“Often confused with shyness, introversion does not imply social reticence or discomfort,” declares Laurie Helgoe, author of Introvert Power, in this month’s Psychology Today cover story, Revenge of the Introverts. Continue to be reassured with new research that who we are, as we are, is just perfect.
“Scientists now know that, while introverts have no special advantage in intelligence, they do seem to process more information than others in any given situation.” It’s when as introverts we take time in our busy day for solitude that our higher level of the brain cortical activity allows us stay engaged on more challenging tasks. Give the brain some rest and it will recharge.
Some of the latest information that Helgoe talks about is, introverts are not so dependent on the trappings of rewards for their happiness. A 2010 study by Boston College psychologist Maya Tamir, not particularly studying extroverts and introverts, found that the pressure to be happy, actually reduces happiness. That may mean that the more introverted of us is quite happy for the sake of being happy. If you turn to research to guide you then let this finding lead you. It’s another reason to be happy with who we are instead of falling into the trap that “if I were only more extroverted.” That promise of more rewards won’t make us happier.
In one section Helgoe talks about the influence of culture values and what that means to an introvert. For example, the USA is fast-paced while Asian countries have more value on restraint. With help from the USA media and their emphasis on immediacy and sound bites, Helgoe notes introverts have a personality-culture clash. For introverts in business, building a culture literally at our finger tips, like online networks, might allow time for reflection since we can personally design a structure that suits us.
Helgoe provides continued reassurance that having a social calendar isn’t the answer for everyone. You can take some time for meditation and know it’s rejuvenating for you. You can feel great knowing that curling up with your favorite book rewards you with happiness. And you can structure your networking needs – both online and in-person – in a way that suits your value of deeper connections.
What’s your assessment of some of the reported new findings?
Hi Patricia,
What a fascinating article.
People seem to demand happiness nowadays as if it were a basic commodity, rather than become happy the natural way as the article suggests.
Thanks for posting it.