The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney (Psy.D)
Many people are under the impression that introverted people are all shy, wallflowers who can’t bring themselves to speak in public and don’t have many friends. Not so. Introverts are charged by the internal world of ideas, impressions and emotions whereas extroverts are energized by the outer world. Introverts are often public people, outgoing funny, and have great social skills.
The book Introvert Advantage gives a great overview of what it really means to be an introvert and how to successfully navigate relationships, business, leadership and more as an introvert. It’s good stuff and I’d recommend it to those who are curious about the introvert/extrovert differences and those who manage people.
As an introvert myself, but one who loves to be around people and has various leadership roles, I found it affirming and instructive. Here are a few of my take aways:
1. You gotta be yourself. Society tells most introverts that extroversion is the only way to live, but many people are wired that way and it feels false to them. This book will encourage introverts to understand and be comfortable with who God designed them to be.
“It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing ot be what he is” Erasmus
2. Both Extroverts and Introverts must know their own temperament. So often the challenge introverts have is that they don’t know or plan ways to refuel their energy on a regular basis. Introverts need to plan and schedule time away from others to think, plan, an refuel. Knowing yourself and how you best work is part of leading a healthy life.
3. Introversion and Extroversion are not Yes or No. Many people, including myself in this, are introverts in measures of degress. You can’t easily say all introverts are alike or that they’re all shy and reclusive. Don’t pigeon hole yourself or others, just be yourself and enjoy others for who they are.
4. Appreciate the differences. Where would life be if we were all the same? It certainly wouldn’t be very much fun. Introverts, love and appreciate your outgoing, extrovert brethren. Extroverts, love and appreciate your introvert friends as they’re often helping you to really enjoy life to the fullest.
Recommendation: Great book. Take a look at it.
David Curry
