What do former US president Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bill Gates have in common?
Yes, they’re all wildly successful. But what else?
They’re all introverts.
I love looking up successful introverts because they’re great for inspiration. As an introvert myself, I’m always looking for the next life hack or “cheat code” to help me thrive in a world that seems to prize extroverts more.
Today, I’m sharing with you these nine cheat codes that I, and countless other introverts, have used to get ahead in life.
If you’re an introvert, here’s what you can do to make sure you stand out and make your presence felt out there (without having to fake it!):
1) Leverage deep focus
Let’s start with one of the biggest strengths introverts have – the ability to concentrate deeply, and for long periods of time.
Not everyone can do that, you know. In fact, computer scientists and psychologists have found that the average time that a person can focus on one thing has dropped from around 2½ minutes to around 45 seconds.
That’s apparently the brain tax we pay for technology that makes everything faster and more entertaining.
But for introverts, the tax isn’t as steep. Their natural inclination toward deep focus and introspection helps them resist the constant pull of distractions.
According to Susan Cain in her book “The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” this gives them the ability to:
- Think before they act
- Digest information thoroughly
- Stay on task longer
- Give up less easily
- Work more accurately
I may be biased, but someone like that sounds like the perfect pick to have on my team. So use this as leverage, and you’ll definitely stand out.
2) Master the art of listening
Do we want to be heard? Of course, we do! That’s a natural, universal human desire.
This is yet another area where introverts excel. They’ve got the superpower of active listening in their toolkit.
While everyone else is busy trying to make themselves heard, they’re absorbing details, picking up on subtleties, and genuinely understanding what the other person is saying.
And while the more extroverted ones might come across as more brilliant and sparkling, the introverted ones gain something else that’s so valuable – trust.
In fact, here’s a statistic from author and CEO of Objective Management Group Dave Kurlan that might shock you:
“62% of the best salespeople in the world (top 5%) are introverts and 84% of the worst salespeople in the world (bottom 10%) are extroverts.”
So forget fast talking and charming the pants off of people. Take the “consultative approach” and listen to people, as introverts do.
This brings me to the next point…
3) Don’t just network – build meaningful relationships
Networking is an activity introverts love to hate. But let’s face it, it’s a necessary skill if you want to get ahead.
So, here’s the cheat code: make it meaningful.
Don’t feel like you have to be a social butterfly that flits from group to group, being all bubbly and high-pitched (admit it – if you’re not a naturally sociable person, your voice goes a teensy bit higher when you’re forced to socialize).
If you’re an introvert, then you want meaningful interactions. So don’t deviate from your natural script – use it to your advantage.
If you build rapport better in one-on-one conversations, go do that. Lean into the depth you naturally crave, and focus on forming genuine connections rather than making as many as possible.
It might be a game, but networking isn’t a numbers game – ultimately, it’s still about quality, not quantity. That ties in rather neatly with the introvert’s natural preferences.
4) Create a calm, structured routine
One of the most effective strategies introverts use to get ahead is creating a calm, structured routine that helps them stay focused and energized.
Unlike extroverts, who might thrive in spontaneous, high-energy environments, introverts often need predictability and quiet time to recharge and do their best work.
I, for one, as an introvert, have rather limited energy. So I need to have a routine that supports this.
I need to set clear boundaries with others so I can minimize distractions and focus on what needs to be done.
If you’re an introvert who wants to get ahead in life, make sure you have a routine that supports your natural rhythm. That’s the best way to get into flow and bring out your creativity.
5) Meticulous planning and preparation
Speaking of predictability, another cheat code introverts use is to plan and prepare.
In fact, we’re kind of obsessive about it. We even prepare mentally for a fun dinner out with friends!
How does this help you get ahead? Simple – it gives you confidence to handle the unknown without getting overwhelmed.
As I mentioned earlier, introverts are deep thinkers who take the time to process information. So, having a plan in place helps ease anxiety and provides a sense of control.
That way, even if they’re facing a task that feels daunting, like a presentation or a meeting, they can be confident because they’ve already done the groundwork.
6) Use writing as a powerful communication tool
Okay, there’s no denying it – when it comes to being vocal, extroverts do have an edge.
So what can introverts do to level the playing field?
Leverage the power of writing.
Writing is actually the natural mode of communication for many introverts. In fact, the great writers of the world are almost all introverts.
That’s because writing gives you the time to process your thoughts and get them across in an intentional and thoughtful way.
I remember back when I was teaching, I had to make student reports. For me, it was just a simple matter of noting down my observations and feedback.
But apparently, those reports were enough to make me stand out. My boss mentioned how thorough and insightful they were, and it opened up more opportunities for me because I was able to communicate my thoughts effectively in writing.
So, if you’re an introvert, don’t underestimate how much your writing can set you apart and help you excel.
7) Develop niche expertise
Are you good at graphic design? Financial planning? Artisanal work?
Whatever it is, find that one thing you’re great at and dive deep into it.
Developing niche expertise is one of the most effective ways introverts can get ahead because it allows you to stand out in a specific area where your skills shine. It’s a lot like letting your work speak for itself, in a way.
So how can you do this? Here are a few concrete steps:
- Identify your niche based on your passions, strengths, and market needs.
- Learn and practice. Deepen your knowledge.
- Share your expertise. You could teach others, create content, or share insights on different platforms. The goal is to build a reputation as a knowledgeable resource.
- Seek out opportunities and look for projects that align with your expertise.
Position yourself as a go-to expert in your field, and you’ll have a unique edge over generalists who spread their skills too thin.
8) Figure out what drains you
If you’re an introvert who wants to get ahead in life, you’ll need to use your energy wisely.
As psychologist Denise Gaskin puts it:
“In a normal functioning climate, the introvert has to decide how much social activity they have the “energy” for and budget themselves accordingly. Since the introvert does NOT get energy from social gatherings, they can’t ‘afford’ to attend very many events without completely draining themselves. And a drained introvert is not a pleasant sight.”
This is where self-awareness comes in. Listen to yourself and figure out what drains your energy and what recharges it.
Do you feel exhausted after large group meetings or social events? Does too much small talk leave you feeling wiped out?
Once you identify these energy drains, you can plan your schedule around them and give yourself time to recharge.
That way, you can preserve your energy for the things that matter most, like your personal goals or deep-focus work.
Fortunately, self-awareness is a skill that comes naturally to you. So use it to your advantage!
9) Be yourself
Lastly, let me leave you with this reminder: Faking extroversion is not the answer to getting ahead in life.
Sure, you could manage it for a few hours, but trust me, it’s just not sustainable.
As Jessica Stillman at Inc. warns, “Research finds that when introverts push themselves too hard to behave like extroverts, they waste so much energy that their performance falls sharply long term.”
Inauthenticity will always be counterproductive. It will always deplete us in the long term.
So use this last cheat code: resist the urge to conform. Being an introvert isn’t a negative; it’s merely a different way of interacting with the world.
If there’s anything you should take away from this article, it’s that you already have so many natural strengths inside you. It’s just a matter of knowing what they are and using them to your advantage.