They say great minds think alike. If indeed I may call my fellow writers and myself great minds without seeming pretentious, then this platitudinal ponder holds true. As evidenced by the new writers' “About Me” pages, we are more alike than we are different. As I read the short biographies, I noticed multiple parallels that seem to be definitive of the quintessential ‘writer’ personality. Amongst them, the most prevalent and defining was introversion.
Introverts thrive on solidarity. Being alone allows us time and temperance to look within. Heavy socializing is detrimental to our mental and physical energy and only "alone time" can restore it. Despite what you may believe, introverts are not simply ‘shy’. Although true shyness is a relatively common characteristic of introverts, it is not defining. Essentially, an introvert is someone who internalizes phenomena. We dwell in the realm of thought. Of idea. Of emotion. What is perceived as “shyness” in most cases is the introvert’s aversion to casual conversation, chit-chat. Trivial things are not our forte, outwardly this may project as a facade of vanity or indifference. If we must speak, we want it to be well thought out and meaningful, preferably pertaining to a concept or idea.
There are certain qualities exuded by introspective individuals that are helpful in suppressing our insecurities. I call these four characteristics the “Pillars of Introversion”.
1) Emerging Leaders: Introverts are surprisingly efficient and natural leaders. Have you worked on a group project only to find yourself wishing you could do it all on your own? By taking a strong leadership role, the introvert assures that the project is completed to his or her standard. However, the impediment comes when they must actually adapt to the role; if someone else can take the spotlight away from the introvert, they will gladly offer it up. Great minds make great leaders, but when that mind is too involved in itself it forms an endless circle, perpetually remaining within, unheard. With the right coaxing and encouragement, a leader can emerge from their put introspective thoughts; it only takes one person to give the introvert the boost they need to flourish.
2) Open Minds, Hearts, Eyes, and Ears: Introverts know the mind. By being intimately familiar with one’s own mind they are granted greater insight into another’s. Because of this, introverts are exceptional listeners. They are empathic towards others, able to relate and offer sound input or even just a shoulder to cry on if the situation calls for it. Introverts are not quick to judge, they listen and reflect openly and honestly.
3) A Different Perspective: Introverts see the world differently than extroverts. Our eyes can focus on a metaphysical level. Our concern is not with the outward aesthetics, but the inner workings. Nothing is skin-deep to an introvert; there is more meaning, more life beneath the surface. Imagination and creativity abound in introverts; most of the world’s greatest minds: Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Vincent Van Gogh, yielded ideas that would have been unfathomable if not for their introspective nature.
4) The Art of Words: As the new writers illustrate, introverts express themselves exceptionally well with the written word. Introverts need time to process and reflect on the abstract; this is why we prefer to express our inner thoughts and emotion in writing. More mundanely, most introverts probably prefer to draft a letter or email, or even a concisely worded text message than pick up the phone. Despite the distaste for impromptu speaking, introverts can actually be talented orators. As nauseating as the prospect of delivering a speech in front of a large group of people may be, public speaking is actually good for an introvert. Given time to write and practice a speech, and provided the complete attention of a group, an introvert can easily and movingly convey a message, saving themselves energy-draining socializing and small talk.
These four pillars are invaluable to an introvert. They are the things that make the introvert’s mind unique, empowers them, supports them, and lifts their minds to heights never before reached.
Introverts thrive on solidarity. Being alone allows us time and temperance to look within. Heavy socializing is detrimental to our mental and physical energy and only "alone time" can restore it. Despite what you may believe, introverts are not simply ‘shy’. Although true shyness is a relatively common characteristic of introverts, it is not defining. Essentially, an introvert is someone who internalizes phenomena. We dwell in the realm of thought. Of idea. Of emotion. What is perceived as “shyness” in most cases is the introvert’s aversion to casual conversation, chit-chat. Trivial things are not our forte, outwardly this may project as a facade of vanity or indifference. If we must speak, we want it to be well thought out and meaningful, preferably pertaining to a concept or idea.
There are certain qualities exuded by introspective individuals that are helpful in suppressing our insecurities. I call these four characteristics the “Pillars of Introversion”.
1) Emerging Leaders: Introverts are surprisingly efficient and natural leaders. Have you worked on a group project only to find yourself wishing you could do it all on your own? By taking a strong leadership role, the introvert assures that the project is completed to his or her standard. However, the impediment comes when they must actually adapt to the role; if someone else can take the spotlight away from the introvert, they will gladly offer it up. Great minds make great leaders, but when that mind is too involved in itself it forms an endless circle, perpetually remaining within, unheard. With the right coaxing and encouragement, a leader can emerge from their put introspective thoughts; it only takes one person to give the introvert the boost they need to flourish.
2) Open Minds, Hearts, Eyes, and Ears: Introverts know the mind. By being intimately familiar with one’s own mind they are granted greater insight into another’s. Because of this, introverts are exceptional listeners. They are empathic towards others, able to relate and offer sound input or even just a shoulder to cry on if the situation calls for it. Introverts are not quick to judge, they listen and reflect openly and honestly.
3) A Different Perspective: Introverts see the world differently than extroverts. Our eyes can focus on a metaphysical level. Our concern is not with the outward aesthetics, but the inner workings. Nothing is skin-deep to an introvert; there is more meaning, more life beneath the surface. Imagination and creativity abound in introverts; most of the world’s greatest minds: Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, Vincent Van Gogh, yielded ideas that would have been unfathomable if not for their introspective nature.
4) The Art of Words: As the new writers illustrate, introverts express themselves exceptionally well with the written word. Introverts need time to process and reflect on the abstract; this is why we prefer to express our inner thoughts and emotion in writing. More mundanely, most introverts probably prefer to draft a letter or email, or even a concisely worded text message than pick up the phone. Despite the distaste for impromptu speaking, introverts can actually be talented orators. As nauseating as the prospect of delivering a speech in front of a large group of people may be, public speaking is actually good for an introvert. Given time to write and practice a speech, and provided the complete attention of a group, an introvert can easily and movingly convey a message, saving themselves energy-draining socializing and small talk.
These four pillars are invaluable to an introvert. They are the things that make the introvert’s mind unique, empowers them, supports them, and lifts their minds to heights never before reached.
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