I’ve noticed that many of us interested in tech or who work in the tech world are introverts. I don’t think that’s a mistake.
The characteristics of introverts make them a good fit for many tech jobs, including programming, IT work, writing about tech, etc. Introverts tend to work well by themselves. They’re usually good at detailed work and have high standards. They’re problem solvers, they’re thinkers, and they’re writers.
The Definition of an Introvert
An introvert is a person who tends to lose energy from social interaction and external stimulation and regains energy through solitude and quiet environments. In contrast, an extrovert is a person who tends to gain energy from social interactions and external stimulation.
According to Marty Olson Laney in The Introvert Advantage, “The primary difference between introverts and extroverts is how they recharge their batteries.” Extroverts energize by being around people. Introverts, on the other hand, need to be by themselves in a quiet location to recharge.
Introverts Need to Plan to Recharge After High-Energy Activities
Introverts can do extroverted activities, but we need time afterward to recover. In The Introvert Advantage Marty Laney says, “Introverts are like a rechargeable battery. They need to stop expending energy and rest in order to recharge.”
Introverts need to plan for recovery time after an activity that they know will drain their energy. It’s a huge mistake to schedule another high-energy activity right after we’ve been in a highly social situation. If possible, plan to allow time to recharge between activities.
What introverts do to recharge varies by each individual. They often include reading, watching a movie, sleeping, or playing a game on a computer.
There are negative consequences to not planning to recharge your energy. Sophia Dembling, in her book The Introvert’s Way, wrote, “Most of us don’t want to hide from life and we like being engaged with the world. But if we can’t manage our energy, we are quickly depleted. And when we’re depleted, bitchy happens.”
When we plan our activities in a way that allows time to recover from high-energy activities, it benefits not only us but those around us. We’re nicer people to be around when we’re not exhausted.
How I Manage My Introvert Energy
Many times in my life, I found the need to recharge after social activities. During my early career, I was a minister for civilian churches and an active-duty chaplain in the Air Force. Both roles called for a lot of social interaction.
If I tried to plan social activities after an energy-draining activity, such as a church service, I found I suffered from what some call an “introvert hangover.” I’d be exhausted, and I’d be irritable. It was hard to make decisions. All I wanted to do was find a quiet place to sleep.
The same is true now when I volunteer at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site here in South Dakota. My role involves greeting visitors as they come in the door. I introduce myself, welcome them to the center, and talk to them about what it’s all about. When I lead tour groups, I introduce myself, meet people, chat with them, and teach them about the Launch Control Facility for forty-five minutes.
Both of these are high-energy-draining activities for me as an introvert. I don’t plan high-energy social activities for the evening after I’ve spent a day at the Minuteman Missile Site. That would be a disaster. Instead, when I come home, I retreat to a book or computer and decompress and recharge.
Implementing Self-Care and Energy Management in the Tech World
As introverts, we need to recognize our energy needs and plan accordingly. By scheduling time to recharge after high-energy activities, we benefit ourselves and those around us. Remember, taking care of your energy levels is essential for maintaining your well-being and thriving in our work.
Let’s make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care and manage our introvert energy effectively. Take the time to plan for recovery after draining activities and prioritize activities that help you recharge.