One size doesn’t fit all and that includes you, you introvert queen. The golden rule for communicating is to know, listen and understand the people you are trying to communicate with. As ambitious introverts, this is something we excel in but we often forget to know and listen to ourselves. And we’re not all about the hustle either. We observe and contemplate, finding a deeper why to drive us into action. And so the way we lead and navigate life transitions should also be different for us. Problem is, it’s hard to find people who model a different behavior for you to believe you can get success doing things differently from the status quo.

Our society, starting with school, values extroverted behavior and teaches that success depends on how loud you can shout. In fact, a 2019 University of Toronto Scarborough study found that extroverts had an advantage in the workplace in the following categories: motivational, emotional, interpersonal and performance. Current research is even backing up these societal beliefs, which we then internalize as facts. If you, like me, don’t identify as an extrovert, you spend years relearning ways to succeed that do not come natural to you.

You may tell yourself that success doesn’t come easy and that this is just the natural path to becoming the leader you dream of becoming. So you adapt. But this adaptation faces continuous resistance and wastes your precious energy because it’s not who you naturally are. You may pick up and curate useful skills along the way but deep down you are exhausted. Your schedule is over committed. You’re highly stressed and nearing burnout. Some areas of your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health have started to decline. You’ve always managed to push through these bumps with more work but this time you don’t have any more energy to give. It’s hard work hiding who you really are and you’re afraid of people seeing you as weak. Spending years following a leadership style that doesn’t use your strengths can be one of the fastest ways to burn out.

But let me tell you—this pain can be transformed into an opportunity as it has led you to action and a desire to change your status quo! You are about to embark on a new adventure. One where you discover that your perceived weaknesses are your power and gift to this world. When you learn to lead in your own unique style and energy, you find ease, confidence and peace. Your path to success will become easier once you remove the styles and schedules that are blocking you. And from there you become an empowered woman who can empower others—creating an impactful legacy.