World Introvert Day

When someone introduces themselves, they often say they are introverted and rarely talk. However, I was pleasantly surprised on many occasions when people spoke to me for hours and still defined themselves as introverts. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to distinguish the introvert from the extrovert.

Let’s study this personality type a little more in-depth. In psychology, we have the Big Five Dimensions of personality. It commonly goes by the acronym OCEAN which stands for Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.  Introversion sits on a continuum at the opposite end which is extroversion.

Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. Introverts also typically get more energy and recharge by spending more time alone than with others. It is also important to note that being an introvert does not mean that you are socially anxious or shy.

Who is an introvert?

When someone asks you to describe an introvert, your thoughts might go to the most reserved and thoughtful person you know. Maybe you think of the friend who mostly avoids special attention and social engagements, or the sibling who prefers to occupy a quiet corner with a book, or the family dog, or maybe take the bicycle and speed away into the woods.

According to Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist of the 20th century, an introvert is a person whose interest is inward toward his feelings and thoughts, while an extrovert is toward other people and the outside world mostly.  

Characteristics of an Introvert

Introverts are quiet

Introverts are often considered to be quiet, reserved, mellow, and shy (sometimes the reserved nature is confused with shyness, while they are not). They seldom chit-chat when compared to their counterpart of being extroverts.

Introverts don’t prefer shallow socializing

Lack of interaction with a group is misinterpreted as not being a “people’s person”. They crave a more meaningful connection with the people they talk to.

Introverts have small groups of close friends

Although introverts don’t prefer socializing, they do enjoy a small group of friends who are very close to them.

They like solitude

Introverts can use solitude as a stress reliever, like enjoying a quiet afternoon and spending time with family and friends.

Causes of Introversion

Introverts likely develop due to a combination of both nature and nurture. introversion, like other aspects of personality, develops as a combination of two main factors: genes and environment.

The genetic makeup, or traits inherited from the biological parents, acts as a key in determining where you fall on the personality continuum.

The environment you grow up in also has an important impact. In short, observing how family members behave and respond in social settings can help shape your personality.

Other environmental factors might include:

parenting style

the type of education you receive

experiences with peers

life experiences, especially in childhood

Some well-known personalities who were introverts

Here are a few amazing and well-known personalities who were introverts:

1. Albert Einstein-world-renowned physicist famous for his theory of relativity,

2. Bill Gates- founder of the Microsoft empire

3. J. K. Rowling- Famous for the Harry Potter series

4. Eleanor Roosevelt- longest-serving first lady of the United States.

5. Steven Spielberg- one of the pioneers of the New Hollywood era.

6. Abraham Lincoln- the 16th US president

7. Mahatma Gandhi- nonviolent resistance against British

8. Mark Zuckerberg- founder and CEO of Microsoft

9. Charles Darwin- theory of evolution.

10. Elton John- best-selling music artist,

Here are a few misconceptions that are conceived about introverts.

Myths about being an Introvert

Introverts don’t like people.

Introverts have social anxiety

Introverts are more imaginative and creative.

Introverts need to try harder to be social.

Conclusion

According to estimates, extroverts outnumber introverts by about three to one.  While introverts make up a smaller portion of the population, there is no right or wrong personality type. Instead, both introverts and extroverts should strive to understand each other's differences and similarities. When deciding whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, remember that one type isn't better than the other. Each personality type has its own merits and limitations, the only way is to accept the way you are and of course, learn how to play to your strengths. And don’t forget to Transform Happily!