Social anxiety can be a hindrance, but sometimes it can also be a blessing. While it can be a difficult and consuming issue to deal with, it can also provide budding entrepreneurs with unique advantages. Here’s a look at the positive benefits of having social anxiety.

1. Increased Creativity

Social anxiety can cause us to withdraw from others and by doing so, allow our true creative minds to come up with unique and innovative ideas. This is because when we are in new and uncertain situations, our brain is hard at work ironing out what to do next, and how to improve it and make it better. The time and energy we spend thinking and analyzing a situation helps us to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems.

2. Attention to Detail

Those with social anxiety tend to be analytical and pay more attention to details. This serves as a great benefit for people in engaging in any kind of business. Doing detailed and thorough research can help find a solution to difficult problems. Being able to thoroughly investigate cause and effect relationships can also help in understanding customer needs and wants. This can help businesses better serve their clients. Furthermore, paying attention to the small details can help identify potential issues before they become big ones that could prove difficult to fix.

3. Better Performing Under Pressure

A study published by the Journal of Genetic Psychology found that those who have experienced high social anxiety, can perform better under pressure in comparison to those without the anxiety. This means that those with social anxiety can perform well when put into demanding work scenarios, where time and accuracy are paramount.

4. High Levels of Self Awareness

Social anxiety can also help to enhance one’s self-awareness. Those who battle this condition are more in tune with their inner emotions, which can be beneficial when running a business or working with clients. This heightened sense of awareness can help entrepreneurs better gauge people’s reactions and understand what makes them tick. Going into business meetings armed with this knowledge can pave the way for better results.

Having social anxiety is not easy, but with the right understanding and management skills, it can actually account for some positive benefits that entrepreneurs can use to grow their businesses. Taking the time to understand the benefits of social anxiety can help those who are affected by this condition best use them in their work and life.