Day 2 - On Introversion
- nataliedoesyoga
- Aug 14, 2014
- 2 min read
I've been reading a book called Quiet, by Susan Cain (which I totally recommend, the book is beautifully written, doesn't take itself too seriously, and includes numerous studies in various fields from multiple perspectives). The book focuses on the behavioral psychology of introverts - specifically, the function, limitations, and advantages of those with introverted personalities in our extraverted society.
A self-proclaimed introspective individual, I'm always looking for new theories of, about, or relating to human behavior, particularly my own behavior. SO - when I overheard a man at the pool reading excerpts from the book to his wife a few chairs down from me, my interest was piqued. I bought the book, and I've had my nose stuck in it for the last two weeks. I haven't gulped it down like I sometimes do, I've been taking my time reading it and allowing each chapter to sink in. What I've so far learned is this:
Introversion and shyness are not the same thing.
An introverted individual is one who is "energized" by quiet reflection and needs plenty of downtime to recharge (an extraverted individual is one who prefers to unwind in a more "stimulating" atmosphere - usually with a group of friends at a sporting event, bar, etc).
Someone who is shy tends to be more stand-offish - a behavior usually resulting from an innate fear of rejection by others.
I am, in fact, an introvert.
Again, intrigued by what I was reading - and finding that a surprising number of the introvert characteristics applied to me - I decided to take the Meyers-Briggs personality test, which, again, confirmed that I AM AN INTROVERT (INFJ, specifically). I've always been called an extravert. I always considered myself an extravert. But I feel like I now understand my own impulses much better than I did before.
Introverts often have difficulties expressing themselves vocally, but flourish through the written word.
And this brings me to the meat of my post. I have decided to start this blog because this point really hits home for me. My ability to orally communicate has drastically improved over the years, but the fact remains: I'm a writer. I prefer to express myself through THIS medium, and no other. This is the best and easiest way for me to share myself with you, and this is the way I will do it! I've spent so much time writing and musing and generally sorting out my own thoughts on paper, but for all the time I spend revealing, I almost never share these revelations with anyone. I think this new medium will be a good way for me to get my self out there a little more - maybe let a few more of you people get to know me (if you want to).
SO, if you are also interested in learning a little more about yourself, or perhaps learning a little more about these so-called "INTROVERTED" individuals, follow these links to your own personal revelation! Congratulations on taking the time to read through this whole thing, good luck, and thank you!
Meyers-Briggs Personality Test: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp
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