The Quiet and Strong Podcast, Especially for Introverts

Have you ever had one of those dark days when life seemed a bit overwhelming?  We all have. During these times, it's important to remember that even when things are looking dark, there are better times coming your way.  Is there something you can do to change your situation?  If you are feeling overwhelmed, are your thoughts bringing you sadness?  Can you change your thoughts?  What can you c...

As introverts, we have many thoughts and it is easy for them to go negative.  By using techniques such as reframing we can challenge thoughts that would prevent us from doing something worthwhile or stop us from enjoying the experience. Our thoughts are so powerful. As introverts, we have great ideas and ideas of how things can be great.  Don’t give up on these just because others may not be able...

What strengthens you?  Are you able to do that most of the time at work or in your personal life? What do you think of when you hear the word “productivity”? Some might think it means being busy.  And if it only means busy and not what strengthens you, this will lead to stress, overwhelm, and burnout.  Productivity is accomplishing those goals that strengthen you and are meaningful.  Enjoying the...

I dropped off my son at the university this week.  This can be a very difficult experience for the parents.  It made me think of my own college experience.  I was happy to be out on my own, however, I was just starting to get to know myself and as I think back it would have been a different experience if I had understood myself and my introversion better.  Understanding my personality now allows m...

Have you had the experience where you thought you were doing your fair share of the conversation, but someone had a sarcastic comment like “keep it down over there.”  Or how about”Why are you so quiet?”  What is the introvert comeback to a statement or question like this? These statements and questions are rarely helpful and can even be harmful. Introverts can be confident in conversations knowing...

Now in 2021 social gatherings and in-person interactions are becoming more frequent again. These could be family or community gatherings, business gatherings such as conferences, or networking events. Some of these types of events as an introvert you honestly may not have missed. As introverts, we generally prefer deeper conversations to small talk.  Are you ready to participate in these gathering...

What represents great customer service to you? Whether you work for yourself or someone else, giving great customer service is very important.  Making someone feel that they matter to you and being able to solve issues and meet needs is key.  But, introverts and extroverts have different needs when it comes to customer service.  For example, an introverted customer may not want as much small talk...

Too often introverts express that they felt something was wrong with them.  The fortunate ones learn to embrace who they are and find a new level of success and happiness. Yet there are too many people that are not sure of who they are and don’t know what is wrong. The key is to discover who you are and then live authentically. The world needs you to be your best! Continually get to know yourself...

What kind of work environment do you want for yourself?  Do you want to work in the office, remotely, or some combination? For many of us, we were forced into some new experiences for work starting in March 2020.  So hopefully now you have some freedom to reflect on this past time and decide what is best for you and those in your life.  No matter if you are working in the office or from home, hope...

Worry can be a problem for introverts. Worry exists in the mind, and as introverts, we spend more of our time there. Some worry is normal and needed as human beings.  It is the excessive worry that we can work to free ourselves from.  We think, and think a lot. Most of the time, this is a strength.  It is when our over-analytical minds go into over-analytical mode and start to “what-if” way too mu...

  As introverts, we have a gift for thinking.  We can come up with great ideas, sometimes instantly, but often this may take a little time. Sometimes we may need to give ourselves permission to take some time to think or let others know that we need this time whether it be a few seconds or a few days. So give yourself time to think and space to think and keep coming up with those brilliant ideas!...

Do you sometimes feel like we live in an extroverted world?  I've heard people say that, but I don't believe that's true. We live in a world full of both introverts and extroverts, and it is estimated to be about a 50/50 split.  Among introverts and extroverts, there is a great diversity of personality types and gifts.  We complement each other with our strengths. We don't need...

Hope all the fathers out there had a Happy Father's Day! Just a few thoughts as I think about my own dad and myself as a father.  Are you parenting introverted or extroverted children?  Do you know their strengths and needs?  Do they know their own  strengths and needs? As parents we have so many opportunities to help our introverted or extroverted children gain understanding and  learn what...

Are you an Introvert, extrovert, or even ambivert? What do these mean to you? These types of labels are simply a means of grouping characteristics for better understanding. These labels should never be used to limit you, box you in,  or make you feel bad about yourself.  And certainly, the label only applies as far as it is true for you. Regardless of your personality type, whether you identify as...

Small talk is a hot topic for introverts.  Many introverts don’t like small talk and many don’t feel like they are very good at it and can be anxious about it. I have had my own struggles with small talk and It was overwhelming at times.  As I came to understand myself and my introversion I came to the conclusion that small talk may not be interesting to me for its own sake . Introverts are deep t...

Do you like to take vacations or staycations?  Or some combination of both?  The “Staycation” has taken on a new meaning during this past year of mostly staying at home.  Although I am currently working from home, I still find it important to take a break from work from time to time. A staycation day or so for me can provide plenty of relaxation and recharge and fun. What works best for you?  Book...

I have always hated the expression “you need to get out of your comfort zone.”  If you have had challenges, such as shyness or fear of public speaking, you probably have spent your life getting out of your comfort zone.  The problem is that if you don’t change your thinking about how scary something is, then it will continue to produce fear no matter how many times you "get out" of your...

As an introvert, preparation is a key to success.  In our busy lives, it can be hard to find the necessary time to plan and organize your schedule, but this is such an important activity for introvert success. In this podcast, I give some tips for managing your time by scheduling a weekly review with yourself to organize your time and plan for those things that need to get done as well as the meet...

It has been over a year now since many people have started working at home full-time.  And now many have started to return to work. What have you learned this past year if you were telecommuting for the first time?  Did you find more productivity working from home?  Did you have enough human connection or did you feel a sense of isolation?  What will change about your work now?  This is a great ti...

Quiet is Strong!  I have learned to celebrate what's great about being an introvert.  The words quiet and strong are not a dichotomy.  I believe this now, but I did not always. I tried for many years to figure out how to be more like others and not be so “quiet”.  Ironically, I have discovered that the “quiet” part of me is what makes me strong. And understanding yourself makes you strong. As...

Are introverts good listeners? I think this may be too much of a generalization; after all, not all introverts are alike. Everyone wants to be heard and understood.  We matter.  Our voice matters. However, while we as introverts want to be good listeners, in general, we want the conversation to go both ways.  We don’t want to be perceived as a good listener just because the other person is doing a...

As an introvert, I have long been aware that what is going on in my mind does not always match the expression on my face. Have you ever been perfectly happy, then someone comes along and asks “what’s wrong”? Or be told something like “it doesn’t hurt to smile”? This can drive an introvert crazy. For this reason, I've been misunderstood by many for a good share of my life.  As a result, I have...

As an introvert, I have learned that some solitude for me is not a luxury, but a necessity. The need for solitude in many of us is not selfish or strange, but in reality, brings us to our best self. We turn inward naturally and much good comes from this.  We need to spend some time there in our inner world. As an introvert, not only do I enjoy a little solitude, but I find it helps me be more orga...

As an introvert, have you ever struggled to have your voice heard?  I know I have.  Over the years, I have learned several ways to be heard, whether in a large group during a meeting or even as the main presenter.  Yes, introverts can be great public speakers! In this podcast, I share my six tips for getting heard and a few bonus tips for feeling comfortable and prepared when speaking in front of...

It's a common myth that introverts are drained by all people.  I'm here to share that while the concept of an introvert’s need for recharge is well known, the reasons for energy drain and the ways we recharge are many and will definitely vary from one introvert to the next - and it's definitely not just being around people that is draining. In preparing for this episode, I asked man...