Now that I've become more active in the start-up ecosystem, I find I need to attend more conferences in order to meet more people. When I do so, I admire the extroverts at these events - the people who are the soul of the party. They know everyone, and everyone knows them. They remember faces and names, and are extremely likable, because they're fun to be around with.

I would love to be like them, but I've realized that this is not my sweet spot. While I can pretend to be an extrovert for an hour or so, it's very hard to do this on an ongoing basis - I'm just not comfortable in that role. 

There are disadvantages to being an introvert, because a lot of deals in the start-up space depend on relationships - whom you know and who knows you matters a lot, because this is a system which encourages inbreeding and thrives on close personal connections. 

Part of the problem with being an introvert when everyone else knows everyone else is that you become a bit of an outsider, and you feel left out. Now, this doesn't mean I feel sorry for myself. It's fun to attend these events, but I've realized that I can't change myself. Rather than make myself miserable trying to fit in and pretend to be someone I am not, I need to learn to play to my strengths. 

I've finally realized that there are lots of advantages to being an introvert. I'm comfortable in my own skin, and am happy sitting by myself. I am happy reading a book, and don't need a lot of external stimulation to entertain myself. I am not dependent on other people to get a high, and don't need to party to feel important or valued. I can afford to be disciplined, and do what is right for myself, without having to worry about hurting other people's feelings. The problem with being an extrovert is that you have to learn to get along with other people, and this can be hard work.

Rather than making myself miserable by attending events I don't enjoy, I find that I prefer hanging out at home with Marcus Aurelius and Peter Thiel - this gives me a far higher ROI on my time!