It's cold. Not the kind of cold where you turn the shower on, and noticeably you're hit with a sudden splash of cold that rips through your entire body like you have just been struck by thunder. No. This is the kind of cold that is the cold look on your eyes when all life has been is a heaping pile of bullshit. It’s the cold truth: that loneliness is the only thing you’ll ever get accustomed too. It’s the cold air that gently kisses your arms hair because you know you’re ready. You’ve been ready. In fact, you were born ready. You know you’ve survived the odds before, and here you stand, alone, but ready to survive the odds again.
I am naturally an introverted personality. In English, this means I’m much more reserved than the average person. I derive most of my energy from being alone, and spending time with myself, and further, getting things done on my own. This doesn’t mean I don’t get along with, or like hanging out with other people. Of course I do. It is just not the type of environment I thrive in. I’m much more dependant on proper preparation and planning than my extroverted counterparts, who for the most part, are spontaneous and can just wing and excel in any social situation. They like talking, I like writing. I like planning, they like spontaneity. Although it can be argued that the introverted personality doesn’t necessarily relate in any way to the lone wolf syndrome, I believe it is the fact that I am introverted that, essentially moulded me into a lone wolf.
I grew up liking a lot of the stuff everyone else did. I was into video games, sports, girls, guys, pretty much anything a normal adolescent was into.
No matter what it is you believe you’re missing out on... You are not really missing out on anything. Why? Simply because none of any of that stuff really matters unless you are truly happy with yourself. If there are certain goals you have and have yet to accomplish them, then having a great time with friends would only serve to be counter-productive. It is actually okay to be alone whilst you’re out accomplishing your dreams, because to be happy with yourself will make these trials of solitude, these times of loneliness all worth it in the end.
We live in an age of social media, where the vast majority of population is preoccupied with trying to garner fake approval and validation from people they hardly know. Whilst the herd is out chasing facades and fictitious self-empowerment, or false sense of identity, they are losing touch with what is most important in life.
1. Originality
One of the defining characteristics of a lone wolf is his ability to be unique and original. The ideas he possesses are a culmination of a shaky, treacherous, life terrain that he/she has trekked in order to be the person they are today. What defines them, is their unique perspectives, their original framework in which they view life, and their ability to be set a part from the crowd. As stated earlier, we live in a world of social media, in which being part of a crowd is the most desired. We all want to fit in. But the lone wolf personality has cultivated his aura from unique upbringing and detached social presence. He or she is person of their own image. They do not follow, but rather, they are born leaders in their own right. They provide to any context their very own, unique, perspective. This is achieved through their originality and individuality. It’s been argued that a lone-wolf, who is often socially reserved, may not achieve much or advance themselves in the social sphere, but in the next point I argue otherwise.
2. Calculation
The lone-wolf personality is often less impulsive and more calculated in their actions. Everything they do has passed their very own filtration system, and it is with careful consideration that they embark on any task. Introverts, although they may not be the first to jump into a social situation headfirst, they take their time to carefully plan and consider a variety of factors before contributing to any social context. Their ability to plan and prepare is what gives them the ability to excel in scenarios that require critical thought for success. Sure, they may be risk takers, but their desire to be certain and to ensure a predetermined outcome unveils according to plan, is what trumps a spontaneous decision made my extroverts. Where careful thought and consideration is required, the introverted lone-wolf prevails.
The life of an introvert can be really hard. They are often timid. They prefer to write rather than speak, and often because of their timidity their voice goes unheard. It is a very sad thought. As described in the aforementioned points, the lone-wolf’s personality is sometimes a refreshing touch, and their carefully thought out plans can be a great contribution both to someone’s personal life and in business. Where people are trying to fit in, often with great struggles, the desire to be different can serve to be the polarizing presence that allows others to relax and be O.K. with just being themselves. Often what we lack and what desperately need can be modeled from or simply just gazed upon from the introverted personality. When we’re stuck and trying to figure out what we need to get done, and what we value most in life, we can think of the lone-wolf who has been struggling even harder to figure themselves out, and model their ability to really think deeply about what we want most in life. To be able to be accustomed to letting go, as the lone-wolf would attest to, is something we should become O.K. with as well.
So: To my lone-Wolves out there. Be O.K. with being different. Though the road may be hard and lonely, your ability to be unique and to be well prepared will make you stand out. In a good way. You are a wolf and you should be ok with being without sheep’s clothing. You will make it. Like you always have. Stay forever true to yourself and strong. You can overcome anything. You’ve been through a lot already, and nothing can stand in the way of your own personal success, whatever that may be. This is my promise to you.
