10 Life-Changing Books for Introverts
If you are one of the 30-50% of introverts trying to thrive in an extroverted culture, here are ten books that will give you the tools you need to succeed in your work, social, and love lives.
1. Quiet by Susan Cain
This book is my absolute favorite on the topic of introversion. Cain explores the history of personality in the United States to find out when and how extroversion became the cultural ideal. She digs through scientific studies to explain the biology of introversion. Finally, she offers sound wisdom to introverts trying to figure out how to live, love, parent, and work in a culture that favors extroverts.
2. Success as an Introvert for Dummies by Joan Pastor
This book is a manual for how to survive and thrive in the extroverted world of work. It offers practical tips on how to become a confident public speaker and effective team leader, ace a job interview, and succeed as an entrepreneur. There are also a few chapters on finding personal happiness and supporting introverted friends and children.
3. Introvert Power by Laurie Helgoe, PhD
This is the perfect book for introverts who want to stand in their own power instead of surviving by imitating extroverted power. Introversion comes with its own set of strengths and this book will help you harness those strengths to live a more fulfilling, productive life. With chapters like “Alone Is Not a Four-Letter Word” and “The Right to Retreat,” you know this book was written by someone who gets it.
4. Introverts in Love by Sophia Dembling
They say love is a battlefield, but for many the battle begins long before those three magic words are ever spoken, perhaps even long before the first date. From speed dating to bar hopping to party mingling (online dating may be the only exception here), the love game is rigged in favor of extroverts. This handy little book provides introverts with strategies to successfully meet people at parties, ease anxiety on the first date, and navigate the world of Internet dating.
5. The Awakened Introvert by Arnie Kozak
This book helps introverts harness their unique strengths and minimize their weaknesses through mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques. Included are chapters on navigating the social landscape, celebrating solitude, and practicing self-care in a busy world.
6. The Irresistible Introvert by Michaela Chung
The word “charisma” usually brings to mind someone gregarious, smooth, and confident. Introverts can certainly be confident, but we often struggle with the first two. This book offers advice to introverts who want to master the social game without sacrificing their innate personality.
7. Quiet Influence by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, PhD
Many of the people making the biggest difference in the world today are introverts. They influence the world not by force of personality but by harnessing “The Six Strengths of Quiet Influence” outlined in this book. Also included is the “Quiet Influence Quotient” or QIQ, an evaluation to help you determine how much you are currently employing the six strengths.
8. The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D.
This is another great book for introverts who want to utilize their unique strengths to succeed in all areas of life. It dispels some of the common myths about introverts and offers advice on building healthy relationships, parenting without losing your mind, socializing without wearing yourself out, and working in an extroverted environment.
9. The Introvert Entrepreneur by Beth Buelow
Lots of books have been written to help introverts succeed at work, but this is the only one I know of written specifically for entrepreneurs. Marketing, sales, and networking are jobs that introverts usually try to avoid, but if you’re a business owner, those are all skills you’ll have to master, no matter what your personality type. This book will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
10. Introvert Doodles by Maureen “Marzi” Wilson
For years, Maureen “Marzi” Wilson has been doodling cartoons about the introvert life and posting them on her website. Now, her amazing doodles are about to become a book. Look for this one December 2016.