“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”
A quote so simple, yet easily forgotten. To most, it seems obvious that an opportunity cannot be seized without acting on it, but so few actually follow the advice. This is especially the case for introverts, much like myself.
According to Psychology Today, it is believed that around 16-50 percent of the population are introverts. Because introverts are often in the minority in society, they are painted as being different or less than the normal standard. Introverts are often attributed mischaracterizing qualities like being socially inept, or unconfident. Most, however, are just reserved and prefer to socialize only when it is necessary.
As a first-year, I did not take any of the shots that NC State had to offer for new students. The thought of making new friends was always appealing; however, I tended to let my introversion take over. Instead of making the most of my first year by venturing into a completely new environment, I decided to remain in my comfort zone.
While I did have a great group of friends that I still cherish, they were mostly people who came from my high school or friends of those people. I attended initial meetings for clubs, but never stuck with them.
The thought of having to talk to 21 different groups of people, all varying from each other, in the span of six hours would have been an unthinkable task for me to do my first year. This year, I did exactly that by going through the Interfraternity Council (IFC) formal rush process. Without hesitation, I can say that this was a successful opportunity taken.
I implore all of my fellow introverts to attempt the same types of experiences. Being an introvert might seem like a hurdle to attempting these endeavors – and in many cases it is – but you may be surprised to find what you as an introvert are capable of doing.
When put into positions of leadership, introverts are actually slightly more likely to achieve high levels of success than their extroverted counterparts. A study in the Harvard Business Review examined the qualities of particularly successful CEOs, and found that introversion is a quality held by many high-performing executives. In order to attain these positions, it is up to introverts to begin taking themselves seriously and putting themselves out there.
Perhaps student-run organizations could be improved by more introverts exiting their comfort zones and acquiring leadership positions in the Wolfpack. “Our Student Senate needs to grow up,” written by Joey Rivenbark, a Technician correspondent, gave a harsh, but necessary critique of Student Senate. The article highlighted the goofy and self-centered nature of the Senate, along with their tendency to focus on trivial legislation. Problems like this could be potentially eliminated by more reflective and self-aware introverts if they were to be injected into the Senate.
Leadership roles are not the only capacity in which introverts can aid organizations. Just simply being involved will bring benefits to both the introvert and the organization. The introvert will be able to develop their social skills through branching out of their comfort areas.
It also acts as a way to initiate the potential series of events that are necessary to enter into leadership positions. For introverts who find comfort in socializing with familiar faces, the first step to achieving this is by becoming friendly with new ones.
These positions will not simply be handed to us introverts. I personally know how uncomfortable exploring these new territories can be, but I also know how rewarding of an outcome it may be able to produce. At worst, taking your shot can lead to a moderate amount of temporary discomfort; at best, it can lead to life changing outcomes that you cherish for the rest of your life.
