The Introvert’s Paradox —Mastering Your ‘Social Anxiety’ With Creative Power

Using your creativity to unlock your true potential and go from awkward to awesome

Are you one of those introverts who’s been keeping your creative abilities locked up in your mind?

Do you feel that being an introvert is like living in a self-imposed prison, unable to break free and unleash your full potential?

I’ve discovered that being creative can help us introverts break free from our shells and overcome our nature when we need to.

It’s a complete paradox.

That creativity you’ve been hiding away, can be the key to unlocking the door to freedom in this big wide world.

It can take you from awkward to awesome!

Creative Power — The ‘sword and shield’ for introverts

I’m sure you’re no stranger to the struggles that come with being an introvert.

The awkwardness around people, the dread of making small talk, and the never-ending pressure to face the world when all we really wanna do is cuddle up with our furry feline friends, and a bowl of snacks.

However, when you tap into your creative power it’s like having a ‘sword and shield’ that can turn you into a ‘Jon Snow — king of the north’ or maybe a ‘Daenerys Targaryen’ if you have a couple of dragons kicking around.

It can empower you to take on the ‘White Walkers’ of this world single-handedly!

This complete paradox can give a reserved introvert the courage to face the world with the passion and purpose of a superstar.

“Our creativity is a gift from the universe, and when we use it to express ourselves authentically, we are fulfilling our purpose.” Julie Cameron — The Artist’s Way

Discovering my own creative paradox

I discovered this by accident, spending years being socially awkward but having the surprising ability to overcome it whenever I was required to be creative in public.

As a commercial interior designer, I was naturally reserved in meetings until it was time to stand up and be the designer and present my ideas.

Then, I would mysteriously transform into this exuberant creative entertainer.

The thing is, I hated having to deal with colleagues in a 9-to-5 role at the office. So, I started my own business and became a consultant.

The only problem was, it meant selling — an introverts nightmare!

However, I discovered that once I got in front of people, I was very confident in my abilities, could present flamboyantly like a stage performer, and would often be hired on the spot.

I had discovered a secret weapon!

I actually got a bit addicted to the idea and even started playing guitar in a band. You would never have guessed I was an introvert until we got off stage.

I’d be the one sitting in the corner with my beer, quietly writing ideas in my notebook, while the other lads would be flitting around the room like social butterflies.

It’s interesting that many musicians, writers, artists, and architects are introverts.

This is how I know getting in touch with your inner creativity can be your salvation as an introvert.

It doesn’t matter what you do — write, paint, sculpt, play music, or even start a business — as long as you do something you truly feel passionate about that allows you to express who you are inside.

Julie Cameron, author of ‘The Artist’s Way,’ said it can be a spiritual experience.

“Through creative expression, we tap into the infinite well of spiritual energy and bring it into the physical world.” Julie Cameron — The Artist’s Way

Ignite the fire within and unleash the ‘creative you’

I know many introverts have a fire burning inside of them.

I spend time in groups, reading their comments: brilliant dry humor, creative ideas, and insightful views on life. You just don’t get to see it because they are always at home.

However, if you can find a way to harness that fire through creative expression, you might find, like me, that it is your vehicle in the outer world.

The internet has been a mini-revelation for introverts because it allows creative expression without leaving your house. But I believe you can go a step further than that if you really want to.

I find it interesting when we analyze the ‘Jon Snow’ character from Game of Thrones. We can see he is an introvert and a reluctant hero.

He says very little until he is called upon to dig deep within himself to inspire others.

He doesn’t fake it, he actually believes in the cause. He has that fire burning within that gives him the courage to push beyond his comfort zone and speak up.

That is the same fire that the creative urge can produce.

“When enough people make false promises, words stop meaning anything. Then there are no more answers, only better and better lies” Jon Snow-Game of Thrones

The last word

I believe that being an introvert is a part of one’s personality and nature.

But creative expression can give you the courage to push beyond your introvert comfort zone and speak up, just like Jon Snow.

I have been using this creative power for years.

The only caveat is this:

As introverts we may feel exhilarated when we are wielding our creative swords around, but we will always need to retreat to our castle afterward and feed the cats (or dragons).

This is the paradox of the creative introvert.

Cheers for reading: I’m a former ‘Commercial Interior Architect’ and I write for introverts, creatives & misfits looking to unleash their inner weirdo and sense of purpose through a spiritual lens, and a dash of humor. Read more at DJ Hopkins