As an introvert, I often feel invisible or overshadowed by the extroverted energy around me. For most of my 20s, I believed that my opinions didn't matter, and that I had nothing different or interesting to say. In social settings with people I don't know, I'm much more comfortable being in the background, observing and almost disappearing into the walls. I found it difficult to get a word in during some conversations, and after a while, I just stopped trying.

Over the years as my career progressed and I took on roles to manage teams, I learned to "pretend" to be an extrovert. I can go for long periods and even days on business trips, networking with strangers, but I always come back at the end of the day exhausted and craving my own quiet company. I've picked up some "energy-saving" hacks along the way to avoid unnecessary social interactions, like going to breakfast really early at 6 am and scheduling dedicated downtime on my own where possible during an extended trip.

Now, as a coach and business owner, I often need to be in front of groups of people I don't know. I still feel intimidated at the start, but most of the people I meet for the first time don't realize the extent of my introversion, often mistaking me for a Dominant(Red) or Influence(Yellow) type personality.

So, how do I lean into my Red and Yellow energies when I need to?

1. First, I understand how to manage my energy levels effectively so that I can tap into them when I need to, and recover when I don't. This means being intentional about my self-care practices and taking time to recharge my batteries.

2. Second, I tap into my "why" and use that as motivation to get out of my comfort zone and expand my abilities. For me, it's about doing the work I'm called to do more effectively.

3. Third, I've worked on my limiting beliefs around myself and my insecurities. This is still a work in progress, but every day I practice shedding the beliefs that no longer serve me.

4. Fourth, I've become an active participant in conversations and life, rather than a passive bystander watching the world pass me by as I sit on the sidelines. I try to engage more in conversations and share my thoughts and ideas.

5. Finally, I keep working on finding my voice so that I can show up as my best, authentic self. This means embracing my introverted nature while also stepping out of my comfort zone when necessary.

   This work is not easy, but if you struggle to understand yourself, the easiest place to start is by taking a personality assessment like DISC or Enneagram to help you uncover your strengths and weaknesses.
   
   If you'd like to take the DISC assessment, you can find it here