8 Ways Introverts Can Stand Out like Prince
Legendary artist, Prince, was an introvert who stood out. He courageously accepted himself for who he was and expressed himself fully within a society that champions gregarious outgoing types. He is inspirational to introverts within the modern work world of meetings, events, luncheons and networking.
Introverts retreat to quiet places for energy restoration. Why do you think that Prince’s Paisley Park-think-tank was built in suburban Minnesota? It can be frustrating to be misconstrued as callous or unconcerned.
“Why does everyone think I’m mad?” – Prince
The reality is that you are caring and warm-hearted with a need to think things through internally. If you feel as if your ideas and contributions are being overlooked, here are eight ways to boost yourself in an extraverted world:
- REFRAME YOUR THOUGHTS – Cognitive-Behavioral theory explains that changing your thoughts ultimately changes how you feel and act. Counteract any automatic thoughts that prompt feelings of dread.
“There’s a dark side to everything” – Prince
If there’s a dark side, then there’s a bright side too. Look for it.
- PREPARE LIKE A BOY SCOUT – Work functions that are social in nature feel uneasy due to the unexpected. Review agendas and prepare for meetings, luncheons and events to minimize distress. You can even prepare a comment or question script to express yourself at these functions. Do whatever it takes to make it happen.
“When I want to hear new music, I make it.” – Prince
- ASSERT SELF UPFRONT OR TAKE THE BACK ENTRY – Go ahead and get it out of the way. Think of Nike’s tagline, “Just Do It.” Make your comment at the beginning of the meeting and you have already shaped the group dynamics to view you as an active participant. If you cannot bring yourself to participate, no need to worry, you can always use email or a one-on-one to offer your thoughts later. It’s completely reasonable to take time to process information before feeling comfortable with reacting to it. Where there is will, there is a way.
“All realities, all dimensions are open to me!” – Prince
- EDUCATE OTHERS ON YOU – You are an expert on you and it’s perfectly acceptable to state your work needs to those working around you. In fact, it will likely be appreciated by your team and manager; it helps them know how you arrive at your best work.
“Once I got that support from people then I believed I could do anything.” – Prince
Tell them that you work best when offered pre-meeting agendas or post-meeting reflection.
- ACKNOWLEDGE THE HUMANNESS OF OTHERS – Don’t admonish yourself for not asserting self on a whim like “others.” The others are human and experience discomfort with work processes that go against the grain of their externally-driven energy. Honor the differences which balance out to make greatness.
“My hat goes off to anybody who can sit down and put their heads together.” – Prince
- PRACTICE – Yes, you can learn anything with practice, even increase comfort levels in social groups and events. Choose a small social forum in which to begin practice. Google Toastmasters or Meet-Up.com for groups that support and encourage your goals. Reach mastery by continuous learning.
“Sometimes it takes years for a person to become an overnight success.” – Prince
- MAKE THOSE GOALS ACHIEVABLE – Set yourself up for success by identifying achievable goals. For example, commit to speaking up in a team meeting.
“There are no accidents. And if there are, it’s up to us to look at them as something else. And that bravery is what creates new flowers.” – Prince
Once you reach your goal, raise the bar and voice out in a departmental meeting. Eventually, it will feel like a routine instead of a burden.
- PLAN TIME IN YOUR SCHEDULE TO REFUEL – If you know that you have to pow wow with new clients over lunch, schedule time to recoil from socializing. Schedule a meeting with yourself to do whatever energizes you.
Music is music, ultimately. If it makes you feel good, cool.” – Prince