Learning to play office politics (for an introverted Asian kid)

I'm naturally "introverted," but I learned - like you - that being introverted wasn't going to get me very far in life. You gotta stop using the word "introverted" and the "introverted Asian" stereotype as a crutch. That's not who you are but who you're choosing to be now.

You're going to have to break out of your shell.

Half your "introversion," or confidence problems will disappear once you start working out for several reasons.

1. Having a fit body increases your confidence all around. You look good, feel good, and it even helps you think better. If you don't take anything else from my post, just start moving some heavy weights.

2. Most of the time, people already have how they're going to treat you figured out before you even open your mouth. You probably have that "I'm an introverted Asian kid" energy written all over you. They believe they have you figured out, and once you fail their shit test, it's a wrap. Most of this is done unconsciously. There's just no second chance at a first impression. People respect people that look fit. Not because they're scared of you or anything, but they just respect people that are fit. It's harder to gain respect as a weak-looking timid kid.

3. You need to force yourself to be more social. A lot of Gen-Z are socially awkward because they live their lives behind a phone or computer. Just rip the band-aid and force yourself to talk to people. The gym is cool cause you have a lot of guys there that used to be weak, and inside, they're still that scrawny, shy guy even though they're now the biggest guy in the gym. They see themselves in people like you and would love to take you under their wing and be cool with you. You just need to be around more masculine energy.

Take Zyzz for example. He was a shy bullied World of Warcraft nerd in high school, sold his account, got a gym membership (and some steroids), and became a sick cunt. You don't have to take steroids or look like him, but it's just an example.

Aside from working out, you should read: How to Win Friends and Influence People. Go out with the friends you're going to make at the gym, and just force yourself to interact with people in all sorts of different situations. Do you want to make a new friend, and force yourself to break out of your shell? Walk up to the biggest guy in the gym that's by himself, and tell him you're new and need some tips because he looks like he knows what he's doing. Worst case, you'll instantly gain his respect, even if he doesn't have the time to help you. Best case, you made your first gym bro. Talking to people is a skill you can learn just like any other skill. It comes to some people more naturally, but other people have to work on it. You can too, so do it.

But your energy/vibe and appearance need to match your words. Again, working out will help with that. It will really make most of your problems go away. You won't be the same person after six months of lifting weights and gaining muscle, and you will notice how differently people will treat you.