I am an introvert. I can say that with pride today, but it wasn’t always that way.
As a teen, the perfect Friday night for me involved cuddling up with a good book.
I had no interest in homecoming games or hanging out at the mall.
Back then, I thought I was strange. I didn’t know why being around people took so much out of me. Why I needed my solitude.
Here’s the definition of an introvert from Introvert Spring:
“The most basic definition of an introvert is a person who gains energy from being alone and loses energy in stimulating environments, such as social events. ”
Here’s what Psychology Today has to say about introversion:
“As it turns out, the brains of introverts and extroverts are wired differently!
The front part of introvert’s brains are most active and stimulated by solitary activities while the back part of extrovert’s brains are most active.
This part of the brain is stimulated by sensory events coming in from the external world!
In addition, a chemical called “dopamine” is released by our brains whenever we experience something positive.
It’s an automatic reward center and makes us feel good!
Extroverts need more dopamine to feel an effect, whereas introverts have a low dopamine threshold. They don’t require a lot of stimulation to feel rewarded.”
Today, I know that being an introvert is nothing to be ashamed of. It is who I am and I fully embrace myself.
Embrace who you are!
In this post, I’m sharing 5 motivational TED talks for introverts. Make sure you watch the fifth video.
1. Why We Need Introverted Leaders by Angela Hucles
“It’s during the time of solitude that introverts can draw upon their strength to lead.”
Book Recommendation: The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney
2. Blueprint for a Quiet Revolution by Susan Cain
“Many of the worlds greatest leaders are quiet. In fact, some of them are here right now. People like Bill Gates and General McChrystal are introverts.”
Book Recommendation: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
3. Being an Introvert is a Good Thing by Crystal Robello
“Society has taught us that being an introvert is the worst thing that you can be and that everyone should want to be extroverted.”
Book Recommendation: Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength by Helgoe Ph.D., Laurie
4. Confessions of a Passionate Introvert by Brian Little
“Many of you are like me. We act out of character. We act passionate about projects we care about.”
Book Recommendation: The Introvert’s Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World by Sophia Dembling
5. The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain
“Introverted leaders often generate better outcomes than extroverts do.”
Book Recommendation: The Gifted Highly Sensitive Introvert: Wisdom for Emotional Healing and Expressing Your Radiant Authentic Self by Benita A. Esposito
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