How to Make a Difference as an Introvert

Even a quiet feather can cause ripples

You are quiet, you may be shy and you generally do not like to interact with people. Perhaps your favourite activity is to spend time reading, introspecting or hanging out with a small group of significant people. 

If you identify with the above description, you are an introvert. I resonate because I’m an introvert too. 

We may not show that we care but introverts usually have a generous heart inside us that wants to share and help the world in some way. 

I used to struggle with how I can make a difference because I don’t usually like talking with people. I used to wonder, “What difference can one person make?”

In my decade of coaching, I have found that it is possible to make a meaningful difference even if you are an introvert. 

Here are three concrete steps that you can take to make a real difference.

Step 1: Create focus 

Just as introverts tend to prefer smaller groups rather than large numbers, creating a dedicated focus on one thing and doing that well suits their energy better than spreading their energy over a wide expanse of things which might cause them to tire and do things as a matter of convenience, when they have the time, energy, or bandwidth for it.

For example, you care about the environment. There are many things you can do to help the environment, such as reducing plastic bag consumption, cleaning up beaches, or planting trees. If trying to do all that saps your energy, you might end up doing a half job of everything. Rather than trying to do all of these things, you might just pick one area to focus on, like cleaning up beaches, and make a real difference by doing it well.

Focus comes from knowing what you care about deeply, why you want to contribute, and having a plan on how your contribution can make an impact.

Step 2: Express Your Talents

You may think that not liking to interact with people limits the difference you can make, but actually introverts have unique talents that they can use to make a difference. 

Understanding what your gifts are and using your talents allows you to contribute to the world in a way that is comfortable to you.

Here are some possible talents that introverts have that you can use to make a difference to the world.

Creative

Crafting and creating art is usually a solo activity and is well suited for introverts. 

Moreover, art is a message that transcends borders. Just think of all the art pieces that have changed the world.

If you can create an art piece that can evoke emotions in people and cause people to think, that helps to raise awareness for issues that you care about. For example if you care about animal abuse, you can create an art piece or take photographs that raises awareness about animal abuse.

You can sell your art or craft and donate the proceeds to a cause that you believe in. 

Listening 

While most introverts don’t like to talk to people, they are usually good at listening. And sometimes what people need is a listening ear. 

You can do this with anybody that you encounter. It can be with a colleague who is having a difficult day, or a friend who has gone through a bad patch, or a family member who is stressed out.

Whoever you choose to listen to, showing that you listen and that you care can make the other person’s day better. 

Writing 

Writing is a skill that would be really suitable for introverts if you have the gift of words. Introverts are usually deep thinkers and if you can write a story or articles about issues that you care about, they can really create an impact. 

Have you read a book that has really made a difference for you? How has it made a difference for you? Now, pass on the gift of words to the world. 

There are many more talents that you may have. 

What are your unique gifts that you can express to help the society you live in?

Step 3: Use Quiet Influence 

How do you contribute to your community or society when you do not have a wide social network? 

The answer—quiet influence.

Introverts may not have a lot of friends but the bonds that introverts have are usually strong and deep. Chances are that you have a small group of friends that you are comfortable hanging around with and do not mind talking to.

When trust runs deep, the influence that you exert becomes bigger. You may not have reach but you definitely have depth. Start by influencing your friends, your little social circle or your family. 

Remember that each individual person that you impact is important. If all the introverts in the world added their individual efforts collectively, they could make a huge impact. 

Conclusion: Stack it up!

Creating a focus fosters commitment. Expressing your talents allows you to contribute in ways that you are good at and comfortable with. Using quiet influence allows you to gather a small group that can support each other in the difference that you want to make. 

If you did Step 1, 2 and 3 right, then sticking with making a difference would be easy. 

Julia and I have been running Dwelling for the past 8 years and we have impacted close to 4000 people. And both of us are introverts! The differences stack up and it matters.

Meaningful difference is created when everyone starts to care and take action.

Whatever your method is or what you care for, start today, to make a real difference in your own way.