A book about the power of introverts has
been making waves
Introverts are misunderstood – that’s the
message in Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking by
Susan Cain, which, as the title suggests, celebrates the silent type.
Typically, if you’re an introvert, people think
you’re shy.
Rather unfairly, being a quiet person can
be regarded as a negative by others. Typically, if you’re an introvert, people
think you’re shy. That’s a myth – introversion simply implies a preference for
quietness, solitude and reflection, as apposed to thriving on expressing
yourself and being around others. Shyness doesn’t come into introversion – in
fact, you can be a she extrovert. Nor does introversion mean you’re unfriendly
or dislike being around people. It’s just that you thrive on think before you
speak.
In fact, introversion versus extroversion
is far from black and quite – extroverts may enjoy quiet, solitary activities
such as reading and writing, for example. But, as a general rule of thumb, if
you’re an introvert you tend to feel drained after being at a big gathering
with lots of people – extroverts, conversely, are likely to feel stimulated and
inspired.
If you’re an introvert, it’s important to
understand yourself and why you need to be quiet at times and require time
alone.
Extroverts
may enjoy quiet, solitary activities such as reading and writing
Otherwise it can be easy to feel you simple
don’t fit in and there’s something wrong with u.
In the West, particularly in the workplace,
Cain explains that introverts have been at a disadvantage, because the people
who shout the loudest have tended to be regarded as confident go-getters and
are favoured within companies (it’s a cultural thing –in China, wuiet,
hardworking people are prized)
The benefits
But that might be changing, with workplaces
beginning to recognize the advantages of having quiet, thoughtful employees.
There could also be great psychological value in embracing your inner
introvert. There’s a lot of emphasis on issues is the best thing you could do,
particularly if you’re the anxious type, research has shown. Talking too much
about problems can amplify issues.
There
could also be great psychological value in embracing your inner introvert.
Sometimes, it might be better to simply wit
with a problem. You may feel anxious initially, but you may find that the
troubling thought simply passes out of your mind again (mindfulness meditation,
which teaches you to observe thoughts with detachment, can help). There’s a
balance, of course – it’s not good to bottle things up and often, talking can
relieve the burden. But why not try holding your worries in for a little while
and seeing what happens?
