Influence and Power
Influence & Power
Influence and Power: The Introvert’s Daily Inspiration to Speak 010
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Influence and Power: The Introvert’s Daily Inspiration to Speak 010

Prompts, Poems & Inspiration to Find Your Voice

Part 1 The Truth. Hey introvert, let’s talk about disappointment.

How Disappointment Affects the Body

Hi Loves, I am taking a caveat from our Anger series to talk about disappointment. For me, being honest about my disappointment helps me work through my anger. I hope you benefit from this practice too.

Have you ever been so disappointed that you couldn't find words?

Disappointment is one of the most silencing emotions we experience. And for introverts, it often becomes a double blow: first the letdown, then the shame of not speaking up about it.

Why Disappointment Hits Introverts Harder

Research shows that disappointment activates the same brain regions as physical pain (Eisenberger et al., 2003). Here is what disappointment can feel like:

Cortisol floods your system, making you feel drained and foggy Your vagus nerve creates that heavy chest sensation that makes speaking feel impossible
Your nervous system triggers a freeze response—you withdraw instead of expressing what you need.

For introverts, this freeze response feels familiar. We're already wired to process internally first. But disappointment can trap us there, making us believe our hurt doesn't deserve a voice.

Here's the truth: Your disappointment is information. It's your values system saying "this matters to me" and deserves to be expressed. And here’s the good news: processing disappointment through reflection and expression helps us move forward. Let’s practice.

Part 2. The Practice

Writing Prompt: Acknowledge Your Disappointment: Take a moment to write about a time you were disappointed.

  1. What happened?

  2. How did you deal with it?

  3. Are you satisfied with how you responded?

  4. If you could say one thing to a person involved, what would it be?

The Disappointment Release Technique

Using the above situation as a memory guide, remember that feeling of disappointment.

Step 1: Name the Physical Sensation Put your hand on your chest. Say out loud: "I feel disappointment in my [chest/throat/stomach]."

Step 2: Breathe Into the Space Take three deep breaths, sending air directly to where you feel the disappointment. Imagine creating space around the feeling.

Step 3: Connect to Your Values Using the values that we found in part 1 and part 2 of this Anger seres, ask yourself: "What did I hope for that didn't happen?" Then: "What does this tell me about what I value?"

Step 4: Practice Your Truth Complete this sentence out loud: "I am disappointed because I value _______ and what happened was _______."

Let’s give your disappointment a voice so it doesn't stay trapped in your body.

Part 3 The Poem: How to Deal with Disappointment by Linnea George

This Poem is inspired by this Photo taken by Rui Fernandez
how to deal with disappointment:
wake up
notice tightness in chest
racing thoughts
get out of bed
pain in the lower back
slip on birkenstocks
pain in feet
make yourself a tea
five suyra namaskar A
five suyra namaskar B
remember your intentions for the day
prepare a high protein breakfast
open up computer
answer emails
comment on posts
write out a strategy
feel the tightness in chest
racing thoughts
broil fish
steam vegetables
open up computer
listen to pundits talking politics
sigh
go to gym
sweat
smile at others
shower hot
apply oil to skin generously 
come home
open up computer
forget pain for about 90 minutes
turn off computer
meditate
go to bed
repeat
repeat
repeat until god comes

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How would you describe my coaching style? I loved how Linnea created an open space for everyone and made sure each person had the chance to express themselves. Her coaching style is calm, warm, and genuinely curious. She came prepared with helpful ideas and took a sincere interest in everyone's speaking challenges. She provides both structure and freedom, allowing people to feel seen and heard. Her approach feels personal, encouraging, and deeply supportive."

Part 4. Your Turn to Speak

Practice the Disappointment Release Technique, then share your experience-

(Join our community where professionals practice speaking their truth safely first.

What you get:

  • Private space to process difficult emotions

  • Monthly Communication Strategy Session with Linnea

  • Community that understands you—and how to find your voice again

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(hint: after summer, my subscription price will double!)

Try this when you're feeling let down by someone or something this week:

  1. Name where you feel it in your body

  2. Breathe into that space

  3. Connect it to what you value

  4. Speak your truth: "I am disappointed because..."

In our private subscriber chat, share:

  • How it felt to give voice to your disappointment

  • What you discovered about your values through this exercise

  • Or simply practice by completing: "I am disappointed because I value _______ and what happened was _______"

This is where you build the courage to speak up about what matters to you. Every time you practice expressing disappointment here, you're preparing for those moments when staying silent costs you too much.

Not ready to share yet? Read what others post. You'll see you're not alone in carrying these feelings.

This is me, the introvert, receiving a prize for my directing and producing. shoulders back arms relaxed, smiling and honestly taking the audience in. I am happy at this speaking event…you can be to!

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