Do you ever feel like your introverted personality is something you just can’t change?
But is that really true?
And more importantly — do you even need to change it?
These are questions I’ve asked myself again and again.
Today, I’d like to share some thoughts I’ve gathered over time — about whether introversion is shaped by our genes or the environment we grow up in. And if it’s genetic, does that mean there’s nothing we can do about it?
Genetics vs. Environment — Still a Mystery in Modern Science
Not just introversion, but traits like intelligence, athletic ability, and even social skills — people have long debated why these vary so much from person to person. Is it because of genetics? Or is it shaped by our environment?
After reading books, listening to different perspectives, and reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve come to a simple conclusion:
Who I am today is shaped by both.
There are many theories about which has a stronger influence. For things like appearance, genetics seems to play a major role. But when it comes to personality, the science is still inconclusive — and it might stay that way. After all, it’s impossible (and unethical) to run controlled experiments on real people just to isolate genetic and environmental factors. Without proof, science has to stop short.
So what do we do with that uncertainty?
In moments like this, I believe it comes down to mindset. Since we can’t fully control what we’re born with,
I choose to believe that environment and effort can shape our path forward.
None of us chose our starting stats. And we carry them for life, whether we like it or not. But if that’s the case, then wouldn’t it make more sense to approach life with hope, not resignation?
A Look at Athletic Ability
Let’s take athletic ability as an example.
Were you athletic back in school?
Of course, “athleticism” covers many things — running, ball games, swimming — so it’s not a simple yes or no. But think back if you can.
As for me, I’d say my athletic skills were below average.
To be honest, I hardly remember enjoying school sports days… aside from lunch 😅 (And speaking of childhood — remember how boys who could run fast were always popular with the girls? At least in Japan, I think most people would agree. I can’t help but wonder if that’s universal… It’s not really part of this topic, so I’ll probably look it up myself later😅)
Anyway — I was never good at short-distance running.
But when it came to long-distance races, I consistently placed near the top. I guess I wasn’t built for bursts of speed, but I was better suited to endurance — where quiet, steady effort over time brings visible results. (That’s not to say short-distance running doesn’t take effort — I’m just speaking in relative terms)
Even today, I still enjoy running as a hobby.
Believing in Yourself Builds Confidence
Just like athletic ability, most things in life aren’t black or white. It’s never simply “0 or 100” — it’s a spectrum. Even if your natural talent is a “10,” you can push it closer to “100” through effort. And sometimes, that “10” might actually be a “70,” depending on how you look at it. It’s all about perspective.
As introverts, we often wrestle with feelings of inferiority.
Why can everyone else do this, but I can’t?
We’ve all been there. But in those moments, I hope you’ll pause and ask:
Is it really true that I can’t do it?
And what about the things I actually can do?
I hope we can all keep nurturing a mindset that sees things positively — and embraces who we are. (It’s something I try to do every day, too)
