HANNAH’S STORY
You see, it took me a while to be comfortable with who I am.
For a long time I felt like there was something wrong with me. I didn’t always want to be around people. I didn’t always have something to say. I was always the ‘shy’ kid…
Even at a young age I was a silent one. To the point where my mum got me evaluated to see if I was deaf… True story haha.
Anyway, I always envied the people that could float around the room and be the light of the party. The one’s that could get asked a question in class and not go bright red. The one’s that could start talking and capture everyone’s attention. I’m not joking when I say I am the quite the opposite of these people.
There’s been times when I’ve been at parties or get togethers and pretend I need to go to the bathroom because I feel so awkward standing around not talking to anyone.
There’s been countless times my face heats up and my ears burn when I would get called on by a lecturer in class.
And then there’s the moments when I start a sentence only to be cut off by someone louder and more charismatic; unnoticed by anyone in the room.
I don’t share this for sympathy. There is a point to it, which I’ll get to in a moment.
It wasn’t until I was around 16 or 17 that I came across the ‘personality categories’ of extroversion and introversion. It was a relief in a way because I guess I had a label for myself and it meant I wasn’t the only one!
But then on I went to university to study my business management degree with the hopes of one day being a CEO or an owner of my own business. This was when I really started to doubt my abilities.
All the traits successful business people seemed to have were the complete opposite of me!
I remember in class we summarised the characteristics of CEOs.
The answers:
Assertive, charismatic, good communicators, results driven… Basically a load of extrovert qualities.
It really made me question whether or not I could be successful. I didn’t have any of these qualities.
I was a passive person and the thought of small talk made me cringe.
Did this mean I would just wind up in low-tier jobs taking orders from someone else my whole life?
It became obvious that the word ‘introvert’ had a negative connotation to it. It’s seen as a less desirable and inferior trait to have.
For example, one day a lady I knew introduced me to her son… “Hannah, this is my son (name)…. He’s an introvert.”
She said it in a way that she felt like she had to explain why he might be a little quieter or a little stand-offish. Like she needed to let me know it wasn’t her fault he was a little different.
I’m not gonna lie, my respect for her went down a little after that haha.
Another example… I named my brand ‘Intrepid Introvert’ because well, that’s pretty much what I am right? I travel the world and I’m happily introverted, plus it’s got a ring to it.
Someone says to me, “why would you want to call yourself that?”
Standing true to myself, I ignored the comments.
I didn’t want to accept the fact that being introverted was a bad thing. I felt like so many people like myself were misunderstood.
We’re classed as the bitches, the snobs, the rude, the weirdos, the loners.
So I started on a book search (how ironic) of any research done about introversion and extroversion.
There was one that stood out among the rest…. ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking’ by Susan Cain.
This book basically allowed me to understand myself and in turn, accept myself in a world where extroversion reigns supreme.
She had countless cases where introverts were the pioneers of huge organisations and movements but always flew under the radar.
Steve Jobs wouldn’t have Apple without Steve Wozniak…
Martin Luthar King Jr wouldn’t have had such a strong movement without the passive Rosa Parks…
Gandhi was even introverted!
These inspirational quiet ones often remain unheard of… But that doesn’t mean they don’t have power within themselves to do great things and impact people and the world.
Introverts have just as much a place in the world as anyone else.
We just need to be aware of what allows us to be our best selves.
As Cain puts it, “The trick for introverts is to honor their own styles instead of allowing themselves to be swept up by prevailing norms.”
I love this quote.
It’s more important for you to understand yourself than for others to understand you.
If you’re an introvert and reading this, chances are you can relate to this and have gone through the things I shared. If that’s the case, definitely check out Susan Cain’s book, I guarantee it will blow your mind! You can see it on Amazon here.
INTREPID INTROVERT WAS BORN
In December of 2014, after having just graduated from my Accounting & business degree, I packed my bags and took off traveling with my partner (now fiance!), Nate.
Since then, we have experienced a life we only used to dream about. We have traveled to over 30 countries together, building up our separate brands, blogs and social media channels a long the way.
Travel changed my life in a way I never thought possible.
I have found true happiness in this lifestyle which has led to tremendous personal growth and confidence in myself.
This is the reason why I began Intrepid Introvert.
I found my confidence through pursuing what I loved to do. Traveling took me out of my comfort zone and gave me life lessons I would otherwise have never had.
I am an introvert. But I’m not the girl I used to be.
I feel empowered now. Its a gift travel has given me and I feel so grateful!
INTREPID INTROVERT MISSION
It is my hopes that my blog encourages others (not just introverts!) to find what it is that makes them feel confident and empowered and to pursue that wholeheartedly.
The world needs more smiles. The world needs more happiness.
The world needs more you being your true fabulous self.
Watch my sit down video below!
13 Comments
Thank you for writing your story. It’s like I was literally reading about myself. I’m pretty introverted myself, and it gets irritating explaining myself to extroverts sometimes. I’ve done a lot of jobs and my latest ones have been sales-centered. While I got good at it, I felt like I couldn’t get better in my career because of my introverted personality. I also did a Google search and found this book called “The Introvert’s Edge: How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone” by Matthew Pollard. It is TRULY life-changing!! I fully recommend it. Before I found this book I was even told by my extroverted coworker — who’s incredibly successful at selling — that being introverted is actually an advantage and I can sell more. I didn’t believe him until I read this book! But I’m glad I came across your site and it’s good to know there are more people like us in the world who are making it even better!
I am interested, please send me more details about this
Hi Hannah,
Thanks so much for sharing.
Unlike you I started out in the corporate world among other small businesses and did that for over 20 years. Last year I was laid off and have been home since. I’ve always wanted to do a blog and find ways to monetize it. But like you, I’m an introvert and just didn’t want to put anything about myself out there for the world to see. Well. Being at home made me start to re-think that and so on the 31st of March I started a blog, opened an IG account and taking my time to build out my website.
I’m still scared and unsure which direction I’m going with it, afraid of what people might think etc. But so far I have actually been enjoying the little writing I’ve done. I however need to find a niche that I can focus on, but that’s where I am stomped. Would really love it if you could just run through my blog and offer some advice.
Thanks again for sharing.
Hi Hannah,
Thanks a lot for your clear and true words. You inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and put my own bio and put it online. Thank you so much. I am really looking forward to your next adventures
Thank you for your lovely words! Good on you for getting your own bio posted 🙂 It can be scary in the beginning but it definitely gets easier over time haha!
Hannah,
You are an inspiration! I have always wanted to travel the world while getting paid, just have no idea where to start!! I have a blog, Instagram and Facebook… do you have a suggestion on where I can start to find information on how I can make a profitable business?
Hey Abby! I’m glad you found inspiration here 🙂
Feel free to check out our webclass where we share some tips and info on creating something similar for yourself: http://call.wiredcreatives.co you can register your spot there!
Great content . But a small correction- If the Ghandi you are referring to is the GREAT FREEDOM FIGHTER who led India to its INDEPENDENCE through the Non-Violence movement, then please correct the spelling. It is GANDHI. Thanks !
Thank you for noticing! I have corrected it 🙂
Amazing video Hannah! You guys are crushing it and I’m looking forward to seeing how you guys get on!
Very inspirational 👍
Mike
Dear Hannah – I just love reading about your adventures with Nate.
So inspiring & I am so proud of you having known you since a
gorgeous young child. You have moved on from Waitui & I’m still here. It looks like it’s true – you can make things happen if you have the drive and enthusiasm.
Matt is in Croatia at mo. I’m telling you just in case you could catch up sometime as he is travelling.
Heading to Greece next. Love you Han. Take care – Andy O’Neale xx
Hi Andrea! Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂 I’m glad you enjoy following along!
Oh I bet Matt’s having a fab time- I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for him- would be great to cross paths.
I hope you and the fam are doing well- hopefully see you when I’m home next 🙂
Take care!
Hi Hannah!
I was super inspired to see your story on Facebook. I recently decided to take a year off of college to travel the world. Long story short, I want to do service work and learn about other cultures, make connections, and live my life to the absolute freaking fullest, and going to college right now doesn’t feel right. In the long run, I’d like to work for a NonProfit organization and get paid to travel, so I am not super concerned with having a degree although eventually I may get a degree in NonProfit Administration so I can have more job security. However, I would also love love love to get paid to travel until then, through promoting products and doing whatever it is that you do online to make money from any country. I have an Instagram account, a Facebook, and I recently started a blog to keep people updated on my travels. I pretty much consider it a pipe dream to get enough of a following to be able to make money off of social media, but the very idea of the possibility is just thrilling. I am taking your webinar this Friday but i would love to hear what you think and if you have any suggestions for me!