Introversion often gets a bad rap. In a world that celebrates constant social media updates, open-office workspaces, and the hustle of self-promotion, introverts can feel out of place. But if you’re an ambitious woman who’s felt like you don’t quite fit the extroverted mold, there’s good news: Introversion offers strengths that can help you achieve your biggest goals without draining your energy.

I consider myself an extroverted introvert, and over time, I’ve learned to work with both sides of my personality. These traits aren’t contradictions. They’re assets. For women who want more success, more impact, and more balance, recognizing and using introverted traits can be the key.

The Introverted Brain: Wired Differently

Introverts’ brains are actually wired differently than extroverts’, and understanding these differences can explain why introverts tend to approach the world—and their work—differently:

• Prefrontal Cortex: Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for deep thought and decision-making. This means introverts tend to think things through before making big decisions, rather than rushing into them.
• Dopamine: Introverts’ dopamine system isn’t as activated by social events as extroverts’. So while extroverts may thrive in crowded social settings, introverts often feel drained or anxious in them. It doesn’t mean introverts don’t like people; they just need time to recharge.
• Acetylcholine: Introverts have more receptors for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that creates a sense of well-being in calm, quiet environments. This explains why introverts often feel more at ease in low-stimulus settings where they can think and focus.
• Social Processing: Introverts process social information more slowly than extroverts. Extroverts might feel energized by a lively conversation, but introverts tend to prefer deeper, more meaningful exchanges.

The Strengths of Introversion

These brain differences don’t make introverts any less capable—in fact, they offer unique strengths:

• Deep Thinking and Problem-Solving: Introverts don’t rush to conclusions. Instead, they take their time to think things through. This deliberate approach leads to stronger problem-solving and better decision-making.
• Focus and Concentration: Introverts are naturally better at concentrating for long stretches. In a world full of distractions, the ability to stay focused is an invaluable skill.
• Independent Thinking: Introverts tend to trust their own judgment, and they’re less likely to follow the crowd. This independence can be key to generating fresh ideas and avoiding groupthink.

The Opportunities for Ambitious Women

If you identify with introverted traits, there’s huge potential for you to achieve your goals without forcing yourself into an extroverted mold. Here’s how:

• Make Focus Your Advantage: Introverts tend to prioritize quality over quantity, whether it’s projects or relationships. Your ability to focus means you can cut through the noise and stay aligned with your goals, without getting distracted by everything that isn’t moving you forward.
• Lead on Your Own Terms: Leadership doesn’t require being the loudest person in the room. Introverts are natural leaders who influence through clarity, intention, and strong ideas—qualities that make you stand out in the long run.
• Think Independently: Introverts aren’t afraid to go against the grain. Your independent thinking can generate new solutions, keep you from falling into the trap of groupthink, and help you innovate in ways that others can’t.
• Communicate with Confidence: Self-promotion doesn’t need to feel like a chore. If you can craft a clear, simple message about what you stand for and what you do, you’ll communicate more effectively. Practice, refine, and own your message.

How to Thrive on Your Own Terms

Being an introvert doesn’t mean holding yourself back. Instead, it means being selective about where and how you invest your energy. You don’t have to be someone you’re not to succeed. Lean into your strengths—your ability to think deeply, focus for long periods, and lead with intention—and you’ll find success without burning out.

The women I work with know how to use their introverted traits to build careers and lives they want. You can do the same. When you use what makes you unique, you won’t just meet your goals—you’ll surpass them.

Conclusion: Recognizing Your Strengths

Introverts and extroverts offer complementary strengths. Understanding and using your introverted traits doesn’t just help you get ahead—it can redefine the way you achieve what you want. The world doesn’t need more of the same. It needs more of what makes you different. When you choose to tap into your introverted strengths, you’ll see the opportunities open up.

We’ve all been there. One comment, and suddenly your mood tanks. But here’s a powerful reminder: what people say or do is about them—how you interpret it is up to you.

Let’s say you just finished a presentation you’ve worked on for weeks. A colleague says, “I’m not sure this approach will work.” Your heart sinks. You feel embarrassed, maybe even defensive.

But what if there’s another way to experience this moment?

Perception is Personal

If ten people watched your presentation, you’d get ten different opinions—not because anyone’s wrong, but because we all see things through our own lens. 

Think of it like this: we’re all walking around with personal kaleidoscopes. Our past experiences, current mood, and values shape the patterns we see.

Taking things personally happens when we forget that others are viewing life through their own lens—not ours.

The Button You Give Away

When you take things personally, you’re handing over control. You’re letting someone else push the button that affects your thoughts and actions. But the truth is—you don’t have to give anyone that button.

I once coached a client who saw feedback as a personal attack. Every comment felt like criticism, which drained her energy and motivation. It was exhausting. Another client had a different mindset—she saw feedback as useful input. Same feedback, completely different internal response.

The Power of Your Reaction

When you react without pausing, you lose control of where your energy goes. If you’re caught up in taking things personally, you’ll waste time replaying that comment in your head, doubting yourself, or planning your response. That’s energy drained, not directed.

But what if you could choose to redirect your energy toward something productive? Instead of focusing on what you can’t control, you could use that energy to refine your ideas, strengthen your work, or dive into your next project. 

Self-leadership is about choosing where your energy flows in ways that support your growth, not drain it.

How to Shift the Lens

How do you stop taking things personally? It’s not about ignoring feedback, it’s about understanding perception and choosing your response. Here’s how:

• Pause: Before reacting, take a deep breath.
• Question: Ask, “Is this really about me?”
• Get curious: Consider their perspective. What might be behind their comment?
• Zoom out: Imagine watching this moment in a movie. What’s really going on with both people?
• Redirect: Ask yourself, “Where would my energy be more useful right now?”
• Prevent: Reflect on, “How can I keep myself from being triggered in the future?”

Your Challenge

For a few days, practice being a perspective detective. When something stings, think about their lens instead of just reacting from your own. You’ll be surprised how much mental space you free up, and how it changes your interactions.

Choosing not to take things personally isn’t about shutting down—it’s about gaining clarity. When you recognize that everyone’s reactions are filtered through their own experiences, you reclaim control over your own focus and energy.

This is self-leadership in action—the ability to guide your thoughts and actions, use your energy wisely, and keep your focus where it matters most. That’s where real freedom comes from.

As with everything I share, play around with this and see what fits! Let me know what you discover. 

As ambitious women, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities. Consequently, juggling work deadlines, family commitments, and personal projects can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, this year’s uncertainties have only intensified these feelings. However, there’s a powerful tool we can use to regain our focus: Dropping Anchor.

What is Dropping Anchor?

Dropping Anchor is a self-leadership skill that helps you reconnect with the present moment. In essence, it acts as a “circuit breaker” for problematic mental activity, whether you’re worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.

To illustrate, picture a boat in stormy seas. While Dropping Anchor doesn’t calm the storm, it nevertheless provides stability amidst the chaos. As a result, this technique allows you to steady yourself when external factors threaten to throw you off course.

How to Practice Dropping Anchor

To effectively Drop Anchor, follow these three simple steps:

1. Acknowledge Your Thoughts: First, notice your internal state without judgment. For example, think, “I’m feeling overwhelmed” or “I’m worried about keeping up.”
2. Connect with Your Body: Next, perform a quick body scan. Subsequently, focus on physical sensations like your feet on the floor or your breath moving in and out.
3. Engage with Your Surroundings: Finally, look around and observe your environment. If you’re in a meeting, consciously re-engage with the conversation or task at hand.

You can practice Dropping Anchor in as little as 30 seconds or up to 10 minutes. Ultimately, the key is consistency. Therefore, make it a habit throughout your day, especially before important events or when you feel your mind racing.

Who Benefits from Dropping Anchor?

This self-leadership skill is valuable for all ambitious women, particularly:

• Working Moms balancing career and family
• Entrepreneurs managing the demands of running a business
• High-achieving professionals prone to unproductive thought patterns

Importantly, the more you practice, the more easily you’ll access this tool when you need it most.

Regaining Direction in Uncertain Times

In conclusion, Dropping Anchor offers a powerful way to find your center and focus on what you can control. By reconnecting with your body, senses, and current tasks, you’ll build resilience against life’s storms.

Hence, the next time you feel overwhelmed, try Dropping Anchor. It might be the self-leadership skill you need to navigate turbulent waters and steer your ship confidently.

Remember, you have the power to steady yourself, even when the world around you feels chaotic. Ultimately, with Dropping Anchor, you’re taking an active role in your mental well-being and personal leadership.