The Introverted Copyeditor, Part 2

Editing and writing are consistently among the “best jobs for introverts,” and far more than half of the copyeditors I know have introverted tendencies. In part one of this series, we looked at the basics of introversion and extraversion, discovering that introverts tend to direct their attention toward and get their energy from the inner world of ideas (MyersBriggs.org). 

So introverts are ideas people. Not in the sense of the enthusiastic, idea-generating entrepreneur who brashly proclaims the first, the last, and the best of ideas—while demanding that others find a way to realize these half-formed plans. No, introverts are rarely “that guy.” That guy exhausts and frustrates introverts. Just as that entrepreneur might benefit from a dose of reality, however, introverts need to be aware that their strengths come with temptations. 

The following are a few of the many strengths (and corresponding temptations) of idea-dwelling introverts: 

• Listening and considering multiple viewpoints. With a genuine interest in what others have to say, introverts are great front-row occupiers at lectures, go-to friends for those who need a listening ear, or impartial synthesizers of diverse views. Temptation to resist: being entirely noncommittal or failing to appropriately communicate with those you’re hearing. Although switching gears from listening to commenting is often difficult, practice active listening to ensure that your listening skills are appreciated.
• Researching. A thirst for information makes introverts exceptional researchers. Temptation to resist: staying in research mode too long, whether from pleasure or fear. No matter how much you prefer researching, give yourself plenty of time to complete the action that the research is for. Quiet the fear of failure or disappointment that leads to procrastination by having clear goals and realistic expectations.
• Analyzing complex scenarios. Introverts have the patience and the mental muscle to examine complicated situations and ideas. Temptation to resist: overcomplicating things. Learn to pare down the variables to those that are essential and recognize when simple is better.

Next week, we’ll look at a few more of these double-edged strengths of introverts. 

Image courtesy of Quinn Dombrowski (quinn.anya).