Characteristics Of An Introvert
One of the major characteristics of an introvert is they pay more attention to inner feelings by default rather than external inputs or stimulations. Contrary to belief, being an introvert does not necessarily mean that the person is shy or not good at socializing. Introversion is different from shyness or social anxiety.
People often view introversion and extraversion as two extreme polarized opposites. If a person is not labeled as an introvert, then he or she is considered as an extrovert. However, the truth is that introversion and extraversion are actually on a spectrum and they are not mutually exclusive. In real life, most people are lying in the middle of the spectrum instead of the end of the spectrum. Hence, when a person is known as an introvert, we understand it as he or she inclines to lean towards introversion more than extraversion.
Who Is Considered As An Introvert
Many researchers believe that there are 5 core dimensions of personality traits. This “big five personality traits” have a brilliant acronym of OCEAN (Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism)
Within the extraversion theory, people are who are low in extraversion are categorized as an introvert.
Introverts are more reserved people, tend to focus more on inner feelings and thoughts rather than looking for external stimulation. Unlike extroverts who feel energized around other people, introverts have to expend energy in social situations. This is why introverts often feel that social occasions like party or gathering are energy-draining and they need a period of solitude (me time) to recharge.
7 Signs You Are An Introvert
There are a few common signs you can use to learn if you or people you know are introverts.
1) Prefer Solitude
An introvert likes to spend time pursuing things or hobbies that he enjoys alone. These can be things like reading a good book, exploring an interesting topic on Youtube, or have a small relaxing walk in the garden. Spending time alone allows introverts to recollect themselves after social activities and be fully recharged. If you enjoy “me time” a lot as it helps you to connect deeper with yourself and help you in self-reflection, then you might be an introvert.
2) Social Events Drain Energy From You
Unlike extroverts who gain energy by interacting with people, introverts have their energy drained from social occasions. This is why introverts often feel super exhausted after spending an extended time with others. They like to create time and space to be alone immediately after social events. Another difference between introverts and extroverts is that when it comes to socializing events, introverts like to spend quality time with a close group of friends who they are already familiar with, while extroverts enjoy starting a new conversation and making new friends. If you expend energy instead of gaining energy from social events, this might suggest that you are an introvert.
Research shows that people with a higher level of extraversion respond differently to dopamine, a chemical in the reward circuitry of your brain. Extroverts get a jolt of satisfaction or energy from social interactions because of the chemical. On the other hand, the introverts feel overstimulated.
3) Social Circle Is Smaller But Higher Quality
It is a common misconception that introverts do not like to interact with other people. While social events can be energy-draining for them, introverts could still enjoy spending some quality time with a close group of friends. Just like playing badminton, it is energy-draining, yet we can still love and enjoy it very much.
Unlike extroverts, introverts have a smaller group of friends because they tend to pick their buddies more carefully. Their social circle may be smaller but their friendship is often more significant compared to the extroverts. Also, introverts do not like to interact with a large group of people. It is too much for them. They prefer to have a deeper and more meaningful conversation with just one or two people at the same time.
If you have a small yet very close group of friends, it is a good indicator that you are an introvert.
4) Independent Thinker
Not only introverts are highly aware of their thinking process and emotions, but they also seek to understand it better. They like to spend quality alone for self-reflection and to discover more about themselves. And, this is why they tend to have greater insights about themselves, including who they are, what motivates them, and what do they want in life.
They often spend time to learn why they think, feel and act in a certain way. Such a self-examining and self-understanding process gives them plenty of energy and they enjoy doing it very much. They analyze things that happen in life and themselves a lot and they also like to form their insights, definition or opinions for the things they explore. This makes them a good independent thinker.
If you like to analyze your thinking process a lot, like to form your definition or opinions for things in life instead of directly accepting an opinion from the others, you are most probably an introvert.
5) Speak Less But Impactful
Introverts are frequently defined as a person who is quiet and reserved. However, being an introvert does not mean the person is shy or lack of social skills.
You will be surprised that introverts can be a very good conversationalist if they find the topic interesting and meaningful. In general, they just do not like superficial and needless small chat. They would rather keep quiet and observe rather than talking about things they do not genuinely interested in.
Some people like to speak first, and think second. It is by expressing, they slowly conclude their opinions on things or themselves. However, introverts do the other way around. They like to think and to form an opinion first before adding something to the conversation. This is why they speak less but their ideas are often right to the point and impactful. If you found yourself often doing the latter, there’s a good chance you’re an introvert.
6) Tend To Cut Down Inputs And Stimulation
According to Eysenck’s theory, introverts have a naturally high level of arousal. This means that they are more alert and tend to take in more information from the environment. What is normal for others can be overstimulation for them. This is why they often need to retreat from social events to a quiet environment to process and reflect on the inputs received.
Unlike extroverts, introverts are easier to get distracted. If there are a lot of activities going on around them, too many inputs from the environment can make them feel hectic and overwhelmed. This is why they tend to cut down larger social events like parties and dislike being the center of attention. If you find yourself often avoid social situations that are too happening, it could be a sign you are an introvert.
7) Creative & Self Suffice
Due to nature, introverts prefer to think and process a lot. It is the same when it comes to working. This allows them to form their own opinions on how the work should be performed, tracked and evaluated. This is why they are very self-sufficient and require much less supervision than extroverts.
Besides that, because introverts tend to think independently and look for answers from within first, their ideas are usually more unique, innovative, and not easily influenced by external factors. The things that introverts enjoy can be writing, programming, drawing, or other things that allow them to reflect their inner thoughts in their creation.
What Causes Introversion and extraversion?
The main reason why a person has higher introversion compared to the others is that they have a naturally higher arousal level.
This arousal level is being controlled by the reticular activating system (RAS) located in the brainstem. The main function of RAS is to regulate our conscious activity and controlled how much inputs we take in while we are awake.
According to Hans Eysenck’s arousal theory of extraversion, introverts have a higher level of arousal by default. They tend to take in more information from the environment and this can easily cause overstimulation. Hence, they prefer a quiet environment to reduce stimulation and to process acquired information.
The concept is simple. Just like people who are sensitive to light tend to lower down the brightness on their phone and laptop screen; introverts who are more alert compared to others tend to lower down the stimulation they receive and prefer to spend more time alone.
Introvert Vs. Extrovert
Characteristics of An Introvert:
- Enjoy Solitude
- Dislike being the center of attention
- Prefer one-on-one relationships
- Think before they speak
- Not as talkative
- Recharge by spending time alone
- Like to do self-reflection and self-discovery
- Like to work in quiet or low stimulation environments
- Self suffice and highly independent
- Can be seen as reserved
- Internally aware
- A smaller group of close friends
Characteristics of An Extrovert:
- Wider social circle
- Enjoy being the center of attention
- Speak first, think second
- Make quick decisions
- Gain energy from interacting with other people
- Seeking more external stimulation
- Like to initiate a connection and make new friends
- Thrive in team-oriented work settings
- Likes to participate in group activities, parties, etc.
- Energized by interaction with others
- Gregarious and expressive
Strengths Of An Introvert
1) Super Creative
Introverts spend most of their time in solitude. This allows them to reflect, to discover and to form their very own unique opinion on various things in life. When it comes to thinking, they always look from within first. This makes them an independent thinker, always comes up with brilliant original ideas.
2) Rational Thinker
Solitude gives introverts space to learn from previous setbacks, to dream and to plan for the best outcome. Constant thinking helps them to become a naturally good problem solver. They think through every single detail crosses their mind, hence their decision making is often thorough and rational.
3) Good Listener
Introverts tend to think before they speak. This means they usually talk less, listen more. In addition to that, they are observant Not only do they listen to what others have to say, but they also pay a lot of attention to others’ body language. This is why introverts are good at listening and conversation with them is often very engaging.
4) Highly Effective
Introverts like to think things through before taking action. Hence, they usually plan their day ahead and strategically assign a task to every hour. This allows them to go through the day in a highly effective mode, where important tasks are always prioritized and be completed first. They do not like a distraction, so they don’t like to juggle a few things at the one time. It is a norm for them to block a specific time just to do one thing.
5) Brilliant Writer
Writing is naturally one of the best strengths for an introvert. Because they frequently examine their minds, they have accumulated a lot of ideas and opinions. By writing, they can further think through, refine and better conclude their ideas on various things in real life. Or they can simply let their mind wonders and create one amazing story after another. Another reason why introverts are great writers because they simply do not feel exhausted from writing for that’s the way how they recharge and feel energized again after busy social events.
Struggles Of An Introvert
1) Dislikes Surprises/Spontaneity
Introverts have higher arousal levels, which means they tend to take in more information from surroundings. This is why they prefer to be alone to avoid overstimulation. However, in the open workspace, random people and events can constantly pop up as a distraction. For example, colleagues strike up a conversation, the manager called for an emergency meeting and many other little things such as someone yelled or broke a glass can be a distraction for introverts. This constantly breaks up their flow and prevent them from entering the deep focus state. It can be a real struggle especially if the tasks on hand needed a lot of mind power. Also, most introverts do not like unexpected visits because they usually already have everything planned out ahead. They prefer to have things happen according to their plan and surprise is not welcome.
2) Need to recharge
Depending on the situations, interacting with others on work matters usually drain energy from introverts. This is why introverts tend to keep the conversation concise and do not like small talk during working hours. Especially for group projects, the longer the duration they need to interact with others, the more exhausted they will be. Hence, they tend to head straight back home instead of joining others for happy hours after work. It is not because they do not like the people around them, it is just that introverts need time to be alone, so they can be fully recharged again. But, for people who do not understand this, they might think the person is anti-social or not easy to befriend.
3) Caring too much on what others think
Introverts are more sensitive. With that saying, it does not mean that they can’t take in constructive feedback, but they will appreciate if people are willing to pay a little bit more attention to the wordings. Introverts take feedback very seriously and they tend to internalize it. This might lead to a downward spiral of emotions and demotivate introverts from putting more effort into the project. When discussing the working matter, introverts prefer to detach the issue from the person in charge, so that the other person will not take it personally. And, they wish that others can do the same for them too. For example, instead of saying “you are not performing well”, use the phrase “this method is not performing well.” It might sound the same for others, but is not the same for introverts.
4) Analysis Paralysis
Thinking thoroughly or think too much can be a double-edged sword sometimes. While others make decisions in a snap, introverts tend to pause, to understand and to analyze the full situation first before making a decision. This is why they usually take longer to make a decision, especially if there’s a dilemma on personal values. In addition to that, too much information acquired at one time might put them in the analysis-paralysis state. To cope with this, it can be a good strategy to jot down the ideas on paper. This will help them to declutter the mind, simplify the decision-making process.
How Do You Know If You Are An Introvert
Click Here For Free Personality Test – Truity.com
There are many personality tests you can do to learn if you’re an introvert or extrovert. Among all, the most popular personality test would be the Myers & Briggs’ Personality Test. It was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, in the 1960s and it was built on the personality theories of Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung as outlined in his book, Psychological Types.
Myers & Briggs’ Personality Test not only tells you about your extraversion level, but it also tells you other personality traits as below. This personality test outlined 16 different personalities, each comes with different traits and strengths.
Extraversion vs. Introversion: How do you gain energy? Extraverts like to be with others and gain energy from people and the environment. Introverts gain energy from alone-time and need periods of quiet reflection throughout the day.
Sensing vs. Intuition: How do you collect information? Sensors gather facts from their immediate environment and rely on the things they can see, feel and hear. Intuitives look more at the overall context and think about patterns, meaning, and connections.
Thinking vs. Feeling: How do you make decisions? Thinkers look for the logically correct solution, whereas Feelers make decisions based on their emotions, values, and the needs of others.
Judging vs. Perceiving: How do you organize your environment? Judgers prefer structure and like things to be clearly regulated, whereas Perceivers like things to be open and flexible and are reluctant to commit themselves.
Quoted from Truity.com
Recommendation: Truity.com – Free Myers & Briggs’ Personality Test
If you want to know whether you are an introvert or extrovert, try out the free Myers & Briggs’ Personality Test at Truity.com. It can show you a lot of details about yourself, including your communication style, your relationship with others, your role as leaders and parents, your emotions, your suitable careers, and of course, your unique strengths and weaknesses which you can improve. It is important to understand yourself, so you can be confident in choosing your own path and stop comparing yourself with others in life.
My Personality Test Result at Truity.com:
I have done the free Myers & Briggs’ Personality Test on Truity.com. My personality style is INTJ and I think it is quite accurate. It is interesting to know that INTJ is the third rarest type in the population, making up only 2% of the general population.
According to the explanation at Truity.com, INTJ indicates a person who is energized by time alone (Introverted), who focuses on ideas and concepts rather than facts and details (iNtuitive), who makes decisions based on logic and reason (Thinking) and who prefers to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging). INTJs are sometimes referred to as Mastermind personalities because of their strategic, logical way of thinking.
It also shows you the introversion level and lets you know if you are an introvert or an extrovert.
So, what is your personality type? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Once again, you can learn more about your personality type at Truity.com.
Recommendation: Truity.com – Free Myers & Briggs’ Personality Test