Recently, I was researching topics about introversion. Knowing a lot of introverts feel introversion is something they need to overcome (it's not!), I googled the phrase "how to overcome introversion."

Over 700,000 results returned, with ALL advising you to speak up more, be more social, don't spend so much time on your own (or at home), etc.

As I scanned the articles, I became angry! These misguided writers were advising introverts to go against their very nature! This is the exact opposite of what introverts need to do!

Ahhh...summer! The time of year when everyone wants to be outside to soak up the sun, slow down, and have some fun!

For introverts, this can be a challenging time because it's also when everyone feels the urge to throw a party, have a BBQ or gather around the campfire. Of course, introverts don't hate all parties, but a summer filled with never-ending social events is enough to send even the most confident introvert into hiding!

But, if you're already feeling exhausted looking at your social obligations for the next few months, let's explore some ways to navigate the social scene while protecting your energy and honoring your desires.

I'll be honest...I love a good affirmation. It's empowering and inspiring, but simply repeating an affirmation to yourself all day long isn't going to do much for you.

If you've been swimming in the personal development pool for a while, then you're no stranger to the concept of affirmations. In fact, if you spend more than about 5 minutes scrolling Instagram, you'll spot more than a few sexy affirmations to adopt for yourself.

The idea is that if you repeat these oh-so-lovely phrases to yourself, you'll make that your reality over time! And, for some, maybe that actually happens.

But, for most, you forget about them, or you set your phone to remind you, and after a while, you barely glance at the reminder.

Listen up, introverts! Being an introvert isn't bad, and you don't need to strive to be more extroverted.

One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing introverts think they're being extroverted in situations where they feel more confident! This bugs me because it implies introversion is a weakness that needs overcoming. And nothing could be further from the truth!

Networking gets a bad rap. Most people see it as something they should do but not something they want to do. And, for most introverts, the discomfort factor is STRONG!! But what if it didn't have to be something you dreaded, and it became something you genuinely enjoyed?

When you learn to approach networking in a way that honors your energy and aligns with your introverted advantages, you benefit in ways that you may not have previously considered.

I'm a hardcore (and proud!) introvert, and I LOVE networking, but this wasn't always the case.

You hear a lot about "mindset work" in the personal development and coaching world.

And, with good reason! Your mindset is the lens through which you perceive and experience life. It shapes what you think, how you feel, your actions, and ultimately, your reality.

Your mindset is the foundation of everything.

Since everyone's mindset is unique, no one experiences the same events in the same way. That's why people who share the same circumstance have vastly different experiences.

If you haven't noticed, we live in a very extrovert-biased society (feels exhausting just typing that!). So it can be hard to feel confident and stand your ground as an introvert in a world that feels designed for the more outgoing social butterflies.

But! Being an introvert is a true asset, and here's why...

From my personal experience (and that of my clients!), many introverts try to fake-it-til-they-make it (ugh!) by pretending to be more extroverted. No shame if you do this too because that is what we learned and, for a long time....it's all we've known to do.

If you’re like most people, I’m betting you’re pretty comfy within the boundaries of your comfort zone.

It’s the default place most have learned to operate from because it’s safe and easy (which is particularly true for introverts!).

At the same time, you probably have big plans for yourself, which means you might be feeling a bit confined by those very walls.

Do you trust? Do you believe in your ability to create everything you desire?

When I was first starting out on my entrepreneurial journey, I felt like I needed so much guidance and advice on how to do, well, pretty much everything (except the coaching piece because I felt confident in my abilities on that front!)

But, as I doubted my knowledge on all of the logistical things (i.e., growing an audience, setting up a sales funnel, etc.), I didn't realize that lack of trust was seeping into other areas of my life.