12 Passion Project and Research Ideas for Introverts
6 minute read
In a world that often celebrates extroverted qualities and sees most leaders as extroverts, introverted individuals bring an invaluable perspective to the table. Introverts tend to find their truest selves in quieter moments, where their creativity, passions, and personal growth flourish.
There are also far more introverted people than we probably think. According to a Myers-Briggs company survey, 56.8% of people around the world prefer introversion. Passion projects can serve as an excellent outlet for introverted students to express themselves and learn new skills.
In this article, we’ll discuss how passion projects can be beneficial for introverts and we’ll also offer potential passion project ideas for introverts.
Why Are Passion Projects Well-Suited for Introverts?
Passion projects can work very well for introverts because you can usually go at your own pace for your project. Introverts thrive in deep contemplation and may choose to take a longer time with their thinking, which can allow them to bring really great perspectives forward. Without a time constraint or deadline, a passion project can allow introverts to take their time in processing information and thinking through how they want to approach a project.
Introverts also tend to show a preference for solitude and one on one relationships compared to extroverts and this also lends itself well to passion projects. With a passion project, there is absolutely no requirement to collaborate with a big group. At its core, a passion project is your own personal exploration of your chosen topic. It’s something that can be deeply explored and perhaps best explored if on your own. However, if you’re feeling stuck on your project, there’s always the option to work one-on-one with a research mentor to help guide you and get you through challenges. With our Polygence programs, students can also decide when and how frequently they want to meet with their program mentor, so they have complete control over the amount of social interaction needed to make the project successful.
Finally, the outcome of a passion project is up to you. There is no requirement that says that the final product of a passion project has to be a slideshow presentation or a TED talk. Although many students will certainly choose that route, passion projects for introverts can be displayed through other creative means that don’t involve presenting in front of an audience. As a result, the work accomplished by introverts through their passion projects can still be showcased proudly. Later in the article, we’ll cover different ways introverts can showcase their research and passion projects.
Passion Project Ideas for Introverts
1. Language learning journey
Learn a new language and document your progress through written blog posts. In those blog posts, share language learning tips, resources, and cultural insights with your audience. If you’re looking for websites to write and publish your blog, start with Medium or Substack.
2. Virtual museum tour guide
Research and curate virtual tours of museums or historical sites that interest you, providing insightful written or verbal commentary.
3. Minimalist living blog
Embrace minimalism and document your journey to simplify your life. You can keep a journal or publish a blog where you make note of the progress you’re making and the strategies that you’re trying.
4. Nature photography account
Focus on capturing the beauty of your local environment, such as landscapes, flora, and fauna. Create a portfolio or Instagram account to showcase your photographs.
5. Personal podcasting
Start a podcast where you explore topics you're passionate about through in-depth, one-on-one discussions. You can collaborate on this with a friend who can help with production or be a co host. This kind of project allows you to really have great conversations and learn from others in a peaceful environment. Also make sure that your podcast has a specific purpose or topic in mind and isn’t too generic. If you need more guidance about how to get started with creating a podcast, check out this ultimate podcasting resource list.
6. Mindfulness and meditation guides
Develop audio or written guides for mindfulness practices and meditation techniques. You can help others to find their inner peace and in the process also manage your own stress and wellbeing through your content.
7. Virtual art gallery
Showcase your creative artwork in a virtual gallery setting, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate your creations. Consider if you want your virtual gallery to have a specific theme or message behind it. You can use platforms like Artsteps to create and design your own VR gallery.
8. Historical fiction writing
Write historical fiction stories set in different time periods that intrigue you. Research the time period extensively so that you can include accurate details and events in your story, and think through what your characters will be like given the time period they’re in. Once you’re done, you can share your stories on a platform like Wattpad where writers can share their original stories.
Let History guide your Future!
Register to get paired with one of our expert history mentors and to get started on exploring your passions today! See how far you can go in history to impact the future.
9. Indoor plant care tips
Cultivate a collection of indoor plants and share your care routines, propagation methods, and troubleshooting advice.
10. Online puzzle or brain teaser hub
Compile and create puzzles, riddles, and brain teasers for a dedicated online audience. This can encourage critical thinking and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way. You can share these brainteasers in any way that you think is best, whether that’s through a social media account or some other site.
11. Book reviews and recommendations
Read and review books that resonate with you, and offer your honest thoughts about the book on your blog. Beyond publishing your reviews on your blog, you can use a website like Goodreads to publish your reviews and also follow your friends to see what they’re reading.
12. Personal growth and productivity blog
Document your exploration of personal development, time management, and study techniques. Share your insights on how to thrive in high school and beyond. Try to take things one goal at a time.
Ways Introverts Can Showcase Research and Passion Projects
An important aspect of passion projects for introverts is how you want to showcase your project. Introverts may not feel totally comfortable with presenting in front of a large audience and may need to find other ways to present their work. Ultimately, the direction that you take for showcasing your passion project is based on whatever is comfortable to you.
Maybe the direction you choose is to publish your work in writing and create a personal blog where you can document your journey and share your findings. Maybe you feel a little more comfortable with creating a video where you provide verbal commentary about your project findings, and you share that video on your social media. Regardless, introversion and extroversion are on a spectrum, and there isn’t one clear cut way that all introverts must follow to showcase their work. Just make sure that whichever route you choose, you’re providing context about the scope of your research or passion project and the detailed steps you took to accomplish your project.
Research and passion project showcasing resources
More Than Just a Number: Showcasing Your Research Experience on the College Application
Oozing Intellectual Vitality: Showcasing Research on College Applications
Conclusion
As an introvert, there are an infinite number of passion projects you could pursue and many ways to showcase your work that align with your comfort level and personal aspirations. We encourage you to use the passion project and research ideas for introverts we’ve listed as inspiration to design a project that’s uniquely your own!
If you see yourself as an introvert and you’re interested in pursuing a passion project, Polygence’s programs are a great place to start. You’ll be able to meet virtually one-on-one with a mentor who can help guide you and help you overcome challenges in your passion project journey.
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Ready to research with an expert and on your schedule?
Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!