Don’t Force Yourself Where You Don’t Belong (Struggles of Introverts)

Introverts often feel like they don’t belong in some places and situations. If you’re one of them, come and stick with me because we’ll recap some struggles of introverts and why you shouldn’t force yourself where you don’t belong.

Some struggles of introverts include being misunderstood or judged, having no time and space to recharge, especially in the workplace, and being underrated. One or two of these struggles can happen anywhere and anytime.

So regardless of whether you encounter these struggles at home or work, it’s time to evaluate the situation and realize that you don’t have to please and force yourself to fit in.

To discuss more of it and how you can face this type of issue, keep reading below.

Different Struggles of Introverts

I already summed up the different struggles of introverts, and it all boils down to these three main issues.

Being misunderstood or misjudged.

It’s easy for people to think that introverts are antisocial and unfriendly, but in reality, it’s just their way of protecting themselves from being overwhelmed by the outside world.

When you’re an introvert, it can be hard for others to understand why you need time alone or why you get uncomfortable when there are too many loud voices in one place. 

But it’s important for us to take the following measures.

• Just stay true to ourselves and not give in to pressure from other people who think we should be more outgoing and social all the time.
• Ignore their misconceptions.
• Do not fall into the people-pleaser trap and compromise your personality.

What can you do?

Feel free to leave if you think you’re in a workplace or group where everyone is insensitive or toxic.

The truth is you can find other opportunities suited to your personality type. Likewise, believe it or not, some companies are introvert-friendly, with opportunities perfectly for you where you can meet people like you who will understand you.

Having no time and space to recharge.

For introverts, it’s hard to feel like we have a place in the world because we need so much alone time. Most corporate jobs today offer a very open workplace with no walls, which could be challenging for introverts.

You are given no space to keep calm and recharge yourself when needed. Most companies also have strict working hours with quick breaks, neglecting the needs of their employees, especially introverted ones.

This is also true for public places like restaurants and malls. These establishments aren’t introvert-friendly except for their comfort rooms. 

In case an introvert gets overwhelmed, there’s no perfect place for him or her to run and recharge. This is why most introverts prefer going to their homes earlier than expected.

What can you do?

Whenever you feel like you need to recharge and the situation offers you nothing, don’t feel guilty about saying NO or going home. 

You don’t have to stay where you feel uncomfortable and drained. Self-care should be your top priority, and if it means taking yourself early to reflect and recharge, that’s something you should not be guilty about!

Being underrated

This is another biggest struggle for introverts. Most introverts I know are creative, smart, and persistent. This is why I adore and appreciate them so much.

However, it’s not the case for other people who happen to know some introverts. Some use introverts to gain something. Since introverts are aloof, they tend to stay on the back. They are the ones who are working hard to give a quality output or result but get no credit in the end.

This is the saddest part of being an introvert. Since they tend to be reserved, they are undervalued and taken for granted by most people. 

What can you do?

One thing you can do is to get away with the environment and people who take advantage of your skills as an introvert. I know you’re creative and innovative, and don’t let other people use it for their own sake.

Here’s what you can do.

• Find the expertise where you are good. For example, you’re good at editing videos or writing.
• Make your own name. For example, you can create a Youtube channel, social media page, or website to feature and publish your original works.

However, I am not saying that you need to literally leave a company that takes advantage of introverts like you. I suggest standing up for yourself to get credit and be known for your work.

If you can present it or make moves that will let other people know it’s your work, do it! The world deserves to know that you’re the man behind that wonderful piece.

What does it mean by “Don’t Force Yourself Where You Don’t Belong?”

Here’s my take on this question. 

As an introvert, you probably have a good sense of what it means to be in your element. You know the feeling of being at home in your own skin and how the world seems to open up when you’re at ease with yourself and your surroundings.

But what about those times you don’t feel like yourself? 

Do you ever feel like you’re incomplete? 

Or maybe you’re not as comfortable with yourself as you’d like to be?

Fact: It’s easy for introverts to get caught up in other people’s expectations and lose sight of their own needs. You might feel pressured to spend time with people or situations that aren’t really doing it for you and then end up feeling like a failure. 

But here’s the thing: 

Being an introvert doesn’t mean something wrong with you! It just means that sometimes life can be complicated for us.

So how do we make things simpler? 

How do we ensure we’re doing what we need to while still honoring ourselves?

The best way is by creating boundaries around our time and energy so that we can live in accordance with our values and beliefs. We cannot run forever on what’s hunting us, but we can do something to save ourselves without the need to please people just because of coercion.