Introverts tend to grow more from being on their own rather than being in groups. Anti-social personality disorder is more akin to psychopathy or sociopathy, and refers to an inability to empathize or emotionally connect with others. Truly anti-social people are often ego-driven and superficially charming in ways that correspond more with a traditional view of extroversion. [1] X Research source There is nothing wrong with introversion, and although many self-help books and get-rich guides suggest that extroversion is the key to happiness and wealth, there’s no evidence to suggest that one personality trait is more productive or successful than the other. [2] X Research source Both personality types can be creative and productive in the right working environment.
Shyness refers to a fear of speaking out in group situations and failing to communicate with others, and a preference for solitude based on this fear. Introverts prefer solitude because working alone is more stimulating than working with others, and social interactions may be more taxing than exciting for the introvert. Introverts aren’t necessarily “scared” to interact with others, they are just unenthusiastic about it.
Generally speaking, you don’t “become” an introvert by changing your behaviors, because there’s little point in spending more time alone if you don’t enjoy it, or it doesn’t stimulate you creatively. Pay attention to your own tendencies and foster them. If you think you’re extroverted, there’s no reason to try to change yourself. Instead, give yourself a more social work environment to be productive.
Try taking a Myers-Briggs personality test to learn more about how you score in the personality department, and what this might tell you about how to foster your traits and give yourself the best chance for success, given your unique qualities and desires. For example, INTP means you enjoy spending time alone figuring out how things work and coming up with solutions to problems. INFJs tend to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. Generally speaking, if your personality type starts with an E, you have extroverted based thinking, like ENFJ if it starts with an I, you have introverted based thinking, like INTP.
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Do you ever secretly hope your friends will cancel plans, so you can stay in and catch up on Netflix? Do you sometimes regret saying yes to party invites? These are good indications of introversion.
Speaking less doesn’t mean disengaging entirely. Practice listening more than you speak, and reflect before you respond to others statements to stay engaged in things without constantly talking. Are you ever embarrassed when a group’s attention shifts to you? This is a good indication of introversion. If you secretly love the spotlight, that’s more of an extroverted trait.
If you’re not a big fan of parties, it’s still good to try to make an effort at keeping up your friendships with regular one-on-one hangouts, to avoid seeming distant or cold. Let your good friends know you just prefer solo hang-outs. Do you cringe at the idea of small talking at dinner parties? Good indication of introversion.
Check out this article for tips on organizing your room.
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Next time you’re working on a project for work or school, don’t be satisfied with merely doing “enough,” or with doing what’s expected of you. Go above and beyond. Put your own creative twist on the project, putting some extra effort into it.
Get what you can from collaborations. Often, you’ll have to work with others, and introverts shouldn’t reject the talents and abilities of others, just because they prefer working alone. Learn to negotiate group projects without controlling them, taking the help offered and delegating separate tasks, so you can also have some alone time. Be self-sufficient. The less you need to ask for help, the less you’ll have to rely on the help of others.
