Are you an innie or an outie?

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I'm not talkin' about belly buttons here! I'm talking about introverts and extroverts! I believe that knowing this one thing about yourself, could have a dramatic affect on your life in a really positive way!

Watch the video and then read below as I discuss why knowing this about myself has really allowed me to honor who I am and be a better person.

http://youtu.be/u9tCg8oY8Zc

So just after watching this video what do you think you are? Introvert or extrovert?

I knew from a very early age that I hated being the center of attention and I really loved spending quality time alone. However, I always felt like there was something wrong with me. I tried desperately to 'fit in' pushing myself in ways that just didn't feel natural to me and I always fell short of my own expectations. I was never talkative enough at parties, finding myself in the back corner just watching and observing what was going on and after days in a row of scheduled plans I would need a whole day all alone at home to recuperate. All the while I thought something was wrong with me.

Turns out, nothing was wrong with me, I'm just an introvert!

Once I started to really understand what that means I was able to tailor my schedule to meet my personal needs. I try not to commit to too many things in a row, giving myself an evening to do my introverted thing, and I really value that I prefer a few intimate relationships over a dozen acquaintances. Knowing this about myself has strengthened my friendships because I'm not putting unrealistic pressure to go out and befriend everyone.

I am really honest with myself and in doing so become a happier person. I always think it's great to push ourselves a little outside of our comfort zone. That is where amazing change happens after all, but I also now know when I need to take a day to myself and reboot my batteries.

I'll be talking more about this in future post but here are a few ways to determine whether you are an introvert or an extrovert.

You may be an introvert if the following statement generally applies to you:

  • I am seen as "reflective" or "reserved"
  • I feel comfortable being alone and like things I can do on my own
  • I prefer to know just a few people well
  • I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and don't move into action quickly enough
  • I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit the experience

You may be an extrovert if the following statement generally applies to you:

  • I am seen as "outgoing" and as a "people person"
  • I feel comfortable in groups and like working in them
  • I have a wide range of friends and know lots of people
  • I sometimes jump to quickly into an activity and don't allow enough time to think it over
  • Before I start a project, I sometimes forget to stop and get clear on what I want to do and why

After reading over these statements ask yourself how you can really honor who you truly are. What can you do to get more aligned with your introvert or extrovert ways?

More to come! Have a fantastic week my friends!