being an introvert never held me back.

As an introvert, I grew up with a pretty long list of things I thought I’d never do.

I never thought I’d be posting on social media, sharing pictures and thoughts, and then feel all warm and fuzzy receiving messages from people who relate to what I wrote.

I never thought I’d launch a business, and feel proud and comfortable building something based on what I really care about.

I never thought I’d hold workshops in companies, gently inviting people to take more ownership of their roles and career paths.

I also never thought I’d genuinely look forward to going to any kind of event, and connecting with people there.

But life had other plans, and I ended up doing all of the above, while still very much being an introvert.

That part hasn’t changed, and I don’t really want it to, because I like being this way.

I like listening more than talking.

I like building in quiet time after I’ve been around people.

I like noticing, almost instantly, when someone else might need a little space, too.

Because none of that makes the connections any less real, and none of it has stopped me from doing the things I once found scary.

It’s taken a messy mix of coaching, a lot of self-reflection and just.. growing up, but I’ve never felt more comfortable being myself.

And when something feels tough, I don’t try to change who I am. I just find a softer way through, leaning on the strengths I already have.

Being an introvert was never the thing holding me back. Trying to be someone I’m not? That was.

about the author:

Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.