Editor's note: This popular story from the Daily Briefing's archives was republished on June 30, 2023.

As an introvert, it can be difficult to speak up during work meetings or find the energy for social interactions. To be more successful at both work and friendships while remaining comfortable, experts offer six strategies for introverts to help their natural inclinations work for them instead of against them.

What does it mean to be an introvert?

Although the terms "introvert," "shy," and "social anxiety" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. According to the New York Times, there is not a set definition of introversion, with different experts having their own views of what it entails.

Lauren Helgoe, an associate clinical professor at Augsburg University, said she saw introversion as "an inward or internal orientation," the Times writes.

"I am thinking of a person's control center or laboratory — the place where they work things through," Helgoe said. "For example, if you ask me how my day is going, I'm going to pause and go to my inner laboratory, scan my day and then formulate my response. My husband, the extrovert, is going to say what first comes into his head in order to keep the conversation going, because his laboratory is outside, in the interaction."

On the other hand, some experts consider introversion to be how someone responds to social stimulation. "The key feature of introversion is that social energy tends to overwhelm you more quickly, and you need more time to restore," said Marisa Franco, author of the book "Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make — and Keep — Friends."

How to be successful at work as an introvert

According to the Times, leadership and ambition in the workplace are often equated with "extroversion and being present," which can make it difficult for introverts "who may excel at work but struggle with office politics, long hours of being 'on,' and overstimulation from noise, light and people in our personal space."

To be successful at work as an introvert — while still feeling comfortable — experts have offered up several tips, including:

Knowing your boundaries and setting limits

"Boundaries are important when it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship with your work," the Times writes. To better understand what your limits are, try asking yourself some of these questions:

• What time do you feel most productive at work and when are you out of energy?
• Do you get more work done with others around or alone?
• What would your ideal work week look like?
• Is there anything in your work environment that bothers you?

Once you're aware of your limits, ensure that you're not testing them constantly by adjusting the pace of your work as needed, thinking about where you're most productive, and making your personal space and needs clear when it comes to interaction.

Making the most of meetings

"Meetings can be challenging for introverts, who may struggle to get their points heard or find it draining to sit in brainstorming sessions dominated by a loud few," the Times writes. To make meetings work for you, consider these tips:

• Prepare before the meeting so you know the agenda and expected outcomes
• Resist the urge to shrink into the background and spend some time talking, even if it's just a few minutes
• Talk early on in a meeting since it'll help establish your presence in the room
• Follow up later on if you're put on the spot and not prepared in the moment

Not pretending to be an extrovert

According to CNBC, "if you aren't an outgoing extrovert, you can't fake being one forever." Several studies have shown that doing so can leave you drained and unable to participate in workplace interactions that could otherwise help build your connection to your team.

Unless you take time to recover, you'll become "incapable of keeping [your] energy levels up," said Mary Shapiro, an adjunct faculty member at the Simmons University School of Business, which means you could miss out on networking and career growth opportunities.

How to navigate friendships as an introvert

Being an introvert can also affect your personal life since social interaction can be draining, sometimes making it more difficult to make or maintain friendships over time.

"Every single person has the fundamental need for connection," said Kasley Killam, a social scientist and the founder and executive director of Social Health Labs. "It's not like introverts don't need meaningful relationships. But what varies is how much and what kind of connection."

To help introverts develop stronger, healthier friendships, experts offer several strategies, including:

Taking the initiative with your friendships

Because introverts typically don't like spontaneous plans, taking the initiative to set up plans or meetups can offer a sense of control, Franco said.

"Initiation means you have the power to choose an activity that fits with how you like to socialize," Franco said. "If you can embrace being the one to initiate interactions, even if you are an introvert, then you get to choose the activity that is the most restorative to you."

Finding people and places that make you comfortable

According to Helgoe, introverts tend to prefer to stay in their comfort zones, which can include people they're comfortable with and activities that may rely less on social engagement.

"Introverts might find a given friend really energizing," Killam said. "So they could spend hours on end with a given person and not feel depleted at all, even though, in general, spending time around other people can be depleting for them."

Instead of "berating introverts to leave their comfort zones, as if that is an end unto itself," it is more helpful to have introverts look for friends who already fit with their existing interests and personality, Helgoe said.

Leaning into your natural "opener" tendencies

According to Franco, "openers" are people "who tend to be good at getting people to open up." Introverts often fall into this category because they are good listeners who ask questions and like having strong bonds with a core group of people.

"Having a deep, meaningful conversation might mean a lot more to an introvert," Ms. Killam said. "I’ll speak about myself, for example. I love long one-on-one dinners with friends."

Overall, people should not view their "introversion as an impediment," Franco said. "Instead, think of it as a style of connecting." (Pearson, New York Times, 3/13; Aarons-Mele, New York Times, accessed 3/17; Piñon, CNBC, 2/21)