humans as social animals; they can't see the benefits of solitude/introversion because of their biases. Also, because of societal norms and pressures, we are made to believe it is essential and rather good to be an extrovert, whether in class, in the business world, or as a leader, which to me is absolutely a scam statement, totally bonkers.
No one can be a deep thinker, philosopher, scientist, or spiritual if they can't be introverted, i.e., can't be alone or can't enjoy the bliss of solitude. Introversion is a key to surviving and thriving in this world.
To be a leader, you must appreciate the solitude within you, embrace the solo journey, and be slightly less restless about being an extrovert, killing your fear of missing out (FOMO). It provides you with time and space to reflect. We all have introversion within; no one can be 100% extrovert, and if they are, I bet you they are running away from their existence, which to me sounds nasty and is not good for a leader, for an entrepreneur building a company, for a fund manager creating value for their investors, entrepreneurs, and the planet.
You don’t need to live your life in solitude to embrace introversion or vice versa. You can be an extrovert and embrace the introversion energy; to me, it is like yin and yang. People who embrace solitude are more emotionally creative, unlikely to be depressed, and unlikely to be anxiously attached. For a conscious leader who values universalism like open-mindedness, social justice, etc., introversion or solitude is absolute bliss.
I hope you find peace and contentment, challenge your views, and find more meaning through self-reflection. As a conscious leader, challenge the assumptions and be a non-conformist. Part of it will come from when you go within and philosophize.
Some suggested readings, podcasts, and books for all the conscious leaders on “solo,” “introversion,” and embracing “solitude.”
[Article] “Living Single” blog at Psychology Today
[Book] "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain: This book explores the power of introversion and the unique strengths that introverts bring to the table, including in leadership roles.
[Book] "Solitude: A Singular Life in a Crowded World" by Michael Harris delves into the benefits of solitude and the importance of cultivating time alone for creativity, self-awareness, and personal growth.
[Book] "The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength" by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler: This book offers practical strategies for introverted leaders to leverage their strengths, build relationships, and communicate effectively in the workplace.
[Book] "Solitude: A Singular Life in a Crowded World" by Michael Harris: This book delves into the benefits of solitude and the importance of cultivating time alone for creativity, self-awareness, and personal growth.
[Book] "The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength" by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler: This book offers practical strategies for introverted leaders to leverage their strengths, build relationships, and communicate effectively in the workplace.
What do you think? Ping me at sagar@idexaccelerator.cme om to tell or share it in the comments below.
PS: I have used solitude and introversion interchangeably.
Sign-off for humanity,
Sagar
Follow me on LinkedIn» https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagartandon/
Mail me at » sagar@idexaccelerator.com / sagar@firstfollowers.co
Stay humble, stay curious 🌟🌟🌟!
Note: These are my personal opinion.
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