Am I an introvert? How to develop your personality

Reading time 9 minutes

Introverts don't have it easy in life. You have already had the experience that you were underestimated because you are quiet and reserved? Here you can learn what it means to be an introvert and how you can successfully develop your personality!

What does introvert mean?

Introversion is a technical term for an inwardly oriented behavior. People with this personality trait tend to focus on their inner feelings rather than their outward appearance. Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert is partly genetic. Although an estimated 25 percent of all adults are said to be introverts, like in the media can be read, there are still many misconceptions or prejudices about this personality type.

Introverted behavior has nothing to do with shyness or social Fear to do. Being an introvert is not a character weakness or an unalterable fate. You can become active yourself and develop from an introvert to an extrovert.

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The 4 types of introverts

Jonathan Cheek is a well-known psychologist who has studied introversion and defined four different types of introversion.

1. the social type

The social introvert type embodies a personality generally associated with the term introvert. These individuals are most comfortable in a small group of people. Often the Loneliness preferred. While others meet at parties, social introverts prefer to stay at home, read a book or chat on the computer. However, the cause of this behavior is not anxiety or social withdrawal. People with social introversion prefer to be alone.

2. the thinking type

A "thinking" introvert is characterized by thoughtful, self-reflective, and introspective behavior. Social occasions and places where many people gather are avoided. The thinking introvert type often lives in a fantasy world of their own. However, this is not a neurotic personality, but a very imaginative and extremely creative person!

3. the anxious type

The anxious-introverted personality type deliberately seeks to be alone and feels insecure and uncomfortable around many strangers. This anxiousness is often present even when an anxious-introverted person is alone. People with this personality trait do not rely on their social skills. They are afraid of possible problems and ponder therefore often think about things and analyze each situation thoroughly before putting their plans into action.

4. the reserved type

A reserved introvert is usually perceived by others as "reserved". Sometimes reserved introverts seem somewhat slow and ponderous to those around them. Decisive action is alien to them. They need a little more time to Making decisions. Often reserved-introverted personalities are convinced that many things in life are unattainable for them. Nevertheless, all tasks are completed with the utmost care and conscientiousness.

Do you recognize yourself in one of the four introvert personality types? No? Then you should know that most introverts are a mix of all four types!

introvert

How do you recognize introverts?

At first glance, introverts are no different from shy or anxious people. You can recognize an introverted personality by the fact that they tend to focus mainly on their inner thoughts, moods and feelings and hardly look for external stimulation.

Being an introvert is a trait based on an inward focus. Unlike an extroverted person, attention is focused more on one's emotions and thought processes. An introverted character tends to be driven more by internal processes.

From the outside, introverts tend to appear quiet, shy and reserved. Since they often give the impression of being lost in their thoughts, they are hardly noticed or approached by others. Because of this, introverts have a harder time socializing and meeting new people. However, most introverts are not typical loners.

Although each person has an individual, unique character, there are some commonalities that can be found in almost all introverts.

Personality traits of an introvert

Introverts are characterized by certain personality traits. If more than 3 of these traits apply to you, you're probably an introvert: You...

  1. have a lot of imagination and are very creative.
  2. you work very conscientiously and carefully.
  3. you're a keen observer.
  4. you're a real organizational genius.
  5. you like to spend time alone, replenish your energy reserves.
  6. think about problems often and always try to find a perfect solution.
  7. Stimulus overload is a problem for you.
  8. You attach great importance to reliability and have a manageable circle of friends.

In psychology, personality tests are used to determine a person's personality traits and characteristics. A test usually consists of one or more questionnaires. The questions are based on scientific findings. The result of the personality test can help you learn something about your character and thus better understand your behavior. You want to know if you are an introvert? Here you can take the personality test and find out if you're an introvert!

10 signs you're an introvert

Have you ever asked yourself if you are an introvert? Have friends, acquaintances or family members pointed out to you that your behavior could be introverted or are you yourself convinced that you have an introverted character? Here are 10 signs that you might really be an introvert!

  1. You have the ability to think analytically.
  2. You can concentrate well and work very accurately.
  3. Safety and reliability are very important to you.
  4. You also like to spend your free time alone and don't always need people around you.
  5. Spontaneity is not your strong suit.
  6. You brood a lot and often.
  7. You are a very empathetic person and have a lot of understanding for others.
  8. You tend toward perfection.
  9. You're an excellent listener.
  10. You like to avoid conflict.
I'm an introvert

How do I know if I'm an introvert?

Everyone has both introverted and extroverted characteristics. If you are unsure whether you are more of an introvert or extrovert personality type, you should answer some questions honestly.

Do you prefer quiet environments and solitude to large crowds? This could indicate introversion. You have few, but deep and long lasting friendships? This is another characteristic of introverts. Unlike others, you think first before you speak and you prepare a presentation or a paper thoroughly because you don't want to embarrass yourself? These are typical behaviors that indicate an introverted personality!

The advantages of being an introvert

Even though introverts are often considered shy, unfriendly, antisocial, or lonely, and therefore often overlooked, there are many benefits associated with introverted behavior!

Some of the benefits of being an introvert include:

You can work excellently on your own and realize your projects without outside help. Your Empathy is your great strength. That's why you recognize more quickly than others what really matters. As a sensitive, creative person, you use your imagination and thus find an optimal solution even for complicated issues. You avoid unnecessary social interactions and prefer to concentrate on the essentials. That's why you're often one step ahead of other people.

Characteristics of introverts

Being an introvert can prove beneficial in many situations. Typical traits that characterize introverts can help you succeed in life. succeed and achieve your intended goals.

Introverts are good listeners

This characteristic distinguishes most introverts. Active listening is their strength. That is why they are often very popular among friends and colleagues, because they are patiently, have a lot of understanding for the concerns and needs of others. Introverts process information internally. This special ability helps them to understand others more easily and to respond better to those around them.

An introvert thinks before he speaks

Normally, introverts tend to feel more unsafe. Their strength is attentive listening. That is why they choose their words carefully and speak only when they really have something to say. The spoken word of an introvert therefore carries much more weight than an utterance of extroverted contemporaries.

Introverts are excellent observers

In addition to their excellent listening skills, introverts have excellent powers of observation. They also notice things that are overlooked or ignored by others. Although meetings often give the impression that an introvert is just sitting quietly, they are actually taking in all the information and analyzing it critically. An observant nature is one of the traits that enables introverts to more accurately understand the facial expressions and body language of others. Thus, introverts are quicker to know how a person is thinking and feeling. This allows them to better relate to those around them.

Introvert vs. Extrovert

Introversion and extroversion are two opposite poles. Behind introverted and extroverted behaviour lie certain personality traits that describe how people behave, think and feel. How we behave can have a profound effect on our lives - the way we work, make friends and achieve our dreams. Introverts tend to be more inward looking, while extroverts are more outward looking.

You should know that personality traits are basically equal. Introversion and extroversion are partly genetically conditioned and are, so to speak, laid in your cradle. However, purely introverted or purely extroverted personality types are rare. Most people have extroverted and introverted characteristics.

Introvert vs. Extrovert

Can an introvert become an extrovert?

Whether you are extroverted or introverted is determined by your genes. However, you can change a lot about your behavior. You are always able to adapt to your environment. Therefore, there is always a possibility that an introvert will behave like an extrovert. If you want to change your behavior, you need the right mindset.

Change your thought patterns

First, you should change your thought patterns. Constantly thinking about small things quickly becomes a hindrance for introverts. Your busy inner life shapes the way you perceive and evaluate situations. To change from an introvert to an extrovert, you should put your thought patterns to the test.

Get to know your positive sides

Deal with your positive sides and discover your unique personality. Self-confidence is a quality that distinguishes extroverts and is often lacking in introverts. Be aware that you are a special person and very lovable. Remind yourself of your successes, which you owe entirely to your personal qualities. With this attitude, it will be easier for you to develop extroverted qualities.

Meet challenges with more confidence

Especially in difficult situations, you should use this tactic to gain new, positive experiences. Although you can overcome challenges with introverted behavior, you will feel that your self-confidence will be significantly strengthened if you are open to new things and behave flexibly and adaptably. Being more extroverted can help you generate positive feelings and achieve new successes in your professional and personal life.

Conclusion

Whether you are an introvert or extrovert depends largely on your genetic makeup. However, you can decide for yourself whether you prefer to be extroverted or introverted in certain situations. Learn about yourself and your character traits and realize that you are a unique person.

If you act the way you feel most comfortable with yourself, others will feel comfortable with you, too. You don't have to pretend to be accepted. Focus on your strengths, and you'll soon find that you're more comfortable with your accomplish goals even if you are introverted and naturally a bit quieter than the others!

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