Introspection as an Extrovert
For as long as I can remember, I am the textbook example of an extrovert.
I recharge around others, feel uneasy when alone, and get bored quickly. I crave stimulation, people, noise, movement, getting things done.
After a decade of therapy and years of inner-child healing, I’ve been able to understand better where these characteristics come from. Some of it’s biological. A lot of it comes from traumas and experiences that have manifested into a deep desire for acceptance and belonging from others.
Ughhh. But, realizing this has been powerful because, over the past years, I started to rewrite my own narratives — that I can only find safety and acceptance from others, that being alone is scary, or that staying busy is the only way to prove my value.
I’ve trained myself to embrace stillness and quiet, to trust myself, and to give fewer f*cks about what others think. The most significant impact is that it’s enhanced the authenticity of my decision-making. For years, I’ve let external factors influence my decisions because I was too afraid to look inward.
Real talk, though... my journey toward introspection as an extrovert has been comical at times. It's like trying to get a high-energy puppy to stop moving, chill, and self-reflect. And I wanted to do was run around. 🐶 Once, while trying to sit still, my husband caught me googling “things to do” on my phone...
Maybe it’s age (I’m turning 42 in a few weeks! 🎈), and it’s a natural progression towards introspection. Or maybe it’s embracing winter as a season for rest. But lately, I’ve been striking a nice balance between the external stimulus I thrive on and the internal exploration necessary for authenticity. 🧘🏼♀️
In her book Quiet, Susan Cain talks about how introverts have the power to provide a more genuine and grounded approach to problem-solving, leadership, and fostering meaningful connections. Having introverted friends, family members, colleagues, and clients, I couldn’t agree more.
However, the reality is that we live in a world that celebrates extroverted behaviors. Those who speak loudly or act quickly are often the ones who are rewarded (for better or worse).
So, I think that's the sweet spot. Embracing both aspects of introspection and external communication can give you insights into what drives your happiness and help you take charge and succeed in your career.
And it's how I’ve built my coaching practice. My signature 1:1 program, Reset & Realign, encourages you to go deep within to find answers and then equips you with the external tools needed to succeed in this noisy world.
Looking for that sweet spot?
If you’re feeling unmotivated and tired of the same daily grind and want to make clear career decisions driven by your values and happiness instead, book a free sales call to learn more about Wildlight coaching programs.
I’d love to learn more about what you're going through and share what my clients have experienced. 🤩
Speaking of clients...
It’s been an exciting few months, and I want to celebrate some of their successes. You know who you are, and I’m so proud of you! 👏🏼
🎉 Aside from art and writing, this client revealed that prestige and social status are among the things that she values. It was important for her to get promoted, so we set a goal for her to land a senior title by March 2024. She got inspired to speak up to advocate for her growth and was able to SECURE HER TITLE BUMP in December 2023, three months ahead of her goal.
🎉 As a mom of young kids, we uncovered that this client's values have shifted to flexibility and family first. While business travel was once appealing, it was no longer an option. Having been with her company for several years, she started looking at new opportunities and ended up with MULTIPLE OFFERS. She just accepted one that she feels most excited about, which would propel her professional growth, AND she successfully negotiated a 20% increase in pay from the original offer!
🎉 After landing a competitive offer at a high-growth company, this client quickly realized she was unhappy and wanted more than to be a cog in the system. She valued autonomy in decision-making and the ability to support multiple projects while honoring her personal well-being. We shifted our coaching focus from finding a new job to helping launch her own consulting business. She has since landed her first significant consulting client, who recently renewed and expanded their scope of work!
When values and authenticity become the driving force behind decisions, coupled with solid communication and negotiation skills PLUS accountability — this could make all the difference for you.
Want this for yourself? Let's chat.
-Carolyn
