For introverts, the power of written words can help you develop your voice in many aspects of your life — all without saying a word.
As an introvert, you may not be the loudest speaker in the room or even the first to talk. Likely, you’re just the opposite. You speak with a steady voice or wait to form your thoughts before jumping into a conversation. An interesting challenge arises, though, as you may find it hard to find the right words on the spot.
You appreciate the chance to mull over all the different perspectives to share, but by the time you discovered the perfect phrase, the opportunity has already disappeared. You may be left feeling guilty for not being an active part of the conversation or for not having said anything at all. As an introvert, you can add plenty of richness to all types of conversations, but you may need a second to figure out how.
The Strength of Your Inner Voice
Yet your loudest voice might not be the one that comes out of your mouth; instead, it’s the one that comes out of your written words. What may be more challenging for an extrovert, many introverts can easily do — and that is finding your voice without even speaking a single word. Now that is powerful.
Of course, written words don’t take the place of spoken words, but they do allow you a chance to refine them beforehand. You may gain a sense of freedom by writing down your thoughts first, giving you time to think through what’s most relevant to say. (And we introverts love thinking — and overthinking!)
Writing can give you time to compose your thoughts in an overly loud world whereas being put on the spot can give you way too much anxiety. As a result, you may clam up. When you do, that’s when the overthinking kicks in.
The more you seek opportunities to speak up, the more you eventually will. In the meantime, writing down your thoughts may be the practice you need to develop your voice in a comfortable, safe environment. Writing is an introvert superpower and can help strengthen your voice in various aspects of your life.
4 Ways Introverts Can Benefit From Using Their Writing Superpower
1. It’ll strengthen your creative voice, whether that means writing a letter or a book.
Introverts are dreamers and creators and long to express themselves creatively. Words can flow in many creative directions, such as in a collection of poems, an amazing book, a touching song, or even a letter to someone.
Take J.K. Rowling, for example, who created an entire magical universe of Harry Potter in her mind before sharing her words with the world. She’s one of many introverted females who used her words to be her guiding voice.
By expressing yourself creatively, you open up a channel of flow that allows you to tap into your natural talents. You find yourself getting lost in writing, one word after another, until the words create the perfect combination of what you’re trying to express.
And, all along, you’re strengthening your writing voice. You can develop it even more by sharing your creation with others. As scary as this may sound, the rewards of doing so far exceed the anxiety of not doing so (at least I think so). People can provide you with encouraging words and helpful feedback, which will help you build even more confidence in yourself.
2. It’ll help you express your bottled-up emotions — if you’re overthinking a situation, writing it out can help you figure it out.
Introverts experience deep emotions and empathize with others more easily. Plus, with all the thinking we do, we have a million interactions and thoughts that cross our minds every day (which can be overwhelming to process). Sometimes, it may even be difficult to explain what’s going on when someone asks.
So when your emotions get the best of you, it’s time to get these emotions out. By taking the time to discover what they mean, you’ll discover writing about them helps tremendously.
You’ve likely experienced having the same thoughts ruminating in your mind about a situation over and over again. Questions like: Did I say the right thing? Did I make the right decision? How can I make things better? Once you start writing down your thoughts instead of thinking about them, the flow of words stuck inside you will come rushing out and find refuge on paper. (Trust me.)
Journaling is also a great way to experience this cathartic release. Writing about your feelings will help you process and take inventory of all the thoughts in your busy mind, and it’ll give your mind space for new ideas. With each word, the weight of all your thoughts will slowly begin to lift.
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3. It’ll enrich and strengthen your relationships with others, from friends to your partner.
Who doesn’t like a little sweet talk? Little things — like words — matter and that’s why words of affirmation is its own love language. Words of affirmation are any spoken or written words that confirm support, uplift, and empathize with another person in a positive manner. They’re a specific way of giving and receiving love in a relationship — with a partner, friends, and also yourself.
Yes, words can be spoken, but they can also be written and used to strengthen your connections with others.
- Write a short note, email, or text to a friend on how thankful you are to have their friendship.
- Write an old-fashioned letter to your partner expressing your love.
- Write a funny card to your sibling conveying how you’re glad you’re not alone in a quirky family.
Of course, once you start brainstorming, the possibilities are endless.
4. It’ll enrich and strengthen your relationship with yourself.
Sometimes, you have days where you need a positive boost. Writing down words to motivate and inspire you are powerful mantras to take on your day. Similar to words of affirmation for others to enrich a relationship, these are words of affirmation to enrich the relationship with yourself. After all, there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself a little pep talk!
- Start a notebook full of your favorite quotes from your go-to books, movies, or songs.
- Write little Post-it notes and sprinkle them around the house, reminding yourself of how awesome you are.
- Write yourself thank-you cards for all the great things you’ve accomplished.
Once again, the more you brainstorm, the more ideas you’ll come up with.
As an introvert, writing down your thoughts is the superpower you may not have even realized you had. The power of written words manifests itself in a variety of forms and can help you develop your voice in various aspects of your life — all within a safe space. And, as your inner voice will strengthen on paper, your outer voice will strengthen along with it.
Find out how I used the power of written words to strengthen my voice as an introvert. Check out my debut book, In and Out of Love, a collection of love poems for any introvert looking to open their hearts to love once again.
You might like:
- Why Is Writing Easier Than Speaking for Introverts? Here’s the Science
- 5 Ways Writing Can Be an Introvert’s Secret Weapon
- How the Dictionary Definition of ‘Introversion’ Harms Introverts
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