I still remember the excitement and anticipation I felt when I landed my first job straight out of school as a marketing specialist. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey that would challenge my introverted nature and teach me valuable lessons about success in the marketing world.

As I dove headfirst into my new role, I quickly discovered the extroverted nature of marketing. Networking events, presentations, and face-to-face client meetings seemed to be the norm. Initially, I felt like I didn't fit in and needed to constantly fake my personality to keep up with my extroverted coworkers.

However, as time went on, I started to realize that success in marketing wasn't reserved for strong personalities alone. In fact, my introverted qualities allowed me to excel in areas that others might overlook. I found that my ability to listen attentively and think deeply about complex issues helped me connect with clients and develop diverse marketing strategies.

Nowadays, the marketing industry offers a wide range of opportunities, giving introverted individuals a chance to excel. Digital platforms and content creation, for example, allow us to leverage our strengths in research, analysis, and writing.

As I continued to grow in my career, I learned to embrace my introverted nature and use it to my advantage.

Why am I sharing this story?

First, introverts can be successful in marketing. By being aware of our strengths and leveraging them to our advantage, we can excel in the industry.

Second, it's important to understand yourself.

What makes you tick?

Now, I understand this is easier said than done.

However, it's worth taking the time to reflect and find out what makes you unique.

What do you value in life?

Today, take a 15-minute break and write down the answers to these life questions:

1. If I had $50M in the bank, how would my day-to-day change?
2. Am I really happy or am I just really comfortable?
3. Am I trying my best or am I just telling myself I am?
4. Is what I am doing making me a better person?
5. Am I doing/not doing something out of fear?
6. Do I really need to answer that text or phone call right now?
7. What can I think of, read, watch, listen and talk about for hours on end and never tire?
8. What do I love? Is that what/who I need to be in love with?
9. What is the first thing I think of when I wake up most days?

The questions above came from a list I have gathered over the years on what resonated with me. Every few months, I revisit this list and check in with myself. It's an invaluable exercise that helps put life into perspective.

And if you journal, you can record your answers there and review them again after a few months.

By taking time to honestly answer these questions, you establish a baseline for yourself.

There are no right or wrong answers either.

Let me illustrate.

A few years ago, when I first started on this journey, I realized all my decisions centered around money and increasing my income. That was my entire driving force back then. Because of that, I spent every waking moment trying to make more money.

• I woke up early because that's what billionaires do. Sounds familiar?
• I use this time to write articles because I can earn extra income through affiliates and ads.
• After my regular job, I hustled to do freelance projects left and right

Some may frown upon this claiming this is selfish or immature. But that's not really an issue at all.

Looking back, I can still proudly say there's nothing wrong with that.

Why?

Because that's what was important for me back then.

Today, I'm in a different place—my personal situation changed over the years. And because I continuously take time to reflect and understand what's important to me and who I am and what I value the most, everything around me changed as well.

How I spend my weekends, what career options to take, and even how I behave during the day are all influenced by thoughts on my family.

Knowing this gives me clarity on how I can best use my time and skills, empowering me to make decisions that reflect what matters most to me.

It all boils down to knowing what truly matters to me.

If there's one thing I'd like you to take from this is, it's that you need to know what truly matters to you.

Don't go on life doing what you've always done.

Don't let your day-to-day be a series of automatic responses.

If you ask me, that's one of the most boring ways to live out your life.

As the first half of the year comes to a close, take a few moments to reflect on these questions – I promise it will be worth your time.

PS: Starting next week, I'll be introducing a new section about things I think you'll find interesting.
PPS: Have any comments or feedback, just hit reply. I'd love to hear from you.