What is an Innie? You are one?
According to Marti Olsen Laney in her groundbreaking book Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extroverted World, introversion is a type of temperament. We are born with it; it’s in our genes. She writes, “It is not the same as shyness or having a withdrawn personality, and it is not pathological. It is also not something you can change. But you can learn to work with that, not against it.”
Extroverts (Outies) outnumber introverts (Innies) three to one. Our cultural bias toward the outward-directed characteristics of this type of temperament has led many introverts (Innies) to believe that something is wrong with them, beginning in childhood, where rewards are bestowed for action and speaking, such as participation. in class as 25%. of your grade. The truth is that one is not better than the other. The main difference between Innies and Outies is where your power source comes from.
Outies are energized by the outside world and obtain that energy by participating in activities outside of themselves. They enjoy talking, socializing, and working with people; feeling refreshed by the contact. This is your fuel.
Innies, however, replenish their energy with the inner world of impressions, ideas, emotions, and detained thoughts. Although they may like people a lot, just being in noisy crowds, classes, and social functions can be exhausting and they feel the need to escape to a quiet place to refuel.
The holidays are probably the most stressful time for Innies with crowded malls, office parties, and family gatherings, large or small. You do not need to attend all the functions that are presented. But if you can’t avoid, or want to attend, a meeting that you know will wear you out, here are some tips from The Introvert Advantage to conserve your energy before you go.
* Don’t schedule too many social events in the same week.
* Go for a walk, read, take a nap, or sit in nature before the meeting.
* Drink lots of water and take deep breaths when you feel anxious about the party.
* Eat some protein to boost your energy before you leave home.
* Have the babysitter arrive early so she can get ready without a hitch.
* Listen to a relaxation tape with relaxing music on the way to the party.
* Reserve time the next morning to recharge.
As I am a furious Innie, I have to girdle my loins to get out into the masses. I know my limits and make a strategic plan before I go. Once there, I tend to find a place to plant myself and stay in one spot observing or entering into deeper and more interesting conversations with whoever comes along. If things get too overwhelming, there is always the option to go to the bathroom to rest and breathe deeply and calm down. When I’ve had enough, sometimes I say goodbye and sometimes not.