What is an Introvert?

There are many assumptions about introverts, many of which are not true. Most people are astonished when I tell them I am an introvert.

I have always felt comfortable “performing” in public. In elementary school and high school, I excelled in public speaking. Throughout my career, I have spoken on the radio, and given countless talks, both to my physician peers and to the general public.

One of the most important books I have ever read is “The Introvert Advantage – How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World” by Marti Olsen Laney. I didn’t discover this book until I was in my 50’s, and it changed my life.

Briefly, the definition of an introvert is someone who recharges alone.

I am married to a shy extrovert (I am not shy) who loves to be around other people. I enjoy one-to-one encounters, and deep conversations. I love listening to other people and not interrupting them.

During the most stressful years of working as a Pediatrician, I kept saying to myself, “I just want to live on a desert island by myself for 3 months”.

When I look back to my younger years, I recognize that I have always been an introvert. I had an active social life in high school, but I loved my weekends at home. I started sewing, and made many of my own clothes. When I wasn’t in the sewing room, I was in my bedroom.

When I briefly travelled in Europe during my University years, I kept to myself most of the time.

I dread going to parties and large gatherings. As soon as I walk into a party, I want to go home. I have the social skills to get through these events, but they absolutely exhaust me.

Recommended Reading

Here is a preview of “The Introvert Advantage – How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World”. If you like the preview, I strongly recommend that you read the entire book.

“The Introvert Advantage” has a questionnaire at the beginning of the book (starting on page 29) to help the reader decide how introverted he or she is. I earned 100%!

The key to being the best version of yourself is to understand who you truly are and to play that to your advantage. If you are an introvert, I hope that this book will help you thrive.