Quiet Power: The Secret Strength of Introverts

Maggie thought sports were for popular extroverts until she discovered and began practicing yoga. Cain writes that exercise can help introverts “escape” into their bodies, as exercise releases endorphins, boosting mood and overall well-being. Brittany, for instance, enjoys dancing, joining an accepting swing dancing group where she felt comfortable exploring her interest. Another student, Jeff, connected with Lacrosse; he entered the sport as a teenager and spent extra time practicing so he could be on par with his peers, eventually being recognized as an All-American player in high school before continuing on to play lacrosse at West Point. Jeff found visualization, or imagining certain outcomes, particularly helpful.

Introverts often favor independent sports, like swimming. Cain was drawn toward figure skating. Jenny, from Seattle, discovered she preferred swimming to soccer. According to Alan Goldberg, a sports psychologist, swimmers must be able to handle long periods of isolation. However, team sports also attract introverts, such as basketball players Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo, soccer players Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo, and the Washington Nationals, an introverted baseball team headed by introverted manager Davey Johnson. Nina is a high school softball player who practices independently, successfully pitching a no-hitter game her junior year.

Referring again to Goldberg, Cain notes that introverts can sometimes overthink or be overly critical, which can impede sports performance. Cain remembers that she herself used to feel anxious before performing. Hans Rombaut, who practices tae kwon do, experienced something similar when he made it to a national team and consistently won bronze—eventually becoming known as “Mr. Bronze”—because he became progressively anxious as he climbed the ranks and his performance suffered. After working with a coach to manage this anxiety, he won gold. However, Cain argues that participating in sports doesn’t have to be competitive, noting how Julian used parkour to test his own strength rather than to compare himself to others.

Cain summarizes her advice, encouraging readers to practice and study sports independently, visualize their success, ignore the crowd, and to exercise alone.

Jessica, a homeschooled student from Australia, lived on a boat with her family, developing a strong interest in sailing and eventually sailing around the world alone—a nine-month adventure. Jessica’s story illustrates how introversion can benefit adventurers, although typically introverts are more “measured” with risky behavior. Some studies suggest this is because extroverts have higher reward-sensitivity, meaning they have stronger reactions when achieving goals than do introverts. However, Cain notes that introverted calmness can benefit adventure seekers, as sociologist Gunnar Breivik noted when researching the personality traits of rock climbers.

Charles Darwin is an example of a famous introverted explorer. He was almost rejected for his famous voyage on the Beagle because of his introverted nature, but it was on this very voyage that he developed his theory of evolution. Cain discusses Justin, a teenager who built and piloted his own submarine. Cain asserts that fear is a “thief” that can prevent people from taking opportunities. She describes Rita who didn’t let fear hold her back, instead choosing to study abroad, first in Ecuador and later in Russia.

Cain reiterates her main points, suggesting readers pursue their passion, observe, recharge between adventures, trust themselves, and not let fear hold them back.

Cain describes Rosa Park’s famous refusal to move to the back of the bus, writing that Parks was a humble introvert. After talking to Dr. Carl Schwartz, Cain better understands how personalities are predetermined but flexible, a quality she refers to as “the rubber band theory of personality” (178). Cain reflects on her classmate, Wendy Kopp, who, despite her introversion, established and lead the organization Teach for America. At first, she avoided meeting with people, preferring to stay in her office, but she learned how to stretch herself for business meetings.

Robin, a student, preferred to spend time alone, got anxious during school presentations, and disliked small-talk. She and her friend were “bookworms,” and they decided to participate in the African Library Project. Robin stretched herself, successfully running a large book drive and requesting donations to cover the shipping fees. Similarly, James stretched himself when he and Brian made it a goal to expand their school’s community involvement. Another teen, Carly, stretched herself by volunteering, first as a graduation requirement then because it offered her a sense of fulfillment. She now recognizes her introversion as a strength, and while volunteering, she makes a conscious effort to involve quieter children.

Cain reminds readers that Gandhi was an introvert, and she advises them to find a cause they believe in, use their unique strengths, make connections with others, stretch their personalities on occasion, and persevere when things get challenging.

Cain shifts her focus to introverted performers, noting that some introverts may be drawn to the spotlight while others will avoid it. Carly, for instance, is introverted but not shy, and she enjoys performing on stage and as an athlete. Liam, too, enjoys performing, exploring his comedic side through the roles he pursues. He also makes videos with his friend Elliot, publishing them online to a growing audience. His experiences with the stage and online gave him the confidence to pursue drumming and join his school’s rock band. In contrast, Ryan is a shy performer who found the confidence to perform by deeply researching his character.

Cain argues that, contrary to stereotypes, introverts sometimes enjoy being in the spotlight, saying: ”we want the attention and the applause” (194). She lists famous examples, including Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Steve Martin, and Emma Watson, and she cites Dr. Marianna Kuzujanakis, who suggests performing is often a necessary outlet for people who are drawn to performance arts—”‘they possess a skill and passion that cries out to be expressed’” (195). Like Ryan, Victoria was shy, but she loved to sing. She enjoyed participating in her school’s musicals, but always took on a background role; however, she was inspired to pursue a main role when her mother encountered a schedule conflict and said she would only change her work schedule if Victoria auditioned for a lead role.

Dr. Brian Little, a psychologist, presented the Free Trait Theory, which is the idea that people can take on new personality traits when the need arises. Cain argues that her experience effectively demonstrates Free Trait Theory, as she can take on extroverted traits while giving speeches then revert back to her introverted self when her work is finished. She reflects that she has not always been a confident speaker, remembering when she was called on to read in class and could not perform.

Cain stresses the importance of preparation through the story of Caitlyn, a fifth-grader tasked with giving a presentation on Amelia Earhart. Caitlyn’s father helped her overcome her nerves by creating an audience of toys for her to practice in front of. Cain had a similar experience when she prepared for her TED talk. Reiterating her advice, Cain concludes by encouraging readers to prepare, study, breathe, and slowly work into getting comfortable with public speaking and performing.