Introvert vs extrovert
If you’ve ever gone
through the experience of analysing your personality type, you will have found
yourself placed into one of four principle psychological or personality groups.
These generally are categorized through the dominant way we experience the
world around us and may use classifications such as thinking, feeling,
sensation and intuition.
I always find it
fascinating when the subject of introversion and extroversion are evaluated. In
my role as a leader it may seem strange but my classification always comes back
with introvert as my dominant attitude. This really worried me for years as my
major role has always been amongst people. Somehow I had interchanged the term
introvert with the concept of disliking people, with the extrovert being the
person who loved being with people.
Thanks to a great
Christian mentor, Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, I discovered the truth of my status. He
said that introverts refresh themselves through times of solace whereas
extroverts refresh themselves whilst being surrounded by others. As I reflected
on this I was drawn to the differences between my wife (an extrovert) and
myself (an introvert).
When I find I need time to
refocus my mind, refresh my spirit, I love to escape from everyone and simply
be alone. Walking the beach, sitting in a comfortable couch whilst reading or
reflecting during the silence of the moment. That’s a place of heaven for me.
When my wife needs refreshing we have a dinner party with as many guests we can
fit into our dining room! Noise, laughter, and lots of conversation fill the
room. I can almost physically see her inhaling happiness during those times.
Loving people, being
surrounded by others, engaging in social and personal interaction – are not defined
by the personality category you may have been placed in. Introverts and extraverts
both love people. They simply draw strength from different places.
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