© Shutterstock

Mistaken assumptions about introverts - Livestrong spoke to various experts on the matter, many of whom say introverts are often misunderstood as shy, apathetic, or lesser than extroverts. Some of the world’s most talented people are introverts. So here are some lessons we can learn...

© Shutterstock

Be comfortable alone -

These days it’s easier than ever to keep yourself constantly distracted, but learning to spend time with yourself and to actually enjoy your own company can do wonders for your mental clarity, self-awareness, and long-term happiness.

© Shutterstock

Do things on your own - Whether it’s a task at work or going to dinner, doing things on your own is the best way to establish a healthy sense of independence.

© Shutterstock

Skip the small talk - Introverts tend to despise small talk, which can make them seem shy, but it's usually just that they have much more to say on interesting topics once the conversation gets deeper. Extroverts are obviously interesting too, but tend to keep things on the light, fun side.

© Shutterstock

Develop deeper connections - While introverts tend to avoid huge social events, they often prefer smaller gatherings of close friends because they enjoy developing more meaningful connections with others. Organizing more events like this can greatly improve your friendships.

© Shutterstock

Take time to recharge - Introverts get energy by spending time alone instead of being with other people. While extroverts might be bored at first, they too can benefit greatly from unplugging from reality for a while.

© Shutterstock

How to listen more - In general, introverts make better listeners, often simply because they talk less. Listening fosters better relationships and teaches you more about the world.

© Shutterstock

How to listen better - Learning to listen without simply waiting for a point to interject with your own anecdote or idea is a more difficult skill than many think.

© Shutterstock

Get excited about canceled plans - When an introvert has plans canceled it’s an opportunity, as opposed to when an extrovert has plans canceled and it’s usually a rush to make other plans.

© Shutterstock

Do research - Psychiatrist Taliba M. Foster describes introverts as deliberate people who often make thought-out and researched decisions "as opposed to chatting with a fellow subway commuter for health advice." When it comes to health especially, research is important.

© Shutterstock

Find inspiration and creativity within - As most introverts enjoy exploring their thoughts and feelings, they're often able to access a higher level of creativity, particularly when it comes to problem-solving, says Simon Rego, director of psychology at Montefiore Medical Center. 

© Shutterstock

Focus without distractions - Since introverts don’t tend to mind being secluded for a while, they have an advantage when it comes to hitting tough deadlines that require extended isolation and focus to achieve.

© Shutterstock

Be curious - Introverts with rich inner worlds and a love of research tend to ask more questions and are usually more open to hearing answers that are different to what they expected.

© Shutterstock

Develop satisfying hobbies - These are the things you do for yourself, and often by yourself. Not only do they help you become more independent, but they also develop an interesting and different part of your life, which can ultimately give extroverts more to talk about in social situations.

© iStock

Self-care routine - Extroverts tend to move quickly and can forget to set aside time to take care of themselves, so they can take a page from introverts who are quite good at listening to their bodies and spending Friday night doing some self-care.

© Shutterstock

Avoid peripheral tie-ups - As introverts are less likely to get caught up in gossip, social angst, or personal problems at work, they’re often seen as more dependable and trustworthy professionals, says psychiatrist Taliba M. Foster.

© Shutterstock

Be more sensitive - As extroverts tend to live more in the outside world, they may not pay as much attention to the inner worlds of others, missing feelings and social cues. We could all benefit from paying closer attention.

© Shutterstock

Think before you speak - Introverts almost always think before they speak, whether it’s running over their order at a restaurant or contemplating a suggestion they have at work. Extroverts tend to think as they speak, but sorting things out beforehand can lead to better results, from work to relationships, and even to food orders.

© Shutterstock

Put the phone away - You already know that we’re addicted to our phones, but putting them away can be especially difficult for social extroverts. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to be more comfortable with going off the grid, which is key in being fully present.

© Shutterstock

Waste less time - While extroverts tend to talk about everything with a grandiose flair, psychiatrist Taliba M. Foster explains, introverts speak more concisely and deliver more information in fewer words, allowing them to reach resolutions quicker.  

© Shutterstock

Be observant - From taking social cues to noticing certain things that can be of use later, being more observant can improve nearly every part of your life.

© Shutterstock

Embrace the healing power of nature - Sometimes spending time in nature can re-energize and revitalize in a more pronounced way than spending time in social situations can. Introverts tend to reap the most of this reward.

© Shutterstock

Take your time in social situations - As introverts aren’t likely to go up to strangers and strike up a conversation, they tend to take their time before making any moves. This usually means they understand the milieu better and avoid any potential social faux pas.

© Shutterstock

Understand people better and faster - Many extroverts may find that people turn out to not be who they’d expected, but most introverts take the time to decode people, observing, listening, and comparing them to past experiences, so they’re often less surprised.

© Shutterstock

No fear of missing out - Extroverts will often go out even if they’re tired to avoid what the kids call "FOMO," or the “fear of missing out.” Introverts tend not to have this fear and rather enjoy missing out, which erases unnecessary stress.

© Shutterstock

Self-reflection - This takes time and can take many forms, but it's one of the surest ways to grow as a person and get the most out of your experiences. This is the time where you can make goals and allow new parts of yourself to flourish.

© Shutterstock

Quiet reflection on outer life - Introverts have a much easier time slowing down and appreciating the little things, a process from which everyone with a fast-paced attention can benefit. 

© Shutterstock

Don’t stress about making a mark on the world - The idea of making a mark externally instead of focusing on inward growth not only adds unnecessary pressure to your life, but it can be rooted in an unhealthy ego charged with competition, and it can lead to unnecessary disappointment.

© Shutterstock

Be self-reliant - When constantly with other people who can help you out, it's easy to forget the abilities you have. Introverts tend to find solutions themselves before asking others, so they’re more in tune with their ability, which offers a fantastic confidence.

© Shutterstock

Keep people's secrets -

Not that all extroverts are tattles, but introverts are especially good at keeping secrets of others, and therefore they’re often privy to more information.

See also: Are you guilty of these annoying office habits?

© Shutterstock