you don't need to be louder to be heard
The weekly wholistique #11
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a handful of conversations about introverts vs. extroverts and the pressure introverts often feel to step outside their comfort zone to succeed.
Let’s clear something up:
You don’t need to become louder, flashier, or more "on" to be effective. You don’t need to fake small talk or burn through your energy just to keep up appearances.
In fact, your introversion might be your greatest strength.
The way you pause before speaking.
The way you think in layers.
The way you listen more than you talk.
These aren’t quirks to fix. They’re foundations for deep work, authentic conversation, and content that connects.
Here’s what changed for me when I stopped chasing extroverted models of success:
I stopped feeling guilty for not "putting myself out there" more.
I stopped burning out from trying to be "on" when my energy was low.
I stopped believing I had to become someone else to do meaningful work.
Instead, I:
Built my rhythm around quiet focus and intentional output.
Let solitude do its job.
Spoke when I had something to say, not just to fill the feed. (Still working on that one 😅)
And it works.
It’s more sustainable. More aligned. More human.
If you’ve ever felt like your quiet nature was a barrier to impact, let me remind you:
You don’t need to change who you are. You just need systems that work because of who you are.
There’s another way. And it starts by honoring your own pace.
"There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas."
— Susan Cain
One book:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
The essential book for every introvert, and for the people who work with, live with, or lead them.