I’ve often talked about this in my Newsletters, but if you are new to JTP then you might not guess it, but I’m an introvert.
Even though I am the one at the front of the Pilates class, guiding breath, counting (or not counting 😉) reps, sharing stories about wobbly balance and wonky coordination — all mine of course. When I’m teaching, I step into a
role that requires me to project, to connect, to look after and focus on everyone in the room (either face-to-face, or online) — and I love it. But it’s not always the easiest thing. Because when the class ends and the mats are rolled away, I need a bit of quiet to reset.
I’ve thought about this a lot lately, specially as I watch my granddaughters, one of them is quieter when in the room with others, the other — although only nearly a year old — is
definitely going to let everyone know she has arrived. But what I have been thinking about is how we often associate success, confidence, and energy with the loudest voice in the room. The big personality. The party-starter. And yet, some of the strongest, most consistent, most grounded people I’ve ever met are the ones who don’t shout about it.
They’re the ones who:
- show up quietly but regularly
- work steadily, with curiosity and commitment
- reflect
deeply
- lead by example, not volume.
Does this sound familiar to you? Do you think you have been pre-judged because you have stayed quiet in a room full of louder, more shouty people? Have you been overlooked because you don’t push to be the first one to speak? Or perhaps you see this in your children, or your children’s children.
But let’s take a moment to think about this, we’re not all made for the spotlight, but it doesn’t mean we
don’t have something powerful to offer. Being an introvert doesn’t mean you’re not strong, driven or capable, it just means your energy flows differently. Inwards first, then outward when it’s ready.
One of the things that first appealed to me with Pilates is because it invites us to go inward. To listen. To notice. It doesn’t demand performance — it encourages presence. It’s a practice that rewards consistency, not volume. So if you’re the one quietly turning up each week,
tuning into your body, moving with intention — that is your power. It doesn’t need to be loud to be felt.
Here are a few introverts who have achieved amazing things:
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Al Gore
- Gandhi
- Rosa Parks
- Albert Einstein
- Isaac Newton
- Steven Spielberg
So a note to fellow introverts — if you need time to warm up, if you have found your brilliance in stillness,
if you’d rather go deep than wide in conversations — please know that there is always space for you...
You don’t need to shout to be heard. You don’t need to be pushy to be valued. You don’t need to change who you are to succeed.
Celebrate quiet confidence, cheer on the steady progress, and make space for the introverted energy.
Of course I love extroverts too, but don’t be offended if I need a nap after the party
😉
Have a great week — keep looking, moving and feeling good.
With love,
Jane xx
