How To Stay Motivated & Boost Your Productivity As An Introvert

How to stay motivated and boost your productivity as an introvert.

Whether you’re employed, running your own business or running your life, motivation and productivity are essential for both progress and well-being.

One of my favourite quotes about motivation is from Steven Covey who said:  “Motivation is a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are it will burn very briefly.”

Motivation is a complex subject and our understanding is developing as we understand more about neuroscience.  Now, I’m not going to get all technical here, but it is worth understanding a little bit of the science, so here goes.

The Science Bit

The chemical messenger dopamine, the pleasure chemical, is in part responsible for lighting that internal fire to keep people motivated and focused on the task at hand.

We don’t all respond in the same way though. Functional neuro-imaging studies have shown that the brains of introverts and extraverts light up differently when stimulated in the same way.

Dopamine is more active in the brains of extraverts, and, the motivation it provides is linked to external rewards; things like promotion, public recognition and status.

Introverts are generally less interested in external rewards and derive more pleasure from the ‘feel good’ factor. Their brains typically utilise the calming neurotransmitter, acetylcholine rather than dopamine.  It too has a motivating effect, but the difference is that the pleasure derived, and therefore the rewards experienced, are internally focused.

The brain’s preference for acetylcholine may actually serve introverts well, as dopamine is known as a serotonin suppressor.  Why does that matter? Whilst dopamine is associated with short-term pleasure and instant gratification, serotonin is associated with long-term happiness.

So ironically, less reliance on dopamine may have a benefit of greater personal happiness and in the case of introverts, a deep calm happiness rather than the excitable behaviour we often classify as happiness.

How To Maintain Motivation

Understanding how to maintain motivation as an introvert, when society and the workplace is mostly geared up in favour of extraverts, can be a perpetual challenge.

Some motivation theories distinguish between hygiene and motivating factors, the principle being that once the basic ‘hygiene’ factors are in place, motivation is then possible.

Hygiene factors include things like working conditions, quality of leadership/management and relationships with co-workers. Whilst this is true for all of us, what constitutes the perfect relationships, leadership, working conditions etc varies from person to person.

There are three simple steps that will help:

1. Owning Introversion

The starting point for introverts is to understand and own their introversion.  Many of us have ended up feeling not OK or not good enough as a result of the extraversion bias in society and in workplaces.

There are many positive behaviours associated with introversion that world needs right now; listening, slowing down, taking time to reflect, more considered interactions, less drama to name but a few.

Being valued for these behaviours is intensely rewarding and life-affirming for introverts.

Many find they can finally stop pretending to be something they’re not and live more authentic lives.

2. Purpose and Values

The next step is for introverts to get real clarity about their purpose and values. Because they are an essential piece of the motivation & productivity jigsaw, when what is being asked of them, or a goal they are pursuing aligns with their purpose and values, they become almost unstoppable.

Productivity is about doing the right things right. Once they are aligned, introverts are able to take massive action, but a lack of alignment can result in reluctance.

When working on tasks allocated by other people, introverts should take a little time to work out how the objectives of the task align with their own values & purpose.

3. Environment

This element really affects an introvert’s ability to be productive and to explain why we again need to understand a bit more of the science.

Introverts are already overstimulated mentally which is probably why their brains prefer to use acetylcholine, the relaxing, power-down chemical. They are energised by their rich world of thoughts, ideas and personal reflection.

Extraverts on the other hand seek external stimulation through active experiences, interactions and change in order to be energised.  The difference is simple neurodiversity and yet there is still so much misunderstanding.

Introverts can often appear lost in thought whilst extraverts immerse themselves in conversations.  When introverts retreat physically or mentally, it’s to preserve or top-up the charge in their mental batteries. Retreating or withdrawing doesn’t mean they’re not engaged, not productive or bored; it’s to prevent overwhelm or even burnout.

In order to be productive, introverts need to keep their mental batteries well-charged and do whatever is necessary to prevent them from being drained.

So, what environmental factors help?

• Introverts are more productive in a quiet workspace where they are not subjected to additional stimulation. Open-plan offices are not conducive to their productivity. Where are the quiet corners or pods for them to work?
• Many find using noise-cancelling headphones at times really helpful so that they can focus and do their best work.
• Taking regular but short breaks can help an introvert to top-up their batteries. This maybe walking round the block, quiet, uninterrupted time or a short mindfulness meditation.

Managing Boundaries

In order to ensure the best environmental and hygiene factors are in place, introverts will need to create and managing their boundaries; what is acceptable and what is not.  People are not mind-readers so asking for what is needed is imperative.

These three simple yet effective steps of ownership, purpose and environment are the basis for maximising an introvert’s motivation and productivity.

Every introvert has a unique introversion type and unique strengths so will therefore have their own requirements.  Being pro-active and taking responsibility through these steps will deliver gratifying benefits for all.

Bio

Joanna Rawbone is the founder of Flourishing Introverts.  Joanna has a real passion for helping her clients make the small but sustainable changes that really make a difference.

Being a functioning introvert, her clients value her ability to listen to more than the words, understand things from their perspective and co-create robust, pragmatic solutions.