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The Upside of Being an Introvert

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By some estimates, 30% of all people fall on the introvert end of the temperament spectrum. From classrooms built around group learning to open-plan offices that encourage endless meetings, it sometimes seems that the 21st century is designed for the extroverted.

This TIME Spotlight Story explores the Upside of Being an Introvert.

18 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2015

205 people are currently reading
169 people want to read

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Brian Walsh

37 books2 followers

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5 stars
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338 (38%)
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181 (20%)
2 stars
42 (4%)
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16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for juan carlos compres.
15 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2016
Being an introvert

This article is very informative to help you understand the fundamental differences between an introvert and an extrovert. It explains the reasons for an introvert's typical behavior and their tendencies. It also helps people understand such traits are not flaws, rather they are strengths. These traits are viewed as flaws because we live in a society that enthrones the extrovert and looks down on the introvert, failing to recognize their many contributions. If you are an introvert, read it so you can understand yourself better and value who you are more accurately.
Profile Image for Megan Farmer.
2 reviews
January 4, 2016
Interesting Read

This was a very interesting story!! Full of great statistics and numbers. Being an introvert myself, it was comforting reading that there are other people like me. I hate feeling like a weirdo when I need to recuperate after certain social situations. It was also inspiring to know that there are people who work around their introversion & that it's possible to do so myself. Fantastic read!!
Profile Image for Copter.
4 reviews77 followers
June 29, 2016
"Introverts live in an extrovert's world, and there are days when we'd prefer to do nothing more than stay at home. But while our temperaments may defines us, that doesn't mean we're controlled by them--if we can find something or someone that motivates us to push beyond the boundaries of our nerves. I'm happy to be an introvert, but that's not all I am."
Profile Image for Justine Oh.
472 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2016
"But while our temperaments may define us, that doesn't mean that we're controlled by then- if we can find something or someone that motivates us to push beyond the boundaries of our nerves. I'm happy to be an introvert, but that's not all I am"

Hope to be like him.
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews66 followers
March 29, 2016
Interesting Article
Very informative article on introverts. Characteristics well noted as I could relate to many of them. Surprised to learn of the various people that fall under this category. Good quick read.
4 reviews
May 29, 2017
Very powerful eye opener and by giving benchmarks. It helps charting a comfortable life in turbulent extraverts world

It provided a strong validation to the way I managed my life of 83 years
I believe it will turn out to be useful for many others
Profile Image for John Brooke.
Author 7 books37 followers
August 8, 2016
LOOKING IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR

Reading this short work I experienced an erie feeling that I was reading the history of my own life as an introvert.
Unable to speak until eight years old, I learned to listen and observe. Obviously keen on communications and art I became an art director and creative group head in an a large successful advertising agency.
Resourceful and innovative brought me many unsung successes. I was too shy to present my work to clients and relied on account executives to present my concepts. But I didn't receive the recognition for my innovative thinking.
Stalled in my chosen career I closely studied my peers, those who gained the accolades and recognition for what was mostly pedestrian work. They were in general garrulous and forceful in their interactions with their peers and in client presentations. I knew I had to change, and selected a humorous, quick talking, glib young guy, who on a dime could instantly zing out one-liners and off the cuff remarks without the slightest hesitation. He became my role model.
I forced myself to adopt his mannerisms and delivery and incorporated against my nature as my own. As fate would have it, that to all outward appearances is the persona I became.
Under this charade I operated successfully for a life time of success. Fortunately, in my old age I was able to return to the genuine original introverted me.
1 review
February 7, 2016
Quick read

Wonderful quick read on the importance of the introvert personality in this world, and how some of our great influencers and leaders of the world are introverts. Children should not be force into an extroverted personality, the author shows us that this trait in in born and tradition.all American schools do not account for this . I am an introvert and remember several times my mother being told by teachers that my introversion is a problem to be addressed. Luckily my parents didn't agree and did not see it as a problem. I do have to fake it to make it, as mentioned in the article. Very interesting that a lot of us can turn it on to get what we want. Thank you for the article!
Profile Image for Katie Chang.
1 review2 followers
March 4, 2016
Thoughts provoking

Great explanation for introverts and extroverts, out temperament may be inherited and hard to change. In this loud-speaking society, the importance of listening and being more observing before leaping could be neglected.
Good read for thinking about which part of the spectrum you fell in, and how are you going to leverage the advantage as well as finding a balance between your inherited temperament and your ideogenic identity!
Profile Image for Bookphile.
1,978 reviews133 followers
March 28, 2016
This is an interesting introduction to introversion if you're new to the topic, but it just scratches the surface. Having already read Susan Cain's fantastic book, Quiet, nothing in this article was new to me, nor was it particularly deep. However, I think it is a very good read for those unfamiliar with Cain's book or with the social research behind personality types. For more information, though, I definitely suggest reading a book like Quiet.
Profile Image for khalilah hickman.
6 reviews
March 25, 2016
Interesting

Consider myself an introvert and yes it seems I mainly socialize at work only because its part of good customer service. Sometimes people try and make me feel bad for being a homebody but as I get older others opinions don't matter so much or at all. Good read for those would want insight on themselves,coworkers or friends
Profile Image for Amanda Flanders.
1 review1 follower
May 5, 2016
A well written article from the perspective of an introvert.

This article really does introverts justice through the use of personal stories and research findings. It is a good, quick read for those who'd like some insight on introverts or would like to be praised instead of rejected because of their introverted tendencies.
5 reviews
May 10, 2016
Introverts Make Powerful Leaders

Not everyone has a clear understanding of the gifts associated with being an introvert. As leaders the introvert is more able and actually prefers to empower and foster independence in those they lead. This article made this important point so perfectly.
Profile Image for Jonelle Sandel.
2 reviews
August 23, 2016
Meh...

Maybe it's just me, but there's much more downside of being an introvert. Maybe this should have been titled "what extroverts wouldn't guess about introverts." Yes we are sometimes good at stuff usually thought of as domain of extroverts. But where's the upside of being marginalized, ostracized, estranged, or ignored for being introverted?
Profile Image for Mariel Chambers.
10 reviews
January 12, 2016
A good quick read

I would recommend this book to people who want a further understanding as to how and why introverts lean more towards being alone and how it can actually be a good thing. I didn't like how it dragged on about president Obama though..
Profile Image for Yashari Glenn.
75 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2016
Being an introvert

Being an introvert myself, this article gives good insight on the benefits of being introverted. It discusses the pros and cons of our nature and how we fit into society.
59 reviews
February 1, 2016
It,s me!

Thank you for such verification. As an ex librarian and indeed a bathroom inhabitant I do have a high intellect and enjoy limited numbers of associates who are also of the same ilk. People who indulge in gales of senseless laughter really depress me.


13 reviews
February 25, 2016
Something to think about

I agree with this. I am/was a shy introvert. My children are introverts with strong personalities. Cautious in large gatherings ( myself would avoid). Having children made me less timid. Not wanting them to be anxious.
Profile Image for McKenzie.
44 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2016
Well written but lacking new information

The article is well written and flows from point to point. However, there was not much new information that has not been pointed out in previous years.
2 reviews
March 4, 2016
Short and wonderfully written. It covers most of the common traits and feelings

Short and wonderfully written. It covers most of the common traits and feelings. I found this a very enjoyable read.
2 reviews
March 24, 2016
Not just for introverts

Written and concluded from the POV of an introvert, this is a short and concise piece on differences between varying personalities. It's a work commute's length of a read to understand yourself and the people around you
Profile Image for alicia stitt.
2 reviews
April 24, 2016
Interesting

Interesting short read. Wish it was a little longer. Looking at the good side of being a introvert. I've always thought I was a Extrovert, but I realize I am a introvert.
415 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2016
Makes you think

I think the article and the referenced research have it right about innovation needing introverts to consider risks as well as rewards. Inspires further research on this topic.
Profile Image for Mullet.
7 reviews
July 24, 2016
Decent. Kind of.

Sweeping generalizations fed from common misconceptions about introverts run rampant in this article. Wouldn't recommend reading this unless you're looking for a reason to dislike introverts.
2 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2016
Very good wrap-up of what being an introvert is like

The author has a very good understanding about the differences between being shy and being introvert. I like very much the Cain's references and examples.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
169 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this work. It can be daunting to live in a society constantly trying to change you. This book aids in helping the introvert to feel relieved and proud of their introversion. It's a feel good and informative read.
Profile Image for Auhmanduh.
447 reviews
January 5, 2016
KU read

It was a good perspective on being an introvert. Sometimes you need a moment of silence in a world that is constantly screaming.
Profile Image for Joel.
41 reviews
January 10, 2016
Good basic synopsis

Not much new information to this article, but it is a good description of introverts in general. Well written and concise.
5 reviews
January 10, 2016
Interesting insight

Piece really resonated with me. Good examples to help explain the concepts. Have me lots to think about while making me more aware of my own predilections.
1 review
January 18, 2016
Interesting

This barely scratches the surface in introversion. However it makes several good poo points and is well worth the 15 minutes it takes to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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