Introversion is a subject that has most certainly been addressed in the past. But, I’m a bit amazed at the amount of people I encounter that have not come to terms with this (as they see it) abnormality. Under the presumption that most people probably haven’t looked into the intricacies of what being an introvert entails in any kind of depth, it would seem that those feeling they fit this proposed archetype of an introvert could easily “assume” they are misfits at best in today’s social and economic atmosphere. With that type of preconceived self-image, it’s obvious that one’s faith in having the (seemingly necessary) social tools to pursue a new life quest might be hampered.
The Problem
If we take a quick look into what the characteristics of an introvert may be, what is typically presented is a set of synonyms or catch phrases such as shy, unsocial, more reserved, or less outspoken. In the extreme we hear such phrases as one with a social phobia, or even worse, having an avoidant personality disorder. We can add to this dilemma if we take the same “quick glimpse” approach to understanding what the parameters of an extrovert entails. Synonyms such as enthusiastic, social, assertive, talkative, and outspoken are what will come up in a brief overview. In today’s society, labels such as these seem to represent the prudent persona to strive for in an increasingly competitive and aggressive culture. With this brief comparison of the two, the introvert seems to be at a disadvantage. The problem, or better said, the assumption is; in today’s culture, being an introvert is a counterproductive posture at best.
The Solution
First, learn to embrace your introversion, and here’s a brief presentation of the logic behind this declaration.
Introverts are energized by what we might call their “internal world,” the world of ideas and emotions. This is how Carl Jung viewed them, people whose energy and ideas tend to expand through reflection as opposed to interaction. Because of that dynamic, they can spend long periods of time working in solitude where ideas coming from within are more apt to materialize. It has been said that there is actually a correlation between introversion and intelligence. Einstein (a self-proclaimed introvert) quickly comes to mind.
They also tend to be more analytical before speaking, thinking things through before reacting. Because of this “less outspoken” demeanor, the introvert is more apt to be a better listener than the extrovert who craves social interaction and tends to keep their focus outside of themselves. In a grander sense, the introvert’s tendency to concentrate more on their own mental excursions, embracing their pause-to-reflect self, are also more apt to search for life’s meaning more than its rewards, pursuing the rich inner life rather than the over-populized American dream façade. But for those who aspire to that life-picture (which I say with no judgment), let me present the other side with a quick short list of highly successful introverts in today’s society: Warren Buffet, J.K. Rowling, Bill Gates, Marc Zuckerberg, and Julia Roberts. Nough said?
Secondly, we have to acknowledge that there are most assuredly definite benefits to being an extrovert in today’s culture. It would be ludicrous to think not. But like so many other aspects in life, I would contend that creating a balance would be the optimum alternative. Because introversion and extroversion are by no means fixed categories, we can look beyond an either-or scenario. There is a personality spectrum, a middle ground if you will to be considered in the interrogation of this aspect of one’s personality profile. It is called Ambiversion.
Ambiverts tend to display characteristics of both sides, being comfortable with groups and enjoying social interaction as well as relishing time alone. They can be gregarious at one moment and then meditative in the next. This easily sets the stage for seeing the potential rewards of one’s introversive and extroversive proclivities being in balance – being manifested at different times in response to different situations. To expand this point, we can look at a bit of a historical observation on this perspective from Carl Jung. Jung spoke of two noted psychologists of his time, Sigmund Freud and Alfred Alder, and how they actually developed opposite theories from studying the same case histories, which Jung felt came from the opposing temperaments of these well known psychologists. The point here is that Jung felt they “both” captured something of value, a testament per se to the legitimacy of Ambiversion.
Some Thoughts
Here is a timely example of the advantage of utilizing both introversive and extroversive tendencies. The introvert as I’ve mentioned has that ability to contemplate on their own mental excursions. The process of reimaging a problem falls right into that category, which I would consider to be a more introvert-based activity. We all have the capacity to invoke the power of our imagination. But it seems that for many, taking the time to re-imagine and reconstruct the challenges one faces to discover alternatives remains on the back burner. Focusing on “the answer” takes precedence over the technique of reimaging “the question.” Here is a proposed (and timely) example to exemplify my point. The question:
“How can I spend 8 hours a day working on what truly matters to me as opposed to what I’m doing now?”
Instead of putting the focus on pondering some type of linear-based answer, let’s look at what may ensue by reimaging the question. To wit:
- What has transpired in my life that has put me in the employment situation I’m in now, and how do I feel about that?
- Knowing the talent (and the passion) I already possess, why is it I find myself involved in a totally unrelated work atmosphere.
- Do I fail to enact change because my [perceived] financial responsibilities are charge of my life as opposed to myself?
- Is it arrogant on my behalf to focus on my own personal needs when it comes to considering any type of next step in my vocational journey?
- Is “status” the bottom line in terms of my decision making process in this area?
- Would friends and family see me as irresponsible as far as “following my dream” is concerned, and how do I feel about that?
- Is it nothing more than fashion to be considering some kind of meaning to my life in this area?
What we are employing here is referred to as synthetic imagination, a way to arrange old concepts, ideas, and thoughts into new combinations. Think of the added insight you would gain in terms of that initial question by contemplating the seven “reconstructions” of the question I presented, an exercise in reimaging.
Once this is completed, we then lean toward the extroversive approach, taking those insights and seeking some type of interaction to exploit a more multi-perspective based view of the subject at hand (and your thoughts), embracing that more open and gregarious persona. I hope through this example you can more clearly see the advantage of a more ambivert-based approach, one that honors both sides of the coin as well as negating any type of introvert enigma.
