The power of introverts

Many people believe that being introverted is a defect, but that is not the case. Society seems to stigmatize this type of people, while rewarding personalities who stand out for attracting attention, being active and restless, taking more risks or having a large number of relationships.

Introversion indicates a deeper processing of thoughts and emotions, Besides the preference for quiet places, with low levels of stimulation and with little influx of people. Let’s learn more about this psychological dimension!

Clarifying concepts: introversion, extraversion and ambiversion

The renowned Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung was the first to work with the notions of “extroversion” and “introversion” in his work. Psychological Types (1923). He defined the introvert as a A person who tends to focus their energy on their inner world, focusing on their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences.

On the other hand, extroversion is characterized by the tendency to direct attention to the outside world. They are people who tend to feel more comfortable in social situations and who seek stimulation and interaction to recharge their energies.

Something important to consider is that these psychological styles are not two exclusive binary concepts, but rather represent a spectrum. That is Most people present traits of both personality types, although we tend to lean towards one more than the other.

We call those people who are halfway between both concepts “ambiverts.” These do not identify with introversion or extroversion, since they enjoy the company of others and social participation in the same way that they find satisfaction in moments of solitude or personal reflection.

Main traits of an introvert

The introvert has a series of characteristic traits that define his personality and his way of interacting with his environment. However, these particularities They can vary in intensity and manifestation from one person to another and even according to the context. Let’s see the most frequent ones.

1. He is a lover of tranquility

an introvert will almost always choose a quiet plan at home, enjoying a good movie, book, or deep, interesting conversation instead of being at a bustling social event. You may have fun at a party, but your “social battery” will easily run out before the night is over.

2. He has excellent observation skills

He is sensitive to detail. Introverts are great observers, with a unique ability to perceive the nuances that everyday life offers. Thus, it is not surprising that they notice the emotional discomfort of a person around them, when it goes unnoticed by the rest.

3. An introvert seeks deep connections

He has no intention of accumulating a long list of friends, but rather values ​​quality over quantity. Their focus is on building more meaningful and genuine bonds rather than building a lot of superficial relationships.

However, this preference can sometimes be counterproductive, leading to general discomfort. Having no interest in meeting new people, they do not expose themselves to interpersonal challenges as an extrovert would, which can complicate the acquisition of social skillsas mentioned in a study published in PsicoEducativa.

4. He rarely keeps up with fashion

It is not usually added to trendy. What’s more, introverts often value their personal style, their authenticity, and what truly resonates with their personality.

This is because They are not usually attracted to fame or popularity. The pressure to fit into standards of beauty or success does not affect them to the same extent as others, allowing them to remain true to themselves.

5. You need to be alone to create great ideas

In introverted people, Tranquility and introspection favor the emergence of creative ideas and the development of innovative work. In fact, references from the world of science and art such as Einstein, Van Gogh or J. K Rowling, found their inspiration in moments of solitude.

6. He is usually effective in leadership roles

It is clear that there are both good extroverted and introverted leaders. However, and according to the research article published in the Psychology Magazine, When an introvert takes on an authoritative role, the team functions more efficiently. There are high levels of camaraderie and greater interaction between members.

A leader with this type of personality usually prioritizes active listening and reflection before acting. Therefore, he makes well-consensual and analyzed decisions.

7. An introvert enjoys relaxing music

He heavy metal It can be uncomfortable for these types of people. Instead, They prefer soft melodies that accompany their inner world. The tranquil sound is like a balm for your mind, offering a sense of peace and harmony in an often overwhelming world.

A study published in Recent Advances in Psychology investigated the association between musical preferences and different personality types. This work indicates that extroverts tend to choose happy tones, while introverts opt for more tender and less conventional music.

Other valuable aspects of being an introvert

The writer Susan Caín, dedicates her book The power of introverts: in a world unable to shut up (2020), to explore and highlight the strengths of introverts in a context of constant stimulation. She highlights the importance of recognizing and taking advantage of qualities such as:

The depth of thought, which leads to creative and interesting ideas.Empathy and sensitivity, which makes them good listeners and excellent companions.The independence, that makes them autonomous and fosters healthy and satisfying relationships.

In addition, he mentions that they tend to be more cautious and take less risks than extroverted people; so in most cases they are good references.

Loneliness according to personality dimension

Extroverted people tend to perceive loneliness as a true martyrdom. For them, being with their own company can be annoying, challenging or boring, since their energy is fueled by contact with others. The idea of ​​being alone can generate anxiety or a strong feeling of anguish.

This does not usually happen to introverts, who enjoy and even seek solitude frequently. Thanks to their comfort with intimate space, they are subjects who have a high level of self-knowledge. They know their strengths and weaknesses almost in great detail.

Is introversion a negative thing?

Being an introvert is not, in and of itself, a negative aspect. Having this personality style is not synonymous with being shy, boring or asocial, as is sometimes misunderstood. Much less is it a mental illness or disorder.

However, going to the extreme of either of these two psychological poles involves some risks. Regarding introversion, if it manifests itself excessively, it can hinder emotional well-being in various areas of life, such as social or work.

In short, appreciating the characteristic features of both extremes and appealing to a personal balance is essential to living in a full and satisfactory way.

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