Introvert or Extrovert

Lately, I've been reading Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. It was amazing to read a book that validated who I am and explained some of my reactions. Many the self development books I read coach you to adopt extroverted habits. I often end up feeling like I'm lacking instead of focusing on areas in my life I can improved by using my strengths. I'm planning a few posts based on ideas I picked up in this book, so I think first it would be best to provide a very general definition of what it means to be an introvert or extrovert.

An introvert is a person that needs to recharge alone and spends a lot of time in thought. Some have referred to this constant deep thought as a "rich inner life."

Extroverts are energized by social interaction and maybe quick to speak. They may also tend to think out loud.

It seems to me that either more people are admitting their introversion or it has become popular to claim to be an introvert. It also seems like some people are equating their antisocial preferences to introversion and that is not accurate either. Neither personality type is better than the other and most people are not purely introvert or purely extrovert. My reason for reading and recommending this book is because it is important to understand your strengths and from where you draw your energy. It's also important to understand how other people you meet might be most comfortable and how to tap into their strengths.

There are quizzes all over the internet. Search for one and learn whether you are more introverted or extroverted!



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