Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Introverts — individuals with styles that are quieter and much more reflective — commonly flourish within the inner workings in their particular minds. Extroverts, nevertheless, are more sociable and tend to feel comfortable surrounded by men and women.
But societal savvy isn’t the only difference between the two character types: Research demonstrates that the variables that contribute to those that add to an introvert’s happiness and an extrovert’s well-being don’t always mesh.
“An introvert’s rocket fuel is an extrovert’s Kryptonite and vice versa,” says Nancy Ancowitz, business communication trainer and writer of Self-Promotion for Introverts. “Long stretches of quiet activities like reading, writing, and studying may energize an introvert, but might function as solitary confinement for an extrovert. Regular social interactions and multitasking can energize an extrovert and actually zap an introvert.”
Are Extroverts Happier Than Introverts?
Quite a couple of research have suggested that, when it comes to overall happiness, extroverts prevail. The validity of the studies depends on the manner in which you define happiness, but Ancowitz believes they may simply reflect that extroverts are somewhat more likely to participate in what are traditionally considered to be positive stimuli. Another explanation is the fact that extroverts respond more strongly to “positive” experiences than introverts.
In a single study, researchers evaluated undergraduate students who completed a series of surveys that were on-line on life satisfaction, style, and personal memories. They discovered that people with an extroverted style recalled the past more positively as compared to people who have other character types — they were most likely to recall enjoyable, joyous downplay disagreeable ones and occasions.
Ancowitz considers that we have to consider this kind of research with a grain of salt since our cultural prejudice will celebrate marginalize introverts and extroverts. “Surely, extroverts are somewhat more demonstrative about their happiness as compared to introverts,” notes Ancowitz. “An extrovert’s notion of happiness — encompassing yourself with lots of friends, in the Facebook definition of the word — is quite different from an introvert’s — participating in deep dialogue with a single individual at a time or curling up with a Kindle.”
Although many think that having an introverted personality would lead to poorer mental health and wellbeing, in truth, introverted individuals are usually equally as balanced as those with extroverted personalities. Their happiness may only come in forms and an alternative contours.
“Despite the cultural prejudice that depicts introverts as loners and losers, there is nothing wrong with you if you are an introvert. You are prone to appreciate associating with people … in doses,” Ancowitz says. “It might come as a surprise that introverts really yak more. Nevertheless, it’s inside their heads: Studies on the brain imply that introverts possess a high level of internal yak than extroverts.”
7 Ways to Be a Happy Introvert
To help introverts flourish within an extroverted world and stay emotionally healthy, Ancowitz advocates the following:
- Pamper — rather than deride — your love of quiet time. A little “me time” will empower one to re-energize and do your best thinking.
- Scrap the small talk. There’s no should function as the final man standing in a social event; intention to possess a few thoughtful conversations instead of working the room — that may be draining.
- Chalk yourself up (without talking yourself up). Encourage your strengths softly through composing, using social networking tools, developing powerful relationships, and asking for introductions and referrals.
- Make buddies with public speaking. “It’s an extremely efficient usage of your energy,” says Ancowitz. “Get up before the room once and reach many more individuals than you usually would in a day.”
- Be the “go to” man in your area of expertise. Write about it, speak about it, and spread the word to people who would take advantage of it.
- Practice your lines. Ancowitz suggests that something as simple as “Hello, my name is Nancy,” along with great eye contact and an extended hand, is generally all you need.
- Be a matchmaker. This places you as a valuable connector and takes the spotlight off of you.
So go celebrate your nature that is introverted and relish the truth that you’re your own best firm.