I listen more than I speak
I love this video. I have always considered myself shy and quiet, although I doubt those following this blog will believe me. I like this word “Ambivert”. Perhaps that should be our goal. To consider quietly when appropriate, and lead calmly when it is within our power.
I too am an introvert, and i loved this Ted Talk. Many people also don’t believe it when I say that I am shy. Pretending well, is not the same as actually being comfortable talking to people. I’ve never heard the term “ambivert” but I like it.
She says “Ambivert” quickly in the video, and it is the first time I heard it as well. Thank you for sharing your comment.
Even though I can be very gregarious I have also a deep need for quiet and solitude. People might think I am extroverted but that would not be accurate at all. I laugh loudly and interact well with people because I am often overcompensating for a shy disposition or social nervousness. I know quite a few introverts like me. For me to be an artist I need long stretches of solitude. I loved the Susan Cain TED talk and completely understand why introverts have been undervalued by our society. If you’re not out there being a salesman (tooting your own horn) in my profession you are completely overlooked and often not taken as seriously. It is such a dilemma.
I have known I was an introvert for a long time and have managed as best as I can. A couple of years ago I read ‘The Introverted Advantage: How to Survive in an Extroverted World’ In here I discovered the different pathways in the brain an extroverted and an introverted mind took. I discovered the different ways we replenish our energy. This information totally liberated me, allowing me both self-acceptance and an appreciation of how to meet my needs. The power of that has lead me on a journey of feeling complete in who I am.
When ever I notice an introvert I share this information. It is satisfying to see the light of an ‘aha’ go on. To see a sense of relief. I also try to explain this when being busied by an extrovert, often not as successfully. Still it starts a dialogue that I can refer back to.
Thank you for sharing this post. It will be a happier more loving world when everyone is able to accept exactly who they are.