For introverts, there are times to be social, and times to let FOMO pass.
I admit it took me 41 years to realize I was an extroverted introvert — someone who enjoys social interactions but also craves alone time to recharge. For most of my life, I tried to keep up with everyone and everything, suppressing my true needs as an introvert.
On the surface, I seemed competent and put-together, but underneath, I was grappling with the exhausting inner turmoil of pretending to be someone I wasn’t.
The exhaustion, invisible to others, seeped deep into my core, and by 2020, I was struggling with chronic illness and severe burnout.
As introverts, we often push ourselves to fit into an extroverted world, but what’s the real cost of fitting in?
I learned the hard way, but you don’t have to.
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The Struggle of Being a Social Butterfly
As an introvert, I’ve had my fair share of trying to be a social butterfly, and trust me, it’s exhausting.
From social runs and networking events to weekend parties and traveling, the pressure to fit in and keep up with everything can be overwhelming. I never wanted to say no or make someone feel unimportant by skipping their event or party… but eventually, something had to give.
Recently, I found myself falling into the same trap, scheduling three back-to-back trips.
I felt the wear and tear of my whirlwind travels — navigating through three states, multiple airports, and sprinting through every terminal in DFW. It finally caught up with me.
The adrenaline had kept me going, but the physical and mental fatigue hit me like a ton of bricks the moment I got home.
I felt like a deflated balloon, desperately needing some alone time to recharge. So that’s exactly what I did.
And this time, I didn’t feel guilty about it.
Dealing With FOMO as an Introvert
We’ve all experienced the fear of missing out (FOMO) — that relentless force urging us not to be left out of the latest social gathering or trendy event.
I vividly remember scrolling through social media, watching friends enjoying a party, and feeling the undeniable pull of FOMO.
Why does it seem like all my friends on Instagram have more exciting and beautiful lives? Maybe because no one takes pictures of their Netflix nights on the couch, right?
As I scrolled through post after post, I’d think, Wow, I’m so boring!
Sometimes, the pull is so strong that, despite my introverted instincts, I’ve pushed myself to attend an event — even though every part of me longed for a quiet night in.
The bottom line: There are times to be social, and there are times to let the FOMO pass. We just need to listen to that little voice inside, telling us what we truly need.
Because, my fellow introverts, we are worth it!
Breaking the Cycle of Exhaustion
My journey as an introvert has been a roller coaster of trying to balance work and social life.
Navigating the tech industry as an introvert often feels like a daily battle against extroverted expectations. The pressure to conform to communication and work styles that don’t align with our natural tendencies can be overwhelming, gradually eroding our full potential.
In the hustle and bustle, the constant demand to step outside our comfort zones, participate in meetings, engage in small talk, and self-promote leaves us emotionally drained.
It’s no surprise that we end up overextending socially, leading to an introvert hangover and needing days to recover.
This perpetual cycle not only impacts our performance during the “on” times, but also leaves us functioning below par during downtime.
Yet, there’s a deeper issue at play. In our quest to fit into this extroverted world, we unintentionally downplay the unique strengths we bring as introverts. Our talents lie in quiet observation and reflection — qualities that provide invaluable insights to our teams and organizations.
It’s time to embrace our introverted superpowers and find a balance that allows us to thrive authentically in a world often designed for louder voices.
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The Power of ‘Me Time’ for Introverts
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of “me time.” Whether it’s sipping coffee with my morning devotional, enjoying a peaceful run in nature, or indulging in a beloved sitcom like Friends (my absolute favorite!), these moments have become my secret weapons against burnout.
My personal “me time” rituals aren’t just activities; they’re lifelines that allow me to recharge my introverted soul. They create a sanctuary where I can disconnect from the demands of the outside world and reconnect with myself.
It’s in those moments of “doing nothing” that I find clarity, peace, and the energy to navigate the extroverted landscapes around me.
This journey of self-discovery and self-care reminds me that embracing my introverted nature isn’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving, and doing so authentically.
Embrace Your Introverted Superpowers
It’s okay to say no and prioritize “me time” — but I understand it’s easier said than done!
I don’t claim to have it all figured out, but in my own introverted journey, I’ve learned that embracing these superpowers requires both self-discovery and courage.
Saying no became a transformative practice for me after a particularly draining period of overcommitting, which left me physically and mentally exhausted.
I’ve also shifted from large, energy-draining gatherings to more intimate one-on-one conversations or small group settings. This has allowed me to build genuine connections without feeling overwhelmed.
So, go ahead and celebrate your uniqueness. Remember, fitting in doesn’t mean losing ourselves — it means becoming who we’re meant to be. 
Check out my blog for more health and wellness wisdom at xojulessimon.com. And download the FREE 30-Day Self Love Journal PDF today!
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