Introvert, Extrovert, Ambivert?

There is a lot of interesting research that has come out in regarding to introverts and extroverts.

Just like every aspect of life, there is a lot of grey area. This is also true of where we each fall on the Introvert-Extrovert scale. No one is truly one or the other. Susan Cain talks about this in her revolutionary book “Quiet”.

She also bring up some research that addresses “Ambiverts”, those people who are occupy the middle of the scale.

The Scale

Where people fall on the introverted-extroverted scale is not static for anyone. People fluctuate between being extroverted and introverted. It’s why even the most reserved people go out on the town, or why the most loud people sometimes want to stay in and read a book on occasion. Ambiverts tend to just occupy the middle more, with less extreme fluctuations.

What are you? How do you identify on this scale?

I would wholeheartedly identify as an introvert. However, on some occasions I will venture out alone in search of social activity. Some people on occasion would consider me loud and even outgoing. That however is not my main speed. I am usually more reserved and even lost in thought at times. Even personality tests squarely peg me as an introvert.

But some people say I’m outgoing, shows you that I occupy the scale of Introversion and extroversion. Heck, maybe if someone were to study me I would be considered an Ambivert.

But enough about me, what about you? How do you identify? Have you thought about this before? Have you thought about how this affects your creativity and your social life?

Introvert Stigma

A lot of times introverts get a “less than” status applied to them, generally. Which is really too bad.

Susan Cain does an amazing job of building up introverts. She goes on to say that some of the best books, bridges, and works of art came from introverts! Think about it, she’s right!

A true work of art could never be created without that deep level of connection and focus. An open office or a party setting would never have allowed for the birth of a highly creative pieces.

So if you are an introvert, that should be leveraged. We live in the most distracted era that’s ever been documented. If you can focus deeply and put out highly involved work, this is going to make you shine.

Focus & FLOW

Cal Newport talks about this in his book “Deep Work”.

If you have this ability, start using it. Whether you need to tuck yourself away in a quiet room with some white noise or maybe the subtle background chatter of a coffee shop, get into a state of FLOW.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (Mee-Hi CHEEK-sent-me-hi-ee) talks about this in his book “Flow”.

Getting into a state of Flow is a pretty magical thing. I’ve experienced it playing music in the past. I’ve experiencing it working out. I’ve experienced it with writing. I’ve experienced with drawing and graphic design.

Getting lost for hours on a creative piece. Forgetting to drink or eat. Forgetting about the fact that you stubbed your toe or about that bill that’s due. It’s a pretty incredible thing.

Have you found yourself in a state of Flow?

Extroverts and extroverted lessons

Now don’t think I’m trying to talk down the Extroverts in the room. You have a unique power as well. You feed from other people’s energy. You harness being in the company of other, as opposed to being alone.

People can be the fuel that makes a project really come to life.

Connecting with people whether you’re an extrovert, ambivert or introvert is extremely important.

Understanding what you are and how you thrive is extremely powerful.

Test

By taking a personality test, you will shed some light on how you are wired.

In my last post about “Passion”, I have a link for an insightful and visual personality test.

I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch and let me know where you fall on the introvert-extrovert scale.