Quiet Power
Susan Cain
Susan Cain through her wonderful book ‘Quiet
Power’ permanently changes the way we see introverts and the way introverts see
themselves. Childhood, adolescence and early twenties are times wrought with
insecurity and self-doubt. The search for a place in the world can seem
daunting. The book focuses on the strengths and challenges of being
introverted. Quiet Power is full of examples from school, family life and
friendship. This insightful, accessible and empowering book is eye-opening to
extroverts and introverts alike.
Main Ideas of the
Book
Understand introversion and
learn how to live with it. This world is an extroverted place. We admire those
who know how to draw attention to themselves. How are introverts supposed to
get by in this extroverted world? What’s the surest recipe for success that
doesn’t betray an introverted sensibility?
There are common
misconceptions about what it means to be introvert or extrovert. Some people
categorize people as being either attention-seeking extroverts or attention-avoiding
introverts. But humans aren’t that simple.
The terms “introvert” and
“extrovert” were introduced by the Swiss psychologist Carl Jung – but, in
truth, people needn’t fall into either category.
There is a large range of
personality traits. Introversion and extroversion are just two categories.
There is also a middle ground, which is commonly referred to as “ambivert.”
There is no simple definition
of an introvert. But if one had to name a primary characteristic shared by most
introverts, it would be a rich inner-life. This doesn’t mean they dislike the
company of others; it simply means, by nature, they tend to look within
themselves and gravitate toward quiet environments where they can recharge
their batteries.
Introverts are sensitive and
often feel like something is wrong with them. Introverts try to avoid noisy
parties. But they might not be aware as to why they do this.
Introverts’ nervous systems
are more delicate than the average nervous system – this increases their
sensitivity towards sights, sounds and tastes around them. As a result,
introverts have more intense reactions to their environment and to occurrences
within that environment.
Introverts often think that
something is wrong with them and that they should be more outgoing. This is due
to how much the world celebrates extroverts. Yet roughly one-third of the
world’s population doesn’t like spotlight– and there’s absolutely nothing wrong
with it.
Being an introvert is not a
character flaw or something that needs to be fixed. It’s a quality that has its
own unique advantages.
Introverts can excel in the
classroom when teachers provide the right environment. Teachers promoting
classroom discussions is a good idea: it allows the students to hear different
opinions, but expecting students to verbally participate in class puts introverted
students at a disadvantage.
If there’s one thing introverts hate, it’s talking just for the sake of
talking. An useful technique that teachers can use is the “Think/Pair/Share”
approach. It works like this:
Teachers designate a certain amount of time for isolated thinking and then have
students pair up and discuss their thoughts. Then everyone comes together to
discuss their thoughts.
Talking one-on-one provides a friendlier environment for introverts. It gives
them a way to participate in class, and, for teachers to be sure that all the
students have engaged with the ideas under discussion. Classrooms aren’t the
only challenge that introverts face, however.
A fear of loneliness shouldn’t make introverts compromise on real friendship. Some
people have the gift of the gab, they can walk into a room and effortlessly win
over strangers. Introverts, however, don’t have this skill, they usually have a
small, select group of friends that they are quite close with.
At school, this small circle
of friends may act as a protective bubble, since introverts often feel
self-conscious. If you’re hoping to forge some new friendships, be sure to keep
one thing in mind: don’t compromise or maintain unhealthy relationships.
It can be difficult for an
introvert to make new friends, a fact that can lead to unlikely situations and
unhealthy relationships and friendships with people. It’s better to let go of
unhealthy relationships and risk solitude to be able to find real friends.
Good friends and a quiet spot
can help introverts through social events. One of the most stressful
experiences for an introvert can be attending a loud and crowded party packed
with strangers. Fortunately, there are tips to help you get through it.
A good way to ease yourself
into the situation is to spend time with one or two friends beforehand and go
to the party as a team. It’s far less distressing to enter a party with a
trusted friend than it is to go solo.
It’s also important to
remember to breathe and give yourself space to reboot. Noise and constant
chatter are exhausting to an introvert, so finding a quiet spot that allows few
minutes of relaxation can do wonders to restore your strength.
Being an introvert doesn’t
mean you can’t enjoy a good party. And, it doesn’t mean you can’t be a good
team player, either. With intense focus and inward visualization, introverts can
be successful team players.
In the popular imagination,
introverts tend to be the kind of people who don’t work well with others. Yet,
with the right approach, introverts can be valuable team members.
So if you’re an introvert,
don’t give up your dreams of playing a team sport. Often, you can grow and
improve your skills outside of the team setting.
Visualization techniques can
do wonder to one’s performance. Introverts tend to remain focused and can prove
to be a valuable asset to their teams.
Don’t let introversion keep them
in the shadows of life. There are plenty of ways in which one can use their
gift of focus and introspection to achieve success. Unlock the hidden superpower of introverts by
giving them the right tools to make a mark in their own quiet way. This
will help not only the introverts but the society as a whole.
Ruchika Verma
Reviews
A brilliant handbook for quiet children (and their
parents)... a celebration of the introvert
Guardian
I wish I had had this book when I was 13. It needs to be read by parents as
well as teenagers
Tim Lott
Whether you are introvert, extrovert or ambivert, there is plenty of food for
thought here... this book says if you've got an introverted child, maybe
they're quite happy - accept them for who they are'
Simon Mayo
Reading Quiet Power has given me a wake-up call, reminded me
of my inner nature. To have some respect for the warning signs. Some of us need
time to just be. Quietly'
Red
Children and teenagers of distinctly non-volcanic natures will rejoice to meet
their champion in "Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts".
(Cain's) narrative voice is kind and understanding as, with anecdotes, social
science and practical advice, she extols the qualities of introverts in a
culture that prizes noise and flash
Wall Street
Journal
Highly accessible ... gives a voice to a group of people who are often made to
feel unappreciated. Many will find value in this title that emphasizes that
being an introvert is not a blemish on one's personality but a benefit.
School Library
Journal
For kids who want to roar - on the inside
Booklist
You can buy this awesome book from Amazon
