Are You an Innie or an Outie?

Not your belly button, your personality type! Do you know which one you are?  There are 2 cornerstone categories in Myers-Briggs personality typing. Before we go any further though, let’s reframe the label from “Personality Types” to “Personality Tendencies”, which are…
 

• Extroverts (personally, I think this group would be better described as “Outroverts”)
• Introverts

 
It used to be thought that the majority of the population were Extroverts. Then, based on the work of Dr. Carl Jung, Ambiverts became recognized. 
 
Ambiverts apparently exhibit both Extrovert and Introvert tendencies (perhaps with one more dominant than the other.)  It has recently been estimated that Ambiverts represent anywhere from 33-50% of the population and true Extroverts and Introverts make up the rest.
 
Knowing your dominant Personality Tendency could be a game-changer for you.
 
Why?
 
Because what fuels Extroverts is very different from what fuels Introverts. The simplest way to differentiate the two is as follows
 

• Extroverts are driven by lots of interaction and socialization. They gain energy from being around other people and engaging in lots of conversation.  Extroverts are comfortable in groups and noise, plus frequently enjoy being the center of attention.

 

• Introverts gain their energy from alone-time and one-on-one time.  They can feel drained by too much social interaction and loud events, and can often become quiet in large-group settings. Introverts are often, mistakenly, perceived as anti-social.

 
I recently read a quote that said   “Introverts are not failed Extroverts!”
 
And I loved it!!!
 
Because I tend far more toward Introvert, I am going to speak from that perspective in the balance of this post.
 
People who know me say that I’ve been – ahem -  “misdiagnosed”, so to speak.  I think many Introverts, myself included, “masquerade” as Extroverts to try and fit in with a very busy, competitive society and demanding lifestyle.
 
This masquerade actually denies the Introvert the space needed to re-charge.
 
The person who can embrace their Introvert Tendency will actually find empowerment.
 

• You will know how to manage your energy so that you recharge, rather than deplete. 
• You’ll become comfortable to allow yourself the time and space to re-energize after you’ve had occasion to be in an over-stimulating (for you) environment.
• You might feel a sense of freedom and release, knowing there’s nothing wrong with you, it’s simply that you have a different way of taking care of yourself and setting yourself up for success - by your own definition.

 
Introverts’ brains are just wired differently than Extroverts’, which is explained simplistically, and well, in this article, written by an Introvert
 
Recognizing my own Introvert tendency brought a huge wave of self-acceptance and self-love to my life.  It helped me to stop wronging myself for being content in my own company and honouring activities and a lifestyle that keep me feeling at peace.
 
If you are unsure of which type you are (tendency you have), here is a link to a free Personality Type test based on the theories of Dr. Carl Jung and the work of the Myers-Briggs mother/daughter team.
 
When I took the test, upon conclusion, I received a report which gave me enormous insight into my personality traits and way of processing the world around me. 
 
It was invaluable for me, at 56, to embrace and nurture my “Innie”.
 
If you know you’re an Introvert and have struggled with that, please, please, puh-lease be much kinder to yourself. 
 
There is nothing wrong with you!
 
Yes, we all do have flaws, but being an Innie is NOT a flaw. 
 
Whatever you do, remember to Be FLAWSOME…. Accept Your Flaws. Still Feel  Awesome!
 
Namaste
 
 
*I write in the interest of entertainment. Nothing I write is intended to offend.  I love writing and my fondest desire is that you’ll enjoy my post AND find even just one little nugget of value in what I write. I am not an expert in this blog topic, which is why I provide links to supporting information. As always, I caution readers to do their own due diligence and research as to whether what ever I’ve written about is suitable for them.  My full cautionary statement and disclaimer are at the bottom of this Blog page.
 
A * next to a link means that I have used and loved the product or service, AND become an affiliate. If you use my link, I’ll get credit for it, and that makes me happy.  Thank you!

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