Meet Peter Vogt

Why did Luke Skywalker trust Yoda?

Simple: Yoda had empathy and experience, which together breed trust.

Yoda had been a Jedi knight too, after all; he had walked in Luke Skywalker’s shoes. Thus he had the credibility that a trusted mentor provides.

At the same time, Yoda also demonstrated — through his actions and his words — that Luke was the hero in his own story. Yoda was simply the trusted guide on the side.

Why am I bringing up Star Wars? Well, if I were in your shoes right now, I’d be asking two critical questions about this guy Peter Vogt behind Introvert Insights:

1. “Does he really get me and my introversion?”
2. “Does he really have the expertise to help me thrive?”

More bluntly: “Can I trust him?”

I’ve been studying introverts and introversion for more than 20 years. I read about introverts and introversion virtually every day, largely (though not exclusively) to write my monthly newsletter, Introvert Insights.

But you want to know what really matters if you’re thinking about reading something I’ve written or listening to something I have to say where introverts and introversion are concerned?

I’m an introvert.

Or should I say: I’m an introvert too! And I’ve been an introvert for 52 years now and counting.

Yes, I have a master’s degree in counseling, a bachelor’s in journalism. But my own experiences as an introvert — the exhaustion, confusion, and frustration I felt earlier in my life, as well as the illumination and liberation that have come later — are my most convincing credential.

Like Luke Skywalker, you’re the hero in your own story. Let’s be very clear about that. But I can be a Yoda to you — because I do “get” you and your introversion. And I do have the knowledge and experience to be your trusted guide on the side.

—Peter Vogt