Hot take: The first introvert to sneak candy into a movie theater kept the dopamine effect to themselves.
For introverts to reap the benefits of a bold, high-quality life, we must be more open to sharing our feelings with others.
I’m convinced Lukas Battle is an introvert. How else is “being shy” out in 2024?! Even if I’m wrong, and even if you still identify as very shy, I’m absolutely here for change.
Thanks to him, loud budgeting is here to stay.
As loud budgeting is growing by the day, you may feel that, as an introvert, this is yet another trend into conformity, another way to chase outside validation for a month or two.
Instead, we can challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zone even just a little bit.
“Loud budgeting has the same feeling as sneaking candy into a movie theater. You feel like you got away with something. You feel like you’re on an adventure; you feel like you’re coming out of the situation winning. It’s not ‘I don’t have enough,’ it’s, ‘I don’t want to spend.’” Lukas Battle
According to Psychology Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) has 6 domains to assess quality of life, and our friend Lukas shares a few examples of loud budgeting that introverts can use to live boldly.
Physical
The star of the show, loud budgeting, can improve your smile, posture, and voice with newfound boldness.
It’s being brave enough to confess, “I know you want an expensive birthday gift, but I have to prioritize my savings this month,” or something in between.
Quiet luxury is out because it focuses on outside validation for the amount we spent, when no one actually cares. So why should you? It feels better to enjoy what you have than pretend to be someone else on the daily.
Call it drab and out of touch, but I’d much rather not be wearing my credit card balance.
Just as it can be uncomfortable for people to invade your personal space, your financial boundaries must also be acknowledged.
Psychological
Battle unfortunately skipped commentary on this one, but he mentions “in: ‘embracing failure (especially in a large crowd)’. Failure inevitably happens. Mostly, this happens in our minds, not directly told to us.
In my job, I received critical feedback, and my mind immediately doubted my abilities and thought I was going to continue to perform poorly. But I got the help I needed and reaffirmed that I can accomplish anything.
Level of independence
Gone are the days of blissful ignorance. If you don’t know something, just ask. If you’re nervous, ask a single question. As introverts, we’re always curious.
One way to “master the art of email”, as Battle says, in my own experience, is to put your ‘ask’ up front (subject line and first sentence after greeting), so the sender knows exactly what you need.
Social relationships
Did Battle just say I could meet the love of my life by talking to the person at the counter? Who knows, they may be won over by my smile. If you are at Mickey D’s, you can share with them, “I like to eat frugally from time to time, what do you recommend I get today?” (I will accept the level of cheese on this burger.)
I love Battle’s idea of “embracing the beauty of everyday reactions” because it connects us beyond the day-to-day. In our digital age, everything from food checkouts to gas at the pump is contactless. Change it up by going up to the counter at the grocery store or offer to bag someone’s small cart of items. You’ll be surprised how good it feels.
Environment
“We don’t have to melt ice to eat,” Battle stresses. After casually reading Ulta-Processed People, I do not blame him. Like, at all.
While he suggests gardening and growing food, which can help foster relationships with other advent gardeners, you can reap similar benefits by asking a stranger, “How do you like the pomelos?” and switch out processed foods for organic. It may cost more, but your health costs many times that.
Spirituality
Battle says to be “petite,” not physically, but metaphysically.
Taking up less space and being one with ourselves is what introverts do best.
You can take this a step further and ask yourself, “Does this purchase make me closer or further away from the higher power I believe in?”
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Please note that this publication is for informational purposes only and I am not a financial professional. Though I am a Certified Financial Education Instructor™, this shouldn’t be considered as certified financial or legal advice. Please seek professional guidance for those decisions.
I hope you enjoy and support my journey. If you’d like, you can buy me a matcha to keep me going!