Richard Golian

1995-born. Charles University alum. Head of Performance at Mixit. 10+ years in marketing and data.

#myjourney #myfamily #health #cognition #philosophy #digital #artificialintelligence #darkness #security #finance #politics #banskabystrica #carpathians

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Richard Golian

Hi, I am Richard. On this blog, I share thoughts, personal stories — and what I am working on. I hope this article brings you some value.

An Introvert's Case for Solitude

How introverts recharge: solitude, quiet and deep work

By Richard Golian

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Nature Reserve Divoká Šárka
Nature Reserve Divoká Šárka, Prague

Do I enjoy socializing? Yes, without a doubt. I can be the one to bring humour and energy to a room. But staying in social mode for a long time? That is not exactly me. I am an introvert, and there comes a point when I need to withdraw and recharge my energy alone.

If you have read about my INTJ personality, this pattern probably will not surprise you — it is one of the most consistent traits I have noticed in myself over the years.

Why I do my best work alone

As an introvert, when I am alone, I often dive into my passions – perhaps working on a new blog post or delving into reading or investment research. This is when my deep work happens. Other times, I handle the simpler things, like cooking. And then, there are moments where it looks like I am doing nothing.

Richard Golian in Prague
View from my room, Prague

The power of "doing nothing"

When I talk about 'doing nothing,' I am referring to something that might be challenging for many to understand.

Summary

I can bring energy to social situations, but prolonged engagement drains me. The seemingly idle solitary moments — processing, reflecting — are when the most impactful ideas emerge. Quiet is not inactivity. It is where the real work happens.
Richard Golian

If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, feel free to drop me a message at mail@richardgolian.com.

Common questions on this article's topic

What is introversion and how does it differ from shyness?
Introversion is a preference for quiet, minimally stimulating environments and the need to recharge after social interaction. It is not the same as shyness, which is the fear of negative social judgement. Introverts can be socially energetic and enjoy bringing humour to a room — as described in the article — but prolonged social engagement drains their energy. Brain imaging research shows that shy individuals display heightened amygdala activity in social situations, while introverts show different dopamine processing patterns.
Why do introverts need time alone?
Introverts process experiences more slowly and deeply than extroverts, requiring solitude to recharge and organise their thoughts. In the article, these seemingly idle moments are described as crucial — they are when the most impactful ideas and innovative solutions emerge. This is not inactivity. It is a different mode of cognitive work that requires quiet and absence of external stimulation.
Can doing nothing actually be productive?
Yes. Research on incubation and mind-wandering shows that periods of low external stimulation allow the brain to connect disparate ideas and solve problems that resist direct effort. In the article, the quiet moments spent alone — appearing to do nothing — are identified as the source of the most valuable professional contributions. Reducing external stimulation activates the brain's Imagination and Salience Networks, which are essential for creative thinking.
Do introverts and extroverts process information differently?
Yes. Research in personality and cognitive psychology confirms that processing speed and style vary significantly between individuals. Some people respond quickly and draw energy from rapid social exchange, while others need more time, quiet, and solitude to process the same experiences. In the article, this difference is presented as neither better nor worse — simply a different way of engaging with the world that requires different conditions to function well.
How can introverts be effective in social or professional environments?
By understanding their own needs and structuring their time accordingly. In the article, introversion is not presented as a limitation but as a source of strength — the solitary processing time produces ideas that have proven invaluable in professional settings. The key is recognising that deep work and social engagement serve different purposes and scheduling both deliberately rather than defaulting to constant interaction.
Is introversion a fixed personality trait?
Introversion is considered a relatively stable personality dimension, rooted in how the nervous system responds to stimulation. However, introverts can and do adapt to social demands — they simply pay an energy cost for sustained extroverted behaviour. In the article, this is captured by the ability to bring energy and humour to a room while knowing that withdrawal and recharging must follow.