Do you have giant, crazy dreams that you want to bring into the world? Does fear hold you back? What if I told you that introverts have a hidden superpower that helps them achieve those crazy goals?

Entrepreneurship is often associated with extroverts, but this is a common misconception. Introverts are often misunderstood as being shy and unable to succeed in business.

I get it. My comfort zone is somewhere between my kitchen table and my couch. If I feel wild and crazy, I might meet a friend for drinks or go to a movie theater.

After all, introverts weren't made for the kind of risk involved in starting a business. I may as well pop the popcorn and cue up the Netflix, right?

Not so fast.

What if I told you this study shows that introverted entrepreneurs outnumber extroverts by more than two to one?

But how is that possible? How do introverts, who seem incompatible with risk, make moves that lead them on the path to their dreams?

In chapter 7 of her book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," Susan Cain explores this biology. It is as interesting to unpack as the inner workings of the human brain.

This book encouraged me to learn about entrepreneurship and how to start my dream business. I honed my introverted qualities to learn everything I could about stepping out there in a low-risk and strategic way. It's transformed entrepreneurship from a scary monster to a fun hobby for me.

Now, I love diving into the psychology that drives introverts to take risks that frighten us most.

I have Susan Cain to thank for showing me that introverts can be some of the best entrepreneurs. She gave me scientific evidence that helped me find the confident, introverted leader inside myself.

What's dopamine got to do with it?

As an introvert working in sales, I've felt like a cactus in the Arctic tundra. This environment seems incompatible with life- or at least comfort.

One reason is my motivation. When rewards and recognition are on the table, I think they might be nice to have. But they don't really motivate me or get me excited.

In fact, I've been quick to give my sales leads to others because I saw how excited they were to win the awards. I felt like I was contributing to the office's bottom line and making my co-workers happy.

There is a biological reason behind this behavior difference.

Dopamine is a chemical released in the brain that motivates us to seek rewards. When it floods our brains, we become more alert, talkative, and willing to take risks.

The brains of introverts are different because dopamine is less active. Extroverts become excited and energized at the prospect of achieving a goal. Introverts, on the other hand, become overstimulated.

"A reward-sensitive person is highly motivated to seek rewards- from a promotion to a lottery jackpot to an enjoyable evening with friends." -Susan Cain, Quiet

This motivates us to pursue our goals.

But it can also get people into trouble.

Dopamine is responsible for getting us excited by the prospect of winning big. It can motivate us to take outsized risks and ignore warning signals.

Extroverts are more likely to be reward-sensitive, and introverts are likelier to pay attention to warning signals. This is a superpower when it comes to risk-taking. We don't dive in head first, but we make plans that make sense.

We just have to trust our brains to lead us where we want to go.

Thanks, neocortex!

Introverts are better than extroverts at making a plan and sticking to it. We are more disciplined in our approach.

Susan Cain explains that this is partly due to our brain's Limbic system. We have an "old brain," which is emotional and instinctive. It helped our ancestors outrun saber-tooth tigers. In our tiger-free society, however, it tells us to take risks and not think.

We also have a "new brain" known as the neocortex. This area handles our thinking, planning, and decision-making.

Since these areas can conflict with each other, we make decisions based on which is sending stronger signals.

Extroverts experience more positive emotions with reward-seeking, such as excitement and pleasure. Cain calls this a "buzz," or a rush of energized enthusiasm.

Extroverts' dopamine pathways appear more active than those of introverts. Introverts don't "buzz" as easily.

The buzz fires extroverts up and motivates them to do otherwise difficult things and take risks.

Cain refers to a study with 64 traders at an investment bank. The highest-performing traders were emotionally stable introverts. Introverts are better at delaying gratification, which makes them more cautious and astute investors.

Introvert turtles

Legend has it that the slow and steady tortoise kicked the speedy hare's tail in a footrace.

I'm a sucker for an underdog. In the corporate world, introverts can appear to be behind the curve.

Cautious types are often passed over for promotions. They can be viewed by society as being too guarded or even lazy.

More extroverts get control of capital, institutions, and power. Yet, this isn't always best for the organizations they lead.

Introvert disinclination to charge ahead pays off on intellectual tasks. We are master problem solvers. We slow and steady types carefully consider all scenarios and come up with the best possible outcome. It is an excellent superpower for achieving our most audacious goals.

Not only that, we tend to stay on the task longer and don't give up as quickly. We work more accurately.

We bring focus, determination, and persistence to the table. Boom!

This can be a match for extrovert "buzz" every day of the week.

If you have a passion, you may be familiar with the concept of "flow state." As a writer, I get into this state when I find my fingers typing quickly as the ideas leap from my brain onto my computer screen. It also happens when I create art, and the shadows and lines rush onto the canvas in a torrent of inspiration.

It's also a lot of fun!

Cain explains that this flow state happens when we pursue an activity for its own sake, not the reward it brings. Introverts find flow by using their gifts.

Where does your passion lead you? When do you find yourself in flow?

The answers to those questions may guide you to your most significant achievements.

Make it happen, rockstar!

You don't have to pretend you're an extrovert to succeed. You have everything inside you that you need.

Use your introvert superpowers. Pay attention to warning signals. Use your innate discipline to make a plan and follow through. Believe in your ability to take on any obstacle.

Stay true to your nature. Set that beautiful brain to solve problems in the world. That's what the most successful entrepreneurs do- see the challenges others face and provide value by offering solutions.

Take it slow and steady. Don't race.

By using your innate gifts, you can absolutely change the world.