yeah me too, and i only have 2 guys who can relate to me but not that much since they are extroverts and im an introvert but i can only talk to people who can relate to me because that's part of me being an introvert..
My family always assumed I was just shy or my favorite "living in a dream world". My uncle said I didn't face reality. What!? Introverts face reality harder than anyone else and our awareness seems to be heightened too. I am SO happy just being home with my cats and reading or just dancing around all by myself! Just the idea of having to meet up with others is exhausting!! I'm so glad I am not alone!! I've always felt different and now I understand what it is!! Thank you!!
I think introverts are the most misunderstood group of people in the world. I'm often classified as anti-social because I don't party or socialize with large groups of people. It's good to know that I'm not alone in this fight. Extroverts need to accept introverts for who we are.
as an artist I feed off of my loneliness. I love being alone in my studio with a pencil in my hand. there's no greater feeling. I've never had the desire to go out and drink and party and force conversation with people to try and fit in. I've always said that I don't have much to say, but when I do speak it's because it's something that matters. I don't like idle words. being an introvert has really opened myself up to exploring and knowing who I really am. and that's something I think extroverts don't have; they don't know who they really are. some people are absolutely terrified of being in their own head, whereas most of our lives are spent inside our own heads. as introverts we've dug as deep as we can into our consciousness. we know our strengths and weaknesses. and we've come face to face with our demons, and most of the time we've done it alone. we are strong. we are intelligent and we are wonderful caring individuals. so here's a call to action. Introvert UNITE!!!...in your own homes of course hahaha
I remember when i was in kindergarden that all the kids would play in groups. But I would play by myself. Not to mention when I was growing up, I would hangout with 1 or 2 friends. Thats just who I am.
+The Readers Corner I can relate. I've only been able to handle 1 or 2 friends at a time. I like some attention but I don't like to be ON for a group of people..2 friends is the perfect rotation.... I like attention but I don't like to compete for it. cool video
When I was younger I would always have a smile on my face, and hug strangers, and be really friendly to everyone I met. I liked playing with the other kids and being included in activities. But some of my most memorable childhood moments are times when I was playing alone. I would go outside and imagine a whole other world and have so much more fun than I ever had playing with someone else. I was happier, and had more energy, and just loved being alone with my thoughts. As I grew older, that didn't change. If anything it got progressively more intense. I wanted to alone more and more. I hated being in school surrounded by all these people, and their noise. I felt so claustrophobic and agitated. My favorite parts of school were math, art and lunch; when I could be alone and work on my studies without being bothered by other people. I like to hang out and have fun. I am social and outgoing. But I do need a required amount of time to be left alone to get my thoughts in order, process my day and recharge my batteries. I breathe easier when I'm not around people. And it gets hard to do when you live in a world full of people who don't understand that you like to be left alone every now and then. I told my mom just yesterday that I'm an introvert. She shook her head and said, "No you're not. You just choose to be that way. I know my child and you are not like that." She said it like I was claiming to be something wrong, something bad, and like I could change how I'm hardwired. I'm still in disbelief that my own mother doesn't even try to understand who I am. She told me to stop talking nonsense and to go out and meet new people, and experience life before it passes me by. I wanted to scream at her and shake her, to try and make her see there's nothing wrong with me. It's not just strangers who don't understand. Just because I don't see everything the same way that you do, doesn't mean something is wrong with me. Being an introvert, or an extrovert for that matter, isn't a bad thing. It just means you will experience the world a little differently than others. My biggest issue with this topic is that people say introverts should just change and get with the program. Why should we have to change? We are different, yes, but not something that needs to be fixed. We're not broken.
Some extroverts don't understand that introverts don't interact just for the sake of interacting, and that after going out that an introvert needs to recharge at home. I don't have a problem with extroverts. I just find it annoying and selfish that some of them try to compel introverts like myself to compromise the integrity of our character and personality (our introversion or introvertedness as I called it). I mean don't they have something else better to do? Why doesn't society encourage introverts to be introverts (respecting us) and force us to be pseudo-extroverts? Around certain people I'm fairly talkative and around others I'm the complete opposite. Do extroverts fear us? Is that why they enjoy shaming us because we are different? Susan Cain talks about how Introverts are like where women were at the start of the women's movement. "Introverts today are more or less where women were at the start of the women’s movement. The backlash we’re seeing was what happened at the start of the women’s movement - many men would say, We’re tired of hearing about this, why are you bashing men? And now, I’m seeing the same thing in the media - Why do you hate extroverts? But we all function at our best when the two are respecting and valuing each other. The whole point is to say there’s this bias against introverts."-Susan Cain You can read the article here:www.salon.com/2013/08/30/are_introverts_the_new_feminists/
Intellect is a facet of openness, and respect a facet of agreeableness or conscientiousness, depending, but not introversion. You might just have some fitting social circles! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_NEO_Personality_Inventory#Personality_dimensions is a list of facets. Lots of misconceptions about personality going around, so most people don't classify themselves accurately in any model.
I believe I am a natural extrovert, but through life experiences..I have changed to a Introvert as a way too protect my dreams and goals. I learned that I had a lot of enemies because of my level of confidence ...it created a lot of backstabbers in my circle of friends and family .
I do feel the pressure by society to be more outgoing, I love being by myself and people seem to think 'I don't have a life'. I just ignore it and show I am happy being the way I am, I have lost some friends as they never understood why I didn't want to go out all the time. I wouldn't change being introverted, as like you, I follow my own desires and do things how I want because we think about it more.
This has been very helpful to me because I am an extrovert with a child who is an introvert. I am still learning. I am learning how to accept this kind of personality. I love her unconditionally, but I still have so much to learn and understand. It is pretty hard because she spends a lot of time alone and tends not to attend family functions. She is an only child and she sent me an article about introverts one day so I could understand the differences between a person who is shy versus a person who is an introvert. She fits it to a tee. Acceptance is about understanding and educating myself and this was helpful to me. Thank you.
Excellent video. I can relate. I'm also an INTJ but wouldn't label myself as shy. I just need my space to gain energy. I think there is a stigma with introversion for sure. At the end of the day it's all about balance in your life.
Thanks for getting the message out about introverts. There is so much more to be done and said to make this society a comfortable place for introverts. This is the first step---- letting introverts know that we are "ok," because we are constantly receiving the message that we are not!
before i learned what Introvert was, I thought i just hated most people and being around people. I think we Introverts are among those with the Highest I.Q's, due to our lack of social distractions and keen observations. among other things.
I've known I was an introvert most of my life, but it was really confirmed when an extroverted friend of mine suggested we be room mates. The thought of it was like I'd never get any rest, like even if I'm home, laying down, sleeping, or whatever, I'd never have downtime living with her because she's always got company over. I can't take that. I need tons of alone time or I'm miserable. I'd be exhausted all the time if I were to live with her, or anyone like that.
Im an introvert with an extroverted boyfriend. We havent been together super long so i am still meeting his friends; sometimes i feel bad because i have the tendency to withdraw if it is a lot of people at once. He is amazing when it comes to meeting new people; it is a quality about him that I admire. So naturally, I am finding that i am having a hard time figuring out how to behave and to what extent I should be interactive in a way that makes me comfortable.
I read the "Introvert Advantage" when I was in my late teens and it was HUGE help for me understand MYSELF!! I can appreciate the fact that I prefer to observe FIRST then interact w/ ppl if I so choose to. I'm in my thirties now and I am a fierce and proud introvert. I have NO problem shutting up any ignorant extraverts who want to diss how we move in the world!!! Btw I scored INTJ on the Myer Briggs test too :)
Being introvert also means we feel and think a lot deeper and can bring really beautiful things into the world - you can't leave it all to the extroverts. Great vid, INFJ here, I can relate to that a lot. Hope all is well on your journey.
Well said man, I am an introvert and I do believe society pushes for extroverts.But i loved your story about being intrverted and I totally understand it. I'm glad you posted this video. Keep believing in yourself!
I am an introvert and a very good looking guy...that is until I go to a party or have to do public speaking.Then I change instantly and start thinking "what is wrong with me? I don't fit in here with these very outgoing people..maybe its my looks that causes me to pull back.I don't want to be here.People are staring at me because I am different,maybe my looks are different".
Very Interesting and entertaining video throughout. I think what you say rings true to me personally. When I was younger in school I just wanted to be left alone. But there was extreme pressure to be "out going". Anyway I think one of the main issues is ignorance of what Introversion is and probably the teacher who told you to "go play with the other kids" was extrovert and didn't respect the differences in personality. I wish you the best with your body building and keep up the good videos ^^
As an INTJ myself, i understand and relate to everything in this video from the words and realizations down to the facial expressions in gestures. Most of the thoughts and explanations you talked about are ones I've already experienced, but it's pretty refreshing to know other INTJ have these same things.
I am an introvert too because most people (Extroverts) are two faced, they try to empress people all time, they talk to much, they "think" there cool, they play to much, they are very egotistical and materialistic.
"Extroverts should kind of embrace introvert qualities just as much as us introverts are expected to take on extrovert qualities." Extremely well said. I got INTJ on my test as well. Great video!
Thank you for doing this video. It's helping us a long way more than you realize. I grew up in Africa, and this condition was very confusing to me. I came to US when I was 20 and the situation got even worse due to society demands to be like everybody else. The good thing I learned to rebel when I was very young against conforming. The term "introvert" never popped into my head until about three years ago. I was having a deep conversation with somebody, who immediately brought the word t
Good observations man. I too got that book in my early 20s and it cleared SO much up for me. I had figured out I was an introvert about 2 years or so before I got the book, but never really knew what it truly meant until I read that book. The Introvert Advantage has definitely made understanding myself a lot easier and it provides so much clarity to things that happened in my past. Again great video.
You remind me so much of myself except I'm a grandma. It took me all my 65 years to finally accept that I'm an introvert. I felt ashamed to admit it and have tried to change the way I am all my life. I like just being in my own company more than anyone I know. Being with people other than my own family drains me. Unfortunately I feel that not being extroverted is looked down on here in Australia. I loved your video. May your life be filled with happiness. :-)
I read the same book and found the same insight and validation for myself as an introvert. From childhood we get negative messages that affect our self esteem up through adulthood. The majority always rules, so as a minority we're made to feel there's something "wrong" with us and that we need to change. But we have strengths that extroverts don't have - our keen ability to listen and observe, our thoughtfulness, our ability to focus and see details others miss are just a few.
I am so glad to hear the perspective from a black male INTJ. And you are very attractive too. This is almost as rare as black female INTJ's. It is very insightful to listen to you. You are articulate and well informed. Just come out of your shell from time to time to enrich the lives of others:)
it's so cool to meet a kindred spirit to relate to. thanks for the test reference. I took it and got the same results... and was very happy to see it. INTROVERTS UNITE... separately of course.
Introversion is a good quality. I just have trouble having longer lasting relationships or going after the girl i want because as an introvert most women would want who is outgoing so they see me as shy or stand offish. Someone who doesn’t share his feelings with her. When that really isnt the case. I just hope women dont look down on a guy because he is an introvert. Shyness and introversion isnt the same thing. I feel you man and thanks for sharing!!!! Team Introvert!!!!
Hello and thank you for making this video. Everything you said resonated with feelings I've had over the years. I am much older than you are, but when I was your age and suffering from the pressures to be like everyone else I thought and hoped it was something that I'd grow out of. Instead, I've grown more introverted and I insist upon being so more often while extroverts seem never to give up their pursuit of changing me into something I'm not.
It's up to you, honestly. I use it mainly for the MBTI groups. I'm an INTJ and I frequent in the INTJ group but the INTP underground group is fun as hell. I don't mainly go on facbeook for just chatting with friends, I mainly do it to learn more about MBTI and talk to people of different types to see how they think and why they do what they do. If you get back on, try joining one of them (if you remember how to use Facebook after not using it for so long).
As I listen to this video and read some of these comments, I feel as though I'm seeing my life story authored by others. For years, people made me feel like something was wrong with me due to my lack of interest in partying and clubbing, my lack of interest in excessive small talk, my preference for one-on-one interactions as opposed to cliques, my preference for solitude, etc. As a young, handsome(at least people think that), "cool looking", in-shape professional who can afford to have an active social life, people judge my book by it's covering. They look at me and expect me to be on the social scene, not knowing that reading a good book or writing out my thoughts on a Friday or Saturday night are far more personally fulfilling than hitting a bar or club and mingling. Don't get me wrong: I love traveling. To break the monotony, I also like to socialize, party, attend football games, go to concerts, go out on the town, attend my HBCU alma mater's homecomings, etc. However, that's not my daily comfort zone. I enjoy doing those sorts of activities in temporary dosages, but not with regularity. After a big weekend of that, I'm ready to retreat to my place of seclusion; I'm not ready to repeat the adventure in the near future. I'm at my happiest when I'm home alone, watching some good UA-cam videos (whether it be comedy, politics,old movies/shows, documentaries, web series, etc.), reading about politics and history, and listening to some good music. I actually hate shopping because I hate the crowds and commotion. I bores me to no end. I'm not a fan of surface-level interaction. I hate being social just for the sake of being social. I dread the sound of my phone ringing and unexpected knocks at my front door, because I'd rather not be bothered 95 percent of the time. Since I've reached my 30's, I've learned that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being different from the majority. On the other hand, there IS something wrong with sacrificing your own fulfillment in an effort to appease the majority. In my early 20's, I had a family friend literally chastise me like I was a misbehaving child over this. She simply didn't understand why I wasn't as outgoing as her then-college age kids. She thought I was depressed or somehow dysfunctional for being a 22 year-old man who didn't frequently leave home and socialize, or frequently invite friends to my apartment, or host gatherings. I think we'll live in a much better world when we finally realize that PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT (Different strokes for different folks/What floats your boat may sink my ship... blah blah). We throw around these cliches without hesitation, yet we fail to truly comprehend the message. Difference IS NOT A DISEASE. As student, I studied best in solitude. There is no way I could have a gym partner because I work best alone. The talking and mingling would be a distraction. In other words, I can relate to so many of you.
Wow 7:00 to 8:00 described me exactly even the bodybuilding part that is my strongest passion and is what I do to connect internally with myself. Its the biggest part of my life, man those first few words at 7:00 is exactly how I've always felt.
As an ESTP, id have to agree with you %100. It took a lot from me to close off the outer world to get into my own head. I feel more in control now than i did before running rampant. It's easy to get lost. Finding who i am and what i want seems to be defining true success for me. Making me mentally stronger.
I'm a male INFP, also quite rare. So many things you said resonated with me so much, like keeping to myself during recess and needing time to myself after social engagements, although I like being around people sometimes. I agree more should be done to encourage introversion in school as well as extroversion. Thanks for the vid!
You are inspire a lot my dude and this is my first time watching your videos. I'm starting to realise that being an introvert is awesome because I myself is an introvert. It's awesome because you don't have always rely on others, inner drive is really strong, and yourself is your best friend.
Very well said...like you I also experienced others wondering whats wrong with me in the corner or climbing trees to be alone...I have some of the best times alone...finally at peace with being an introvert ...I changed what I do from long business team building hours ...to creating...and painting...much more fulfilling...thanks for the video...it's exciting to hear other introverts on their thoughts and emotions! ...
I can relate so much to you and your experiences. Right after I finished this video I took the Myers Briggs personality test and I also got INTJ. Thank you for the insight.
I am also an INTJ. I can definitely relate to your experiences. I use to eat my lunch in the classroom with my teachers rather than the cafeteria with my other classmates in high school. I also found solace when I was studying classical ballet and now mathematics. The amount of quiet and focus needed fuels my inner drive while calming my thoughts. Thank you for this video. I'll definitely check out this book.
I really like hearing these video. I'm an INTJ too and I pretty much feel the same as you on a lot of the issues you brought up, specifically the part about feeling like others would hinder your concentration when you are trying to do certain activities. I hit the gym by myself also because I like it and I find that I can concentrate on the things that interest me for long periods of time. When I tend to like something I spend a lot of time on it.
I love you guys out there.. BIGGEST tip I can give you. APPROACH this shit like a game, like your practicing, LITERALLY say to yourself as your going into a situation " This is just practice" next situation " This is just practice" you'll start to live only moment by moment.. and as you keep doing this day by day, then one moment will seem to mix with the second moment, then the third.. and before you now it, You'll start to feel like your living one big moment!( FOCUS ON ONE DAY AT A TIME)
I took that test years ago and was INTJ but never really knew what it was until now. Thanks for posting. I'm in the same boat as you and feel the pressure to be more outgoing.
I totally get what you are saying. I am an introvert too, and I have gone through alot of what you have shared. Its nice to know I am not alone. Thanks for posting your video.
Awesome video my brother. I just found out about the whole introvert/extrovert thing. I'm glad that I have & I'm proud to say that I'm an introvert. I work out by myself as well, I always thought, having a partner would distract me. Ever since I was a kid I used to love setting by myself & think about anything that comes to mind & my father always tells me to go set with my friends or go outside play or just do something instead of setting. He says it to me till today.
i always had a desire to create something like drawing for example. Which i think a lot of introverts can relate to, because it speaks to our innate desire to create or learn something on our own. We often use our imagination to build something or create regardless of wether or not it is useful to others, as long as it makes sense or is authentic to us.
I have been here for 7 years and I am still asked, "Why don't you want to be in the lunchroom with us? Whay do you always have to go off by yourself?" It's important that even in the face of questions like that, (which can sound like interrogation at times!), that we introverts "keep it real" and continue to do what it is that is most natural, healthy, and nurturing for us: Spending our time as we see fit even when it raises eyebrows. *Currently reading "Introvert Power"*
I really identified with story you told about looking out the window and your teacher's response to what she probably saw as a child who is having "problems" socializing, I sometimes feel as though I need to "sneak off" in order to read my books - At work, when my lunchtime rolls around, I feel it's imperative that I have that hour of time free from conversating or socializing.
Me and you have similar goals, i am also working on being a body builder. I'm also an introvert in a way that am also an INTJ... I always thought something was wrong with me. Like i need to socialize more... But every time i try to it doesn't feel like it's me. I must except who i am. Not angry at myself just feel like you said you know... Maybe I should stop trying to be an extrovert so much and be myself. Thanks a lot bro, glad to see others like me out there.
You make some good points buddy, as a fellow introvert I totally relate. I think your point about being more inwardly focused as a plus is a huge thing, because I feel it makes us less likely to be influenced by peer pressure or someone trying to convince us of an idea. We could hear them and then say to ourselves, "this person makes no sense, because I've spent a lot of time thinking about it myself and I know my beliefs and values do not jive with what you're trying to tell me." I feel like extroverts may not have that same kind of self-assurance, for lack of better term, to know exactly how and why we feel a certain way about something. I could obviously be wrong
I had a co-worker who stated that I lived in my own world. I laughed. If she only knew how aware I was of everything going on around me. Sometimes you can see and hear more from a distance. There is so much freedom in being an introvert....we are not tied to how others may feel we should act or behave...I wouldn't trade it for the world.
bro great video! iv had a hard time adjusting to college life because of my introversion but i always thought there was just something wrong with me and have had to deal with major depression because of it. Just really appreciate the video man.
Awesome, I'm an introvert myself & I've been greatly criticized and misunderstood all my life for it, but the older I get the more I embrace my natural introvert ways... great to know I'm not alone :)
I totally relate to everything you said. Ive always had an issue with accepting the way I was and it caused me to have low self confidence and very critical of myself. I need to learn to not be scared to show me.
Thanks for making this video. You made me feel a little better about myself. I am an introvert and am really just now understanding what that is. I've always been made to feel weird for not being really talkative or outgoing. I'm glad to see I'm not the only person on earth like this.
Great video! I think I am going through the process you did when you were 20. It has been an enlightening stage in my life! I had always felt there was something wrong with me and often adapted my personality and acted more extrovert to fit in with certain scenarios...its a crying shame really. As has been quoted "know thyself!"
This was so long ago... i just finished reading the book , when i first started reading it i was absolutely amazed and relieved knowing that there was nothing wrong with me ,
Damn you're handsome! :-) Well I'm an introvert too. I know just how you felt when you thought something was wrong with you. Even though I feel socially awkward in many situations, I've improved a lot and can say things to people now like "damn you're handsome" ever since I had enlisted in the military and gained some confidence in social situations but there's nothing wrong with being an introvert. It just means that we're more productive and definitely more creative when alone.
Once again, I'll say that it's all about balance. Take time in and take time out. This slides both ways yo. We all need time alone to make sure our individual selves are collected and that we also balance this with our peers. If one weighs in more, you are bound to encounter difficulty. I thought I'd share this if anyone is quick to comfort any form of fear with associating themselves as an in/extrovert and not even liking the fact that their an in/extrovert but agree to it as if its that's all.
I respect the introverted life because of such confusion and wickedness of the world that I refused to be apart of. Being by myself causes me to get to know myself more, but at the same time when I'm by myself desire for God to speak to my heart and spirit so I can know where to go and what to do.
I just searched up on the web. Here is the great list of famous INTJs: * Angela Lansbury - actress (Murder, She Wrote) * Arnold Schwarzenegger - actor, Governor of California * Arthur Ashe - tennis champion * Augustus Caesar - Roman Emperor * C. Everett Koop - former U.S. Surgeon General * C. S. Lewis - apologist, author (The Chronicles of Narnia) * Calvin Coolidge - American President * Charles Rangel - politician, decorated war veteran * Chester A. Arthur - lawyer, American President * Chevy Chase - actor, comedian * Dan Akroyd - actor, comedian, musician * Donald Rumsfeld - former U.S. Secretary of Defense * Dwight D. Eisenhower - American President * Edwin Moses - Olympic gold medalist * General Colin Powell - former U.S. Secretary of State * Greg Gumbel - TV sportscaster * Hannibal Barca - Military Commander * Ivan Lendl - tennis champion * James K. Polk - American President * Jane Austen - author (Pride and Prejudice) * Joan Lunden - Journalist * Josephine Tey - English author * Katie Couric - journalist * Lance Armstrong - cyclist (seven Tour De France wins) * Maria Shriver - journalist, wife to Arnold Schwarzenegger * Martina Navratilova - tennis champion * Michael Dukakis - former Governor of Massachusetts * Orel Hershiser - baseball player (pitcher) * Pernell Roberts - actor, activist * Peter Jennings - journalist * Raymond Burr - actor (Perry Mason), vintner * Rudy Giuliani - former New York City mayor * Sir Isaac Newton - Astronomer * Susan B. Anthony - civil rights leader * Thomas Jefferson - American President * Veronica Hamel - actress * William F. Buckley, Jr. - journalist * William J. Bennett - politician * Woodrow Wilson - American President * General Ulysses S. Grant - Union general, American President * Friederich Nietzsche - philosopher * Niels Bohr - physicist * Peter the Great - Russian tsar * Stephen Hawking - astrophysicist * John Maynard Keynes - * Lise Meitner - chemist * Ayn Rand - philosopher, author * John F. Nash Jr. - mathematician, game theorist * Norbert Wiener - mathematician, founder of cybernetics * Nikola Tesla - physicist, engineer, inventor * Glenn Gould - Canadian pianist and composer * Stanley Kubrick - film director (2001: A Space Odyssey) * Jean-Paul Sartre - philosopher * Erik Satie - composer, pianist * Helmuth von Moltke - German military general * Isaac Asimov - biochemist, science-fiction author (I Robot) * Theodore Kaczynski - infamous “Unabomber” * Lewis Carroll - author, logician, mathematician * Franz Kafka - author * Calvin - Calvin and Hobbes * Cassius - The Tragedy of Julius Caesar * Clarice Starling - Silence of the Lambs * Batman - Batman Begins * Dexter - Dexter’s Laboratory * Dr. Jonathan Crane - Batman Begins * Dr. Otto Octavius (Doc Ock) - Spiderman 2 * Ellen Ripley - Alien * Ensign Ro Laren - Star Trek: The Next Generation * Ernst Stavro Blofeld - James Bond * Gandalf - Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit * George Smiley - John Le Carr character * Hannibal Lecter - Silence of the Lambs * Jigsaw - Saw films * Marsellus Wallace - Pulp Fiction * Michael Corleone - Godfather * Mr. Burns - The Simpsons * Mr. Darcy - Pride and Prejudice * O-Ren Ishii - Kill Bill Vol. 1 * Phileas Fogg - Around the World in Eight Days (novel and film adaptations) * Professor Moriarty - Sherlock Holmes antagonist * Sherlock Holmes * Reed Richards - the Fantastic Four * Stewie Griffin - Family Guy * Tom Hagen - Godfather * V - V for Vendetta * Vicious - Cowboy Bebop * Victor von Frankenstein * Vito Corleone - Godfather * Willy Wonka - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory So, there.
Everything that this man said in this video is so true,I thought something was wrong with me as well.I always feel more free when Iam to myself.I always stayed to myself in highschool as well and it helped me to stay out of trouble.
I have struggled with this for some time. The best thing an introvert can do is read -shouldn't be a problem - about the introversion and take a personality test. You will likely already realize most of what you read but it is very reassuring which can lead to making some changes that really help!
yeah i totally agree with you, for me i like being alone because i have this social phobia that is so enormous to the extent that when people start talking about something i feel uncomfortable and wish i was not there, i just can't comprehend why people can't easily understand that you need your space for comfort ......
Thank you. Good video. Like you said, it's tough being an introvert because society sends us the message that it's a bad thing. In elementary school, I got mostly As, but always got a C+ in speaking, LOL. Which I didn't understand because my vocabulary was good. I just didn't speak that much in class. So the message I got from a young age was that the more a person talks, the better and that being quiet is bad. I used to be shy as well, but I'm not really shy now. I love organizing events and meeting new people. I have run many meetup groups. But in my day-to-day life I have few friends and not alot of social activity. I have found too much socializing is really draining. I enjoy small talk, but also sometimes find it a waste of time. I tell people I go hiking alone and they feel sorry for me. They don't understand it's a choice and that I enjoy it. I love to go out and be one with nature and my own thoughts.
I feel you man. ...and nice work putting this video out. Hopefully you enlighten some people a little here. Misunderstandings and assumptions are so poisonous.
you freaking hit the nail on the head bro thanks for this video. I am an introvert and i used to hate it because its more of an extrovert world but i always realize that i excel greatly ahead of all the extrovert in work, school and everything that involves logic and thinking but when it comes to socializing i suck i really have to force it. and like you said at 2:28 that you felt something was wrong with you thats how i always felt :-( until lately i realize its not thanks bro make me feel good
I HAVE FOUND SOMEONE WHO IS AN INTROVERT AND BODYBUILDS, I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT! Great video. I was always the introverted/shy person in school and still am at 21 years old. I started weightlifting a couple years ago and started to get more serious on it this year.. I would think most bodybuilders are extroverted.
Wauw well said. I am reading and finding more and more about the introvert's world lately and it feels good to know what it is. I always felt a bit strange sometimes but I am getting to understand myself much better now. Your movie/speech is amazing and i can totally find myself in it. It inspires a lot. Thank you very much.
Great video, appreciated, I'm nearly 30 and only just starting to realise that I have allot of introverted qualities, whereas before I was always wondering what was wrong with me.... The signs were always there but there was nobody to explain them to me..... Another reason why the internet is an amazing thing.
I can definitely relate to your early memories of being an introvert, when I was in elementary school I also remember always wandering outside by myself instead of playing with the other kids during recess. I never got questioned about it or pushed to be more social but I felt singled out regardless.
I can totally relate to what you're talking about. When I was growing up, I was labeled as anti-social or unfriendly (even though I love people) but I could only take so much at a time because I began to feel very tired after being around people for too long. I think the misunderstanding is that introverts don't like people, but that's not true,....it's like you said "introverts recharge from within".
I never truly knew what "introvert" meant until I read Quiet by Susan Cain. Like you, a book helped me discover who I am. I work at a school & we have high schoolers come to help at 5K lunch. I used to feel anxious around them, like I HAD to make conversation. Now, I realize I don't have to if it makes me uncomfortable. My co-worker talks enough for the two of us! It's not that I don't talk, but the anxiety isn't there anymore to be the ring-leader because I've accepted Quiet is part of WHO I AM
I was pretty much ridiculed by teachers in elementary school for the same thing, middle & high school for not wanting to participate in certain events. I've always had 1 friend throuh each level of school that was an extrovert. Some family members say i'm just stuck up or distant. Praised at work for getting the job done but told that i need to be more social. I met my husband at work, which was the first person to get me to really socialize at work. He's an extrovert. He will talk to anyone.
Thanks for sharing. I'm definitely going to keep working out a priority. I loved going to the gym alone, but it has been a few months since I worked out. We need more people who embrace introversion. I think if I had a mentor/role model growing up who embraced this, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been so hard on myself.
Thanks, you just helped me to understand someone special in my life a little more. It's a good thing. You were able to put into words actions I've noticed over the years and now let's me understand their perspective more. Good job.
People always ask me why I don't speak that much...honestly I just don't have all that much to say
yeah me too, and i only have 2 guys who can relate to me but not that much since they are extroverts and im an introvert but i can only talk to people who can relate to me because that's part of me being an introvert..
THETECHNOGEEK I don't really have anybody to relate to, and I prefer to only speak when spoken to, and even then I don't have much to say
***** Mine or the other guys? If you are talking about mine, then thanks.
I wish more people would realize that.
exactly
and when I have something to say then it´s like too deep
Being an introvert allows me to escape unnecessary drama and bullshit.
My family always assumed I was just shy or my favorite "living in a dream world". My uncle said I didn't face reality. What!? Introverts face reality harder than anyone else and our awareness seems to be heightened too. I am SO happy just being home with my cats and reading or just dancing around all by myself! Just the idea of having to meet up with others is exhausting!! I'm so glad I am not alone!! I've always felt different and now I understand what it is!! Thank you!!
I think introverts are the most misunderstood group of people in the world. I'm often classified as anti-social because I don't party or socialize with large groups of people. It's good to know that I'm not alone in this fight. Extroverts need to accept introverts for who we are.
If an introvert can gain more confidence and self-belief they are unstoppable.
as an artist I feed off of my loneliness. I love being alone in my studio with a pencil in my hand. there's no greater feeling. I've never had the desire to go out and drink and party and force conversation with people to try and fit in. I've always said that I don't have much to say, but when I do speak it's because it's something that matters. I don't like idle words. being an introvert has really opened myself up to exploring and knowing who I really am. and that's something I think extroverts don't have; they don't know who they really are. some people are absolutely terrified of being in their own head, whereas most of our lives are spent inside our own heads. as introverts we've dug as deep as we can into our consciousness. we know our strengths and weaknesses. and we've come face to face with our demons, and most of the time we've done it alone. we are strong. we are intelligent and we are wonderful caring individuals.
so here's a call to action.
Introvert UNITE!!!...in your own homes of course hahaha
Are you a painter?
I remember when i was in kindergarden that all the kids would play in groups. But I would play by myself. Not to mention when I was growing up, I would hangout with 1 or 2 friends. Thats just who I am.
+The Readers Corner I can relate. I've only been able to handle 1 or 2 friends at a time. I like some attention but I don't like to be ON for a group of people..2 friends is the perfect rotation.... I like attention but I don't like to compete for it. cool video
When I was younger I would always have a smile on my face, and hug strangers, and be really friendly to everyone I met. I liked playing with the other kids and being included in activities. But some of my most memorable childhood moments are times when I was playing alone. I would go outside and imagine a whole other world and have so much more fun than I ever had playing with someone else. I was happier, and had more energy, and just loved being alone with my thoughts.
As I grew older, that didn't change. If anything it got progressively more intense. I wanted to alone more and more. I hated being in school surrounded by all these people, and their noise. I felt so claustrophobic and agitated. My favorite parts of school were math, art and lunch; when I could be alone and work on my studies without being bothered by other people.
I like to hang out and have fun. I am social and outgoing. But I do need a required amount of time to be left alone to get my thoughts in order, process my day and recharge my batteries. I breathe easier when I'm not around people. And it gets hard to do when you live in a world full of people who don't understand that you like to be left alone every now and then.
I told my mom just yesterday that I'm an introvert. She shook her head and said, "No you're not. You just choose to be that way. I know my child and you are not like that." She said it like I was claiming to be something wrong, something bad, and like I could change how I'm hardwired. I'm still in disbelief that my own mother doesn't even try to understand who I am. She told me to stop talking nonsense and to go out and meet new people, and experience life before it passes me by. I wanted to scream at her and shake her, to try and make her see there's nothing wrong with me.
It's not just strangers who don't understand. Just because I don't see everything the same way that you do, doesn't mean something is wrong with me. Being an introvert, or an extrovert for that matter, isn't a bad thing. It just means you will experience the world a little differently than others.
My biggest issue with this topic is that people say introverts should just change and get with the program. Why should we have to change? We are different, yes, but not something that needs to be fixed. We're not broken.
Some extroverts don't understand that introverts don't interact just for the sake of interacting, and that after going out that an introvert needs to recharge at home. I don't have a problem with extroverts. I just find it annoying and selfish that some of them try to compel introverts like myself to compromise the integrity of our character and personality (our introversion or introvertedness as I called it). I mean don't they have something else better to do? Why doesn't society encourage introverts to be introverts (respecting us) and force us to be pseudo-extroverts? Around certain people I'm fairly talkative and around others I'm the complete opposite. Do extroverts fear us? Is that why they enjoy shaming us because we are different? Susan Cain talks about how Introverts are like where women were at the start of the women's movement. "Introverts today are more or less where women were at the start of the women’s movement. The backlash we’re seeing was what happened at the start of the women’s movement - many men would say, We’re tired of hearing about this, why are you bashing men? And now, I’m seeing the same thing in the media - Why do you hate extroverts? But we all function at our best when the two are respecting and valuing each other. The whole point is to say there’s this bias against introverts."-Susan Cain You can read the article here:www.salon.com/2013/08/30/are_introverts_the_new_feminists/
@kwackfish some other cultures (Scandinavian and Asian) values introversion than extroversion.
I always find Introverts are highly intellectual, and respectful people. I love being one.
Intellect is a facet of openness, and respect a facet of agreeableness or conscientiousness, depending, but not introversion. You might just have some fitting social circles! en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_NEO_Personality_Inventory#Personality_dimensions is a list of facets. Lots of misconceptions about personality going around, so most people don't classify themselves accurately in any model.
Funny thing my mom thought it was punishment to send me to my room as a kid. lol
Each stage in my life I always had two friends.
😂
I believe I am a natural extrovert, but through life experiences..I have changed to a Introvert as a way too protect my dreams and goals. I learned that I had a lot of enemies because of my level of confidence ...it created a lot of backstabbers in my circle of friends and family .
I do feel the pressure by society to be more outgoing, I love being by myself and people seem to think 'I don't have a life'. I just ignore it and show I am happy being the way I am, I have lost some friends as they never understood why I didn't want to go out all the time.
I wouldn't change being introverted, as like you, I follow my own desires and do things how I want because we think about it more.
This has been very helpful to me because I am an extrovert with a child who is an introvert. I am still learning. I am learning how to accept this kind of personality. I love her unconditionally, but I still have so much to learn and understand. It is pretty hard because she spends a lot of time alone and tends not to attend family functions. She is an only child and she sent me an article about introverts one day so I could understand the differences between a person who is shy versus a person who is an introvert. She fits it to a tee. Acceptance is about understanding and educating myself and this was helpful to me. Thank you.
I'm an introvert also, i find myself always in deep thought
Excellent video. I can relate. I'm also an INTJ but wouldn't label myself as shy. I just need my space to gain energy. I think there is a stigma with introversion for sure. At the end of the day it's all about balance in your life.
Thanks for getting the message out about introverts. There is so much more to be done and said to make this society a comfortable place for introverts. This is the first step---- letting introverts know that we are "ok," because we are constantly receiving the message that we are not!
before i learned what Introvert was, I thought i just hated most people and being around people. I think we Introverts are among those with the Highest I.Q's, due to our lack of social distractions and keen observations. among other things.
You just expect more and demand more.
I've known I was an introvert most of my life, but it was really confirmed when an extroverted friend of mine suggested we be room mates. The thought of it was like I'd never get any rest, like even if I'm home, laying down, sleeping, or whatever, I'd never have downtime living with her because she's always got company over. I can't take that. I need tons of alone time or I'm miserable. I'd be exhausted all the time if I were to live with her, or anyone like that.
Im an introvert with an extroverted boyfriend. We havent been together super long so i am still meeting his friends; sometimes i feel bad because i have the tendency to withdraw if it is a lot of people at once. He is amazing when it comes to meeting new people; it is a quality about him that I admire. So naturally, I am finding that i am having a hard time figuring out how to behave and to what extent I should be interactive in a way that makes me comfortable.
I'm introvert as well. Took the test and came INTP everytime. Learned a lot about myself early on. Found I enjoyed being by myself.
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I don't normally comment, but felt compelled to. Thanks for telling your story. I can really relate
Great video. You are who you were born to be. Society needs to learn to let introverts be.
I read the "Introvert Advantage" when I was in my late teens and it was HUGE help for me understand MYSELF!! I can appreciate the fact that I prefer to observe FIRST then interact w/ ppl if I so choose to. I'm in my thirties now and I am a fierce and proud introvert. I have NO problem shutting up any ignorant extraverts who want to diss how we move in the world!!! Btw I scored INTJ on the Myer Briggs test too :)
I can't believe I found your video again. I watched it back in 2011, I still remember it to this day😄 Hope you're good, man
Being introvert also means we feel and think a lot deeper and can bring really beautiful things into the world - you can't leave it all to the extroverts. Great vid, INFJ here, I can relate to that a lot. Hope all is well on your journey.
Well said man, I am an introvert and I do believe society pushes for extroverts.But i loved your story about being intrverted and I totally understand it. I'm glad you posted this video. Keep believing in yourself!
I am an introvert and a very good looking guy...that is until I go to a party or have to do public speaking.Then I change instantly and start thinking "what is wrong with me? I don't fit in here with these very outgoing people..maybe its my looks that causes me to pull back.I don't want to be here.People are staring at me because I am different,maybe my looks are different".
Wow, the way you talked about recharging.. AMAZING.. i've always felt I NEEDED my alone time to " charge up " to say.
Very Interesting and entertaining video throughout. I think what you say rings true to me personally. When I was younger in school I just wanted to be left alone. But there was extreme pressure to be "out going". Anyway I think one of the main issues is ignorance of what Introversion is and probably the teacher who told you to "go play with the other kids" was extrovert and didn't respect the differences in personality. I wish you the best with your body building and keep up the good videos ^^
As an INTJ myself, i understand and relate to everything in this video from the words and realizations down to the facial expressions in gestures. Most of the thoughts and explanations you talked about are ones I've already experienced, but it's pretty refreshing to know other INTJ have these same things.
I am an introvert too because most people (Extroverts) are two faced, they try to empress people all time, they talk to much, they "think" there cool, they play to much, they are very egotistical and materialistic.
rough rooster Omg yeah they all talk shit about everybody!
I used to think this way, but I think its because they want to fit in which is not a bad thing. We all do things to survive in life.
"Extroverts should kind of embrace introvert qualities just as much as us introverts are expected to take on extrovert qualities." Extremely well said. I got INTJ on my test as well. Great video!
Thank you for doing this video. It's helping us a long way more than you realize. I grew up in Africa, and this condition was very confusing to me. I came to US when I was 20 and the situation got even worse due to society demands to be like everybody else. The good thing I learned to rebel when I was very young against conforming.
The term "introvert" never popped into my head until about three years ago. I was having a deep conversation with somebody, who immediately brought the word t
Good observations man. I too got that book in my early 20s and it cleared SO much up for me. I had figured out I was an introvert about 2 years or so before I got the book, but never really knew what it truly meant until I read that book. The Introvert Advantage has definitely made understanding myself a lot easier and it provides so much clarity to things that happened in my past. Again great video.
You remind me so much of myself except I'm a grandma. It took me all my 65 years to finally accept that I'm an introvert. I felt ashamed to admit it and have tried to change the way I am all my life. I like just being in my own company more than anyone I know. Being with people other than my own family drains me. Unfortunately I feel that not being extroverted is looked down on here in Australia. I loved your video. May your life be filled with happiness. :-)
I read the same book and found the same insight and validation for myself as an introvert. From childhood we get negative messages that affect our self esteem up through adulthood. The majority always rules, so as a minority we're made to feel there's something "wrong" with us and that we need to change. But we have strengths that extroverts don't have - our keen ability to listen and observe, our thoughtfulness, our ability to focus and see details others miss are just a few.
I am so glad to hear the perspective from a black male INTJ. And you are very attractive too. This is almost as rare as black female INTJ's. It is very insightful to listen to you. You are articulate and well informed. Just come out of your shell from time to time to enrich the lives of others:)
KeepItAll, INFP here! Thanks a ton for the video as it's always lovely to hear from other "innies". Affirmation feels good. Best of luck!
it's so cool to meet a kindred spirit to relate to. thanks for the test reference. I took it and got the same results... and was very happy to see it. INTROVERTS UNITE... separately of course.
Introversion is a good quality. I just have trouble having longer lasting relationships or going after the girl i want because as an introvert most women would want who is outgoing so they see me as shy or stand offish. Someone who doesn’t share his feelings with her. When that really isnt the case. I just hope women dont look down on a guy because he is an introvert. Shyness and introversion isnt the same thing. I feel you man and thanks for sharing!!!! Team Introvert!!!!
I'm a introvert as we'll, I've been made to feel bad about it about, nice to see someone who , I can relate to
Young kids should watch this video. This is an exact analysis of introverts and extroverts.
Hello and thank you for making this video. Everything you said resonated with feelings I've had over the years. I am much older than you are, but when I was your age and suffering from the pressures to be like everyone else I thought and hoped it was something that I'd grow out of. Instead, I've grown more introverted and I insist upon being so more often while extroverts seem never to give up their pursuit of changing me into something I'm not.
It's up to you, honestly. I use it mainly for the MBTI groups. I'm an INTJ and I frequent in the INTJ group but the INTP underground group is fun as hell. I don't mainly go on facbeook for just chatting with friends, I mainly do it to learn more about MBTI and talk to people of different types to see how they think and why they do what they do. If you get back on, try joining one of them (if you remember how to use Facebook after not using it for so long).
Thanks. Great video. I think introversion is a blessing..a gift that many people who have get looked down upon..
As I listen to this video and read some of these comments, I feel as though I'm seeing my life story authored by others. For years, people made me feel like something was wrong with me due to my lack of interest in partying and clubbing, my lack of interest in excessive small talk, my preference for one-on-one interactions as opposed to cliques, my preference for solitude, etc. As a young, handsome(at least people think that), "cool looking", in-shape professional who can afford to have an active social life, people judge my book by it's covering. They look at me and expect me to be on the social scene, not knowing that reading a good book or writing out my thoughts on a Friday or Saturday night are far more personally fulfilling than hitting a bar or club and mingling. Don't get me wrong: I love traveling. To break the monotony, I also like to socialize, party, attend football games, go to concerts, go out on the town, attend my HBCU alma mater's homecomings, etc. However, that's not my daily comfort zone. I enjoy doing those sorts of activities in temporary dosages, but not with regularity. After a big weekend of that, I'm ready to retreat to my place of seclusion; I'm not ready to repeat the adventure in the near future. I'm at my happiest when I'm home alone, watching some good UA-cam videos (whether it be comedy, politics,old movies/shows, documentaries, web series, etc.), reading about politics and history, and listening to some good music.
I actually hate shopping because I hate the crowds and commotion. I bores me to no end. I'm not a fan of surface-level interaction. I hate being social just for the sake of being social. I dread the sound of my phone ringing and unexpected knocks at my front door, because I'd rather not be bothered 95 percent of the time. Since I've reached my 30's, I've learned that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being different from the majority. On the other hand, there IS something wrong with sacrificing your own fulfillment in an effort to appease the majority. In my early 20's, I had a family friend literally chastise me like I was a misbehaving child over this. She simply didn't understand why I wasn't as outgoing as her then-college age kids. She thought I was depressed or somehow dysfunctional for being a 22 year-old man who didn't frequently leave home and socialize, or frequently invite friends to my apartment, or host gatherings. I think we'll live in a much better world when we finally realize that PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT (Different strokes for different folks/What floats your boat may sink my ship... blah blah). We throw around these cliches without hesitation, yet we fail to truly comprehend the message. Difference IS NOT A DISEASE. As student, I studied best in solitude. There is no way I could have a gym partner because I work best alone. The talking and mingling would be a distraction. In other words, I can relate to so many of you.
Wow 7:00 to 8:00 described me exactly even the bodybuilding part that is my strongest passion and is what I do to connect internally with myself. Its the biggest part of my life, man those first few words at 7:00 is exactly how I've always felt.
As an ESTP, id have to agree with you %100. It took a lot from me to close off the outer world to get into my own head. I feel more in control now than i did before running rampant. It's easy to get lost. Finding who i am and what i want seems to be defining true success for me. Making me mentally stronger.
I'm a male INFP, also quite rare. So many things you said resonated with me so much, like keeping to myself during recess and needing time to myself after social engagements, although I like being around people sometimes. I agree more should be done to encourage introversion in school as well as extroversion. Thanks for the vid!
You are inspire a lot my dude and this is my first time watching your videos. I'm starting to realise that being an introvert is awesome because I myself is an introvert. It's awesome because you don't have always rely on others, inner drive is really strong, and yourself is your best friend.
Nothing is wrong with you my good man, the gods love you. From one intj to another.
All My life criticized and judged for something I have yet to learn about Thanks for taking the time to post and share your thoughts very interesting!
Very well said...like you I also experienced others wondering whats wrong with me in the corner or climbing trees to be alone...I have some of the best times alone...finally at peace with being an introvert ...I changed what I do from long business team building hours ...to creating...and painting...much more fulfilling...thanks for the video...it's exciting to hear other introverts on their thoughts and emotions! ...
great video....I am an introvert and you made me feel better.
I can relate so much to you and your experiences. Right after I finished this video I took the Myers Briggs personality test and I also got INTJ. Thank you for the insight.
I am also an INTJ. I can definitely relate to your experiences. I use to eat my lunch in the classroom with my teachers rather than the cafeteria with my other classmates in high school. I also found solace when I was studying classical ballet and now mathematics. The amount of quiet and focus needed fuels my inner drive while calming my thoughts. Thank you for this video. I'll definitely check out this book.
I really like hearing these video. I'm an INTJ too and I pretty much feel the same as you on a lot of the issues you brought up, specifically the part about feeling like others would hinder your concentration when you are trying to do certain activities. I hit the gym by myself also because I like it and I find that I can concentrate on the things that interest me for long periods of time. When I tend to like something I spend a lot of time on it.
I love you guys out there.. BIGGEST tip I can give you. APPROACH this shit like a game, like your practicing, LITERALLY say to yourself as your going into a situation " This is just practice" next situation " This is just practice" you'll start to live only moment by moment.. and as you keep doing this day by day, then one moment will seem to mix with the second moment, then the third.. and before you now it, You'll start to feel like your living one big moment!( FOCUS ON ONE DAY AT A TIME)
Exactly. We are just hard wired in this way.
I took that test years ago and was INTJ but never really knew what it was until now. Thanks for posting. I'm in the same boat as you and feel the pressure to be more outgoing.
I totally get what you are saying. I am an introvert too, and I have gone through alot of what you have shared. Its nice to know I am not alone. Thanks for posting your video.
Love this bro. I can relate to everything you said. I need to pick up that book. Thanks for your special insights on people like us.
I saw this video several months ago. I finally pick up the book, and it was a great read. Thanks man!
when you are talking about you life I feel like your talking about my life I see you bro.thank you show opening up
Awesome video my brother. I just found out about the whole introvert/extrovert thing. I'm glad that I have & I'm proud to say that I'm an introvert. I work out by myself as well, I always thought, having a partner would distract me. Ever since I was a kid I used to love setting by myself & think about anything that comes to mind & my father always tells me to go set with my friends or go outside play or just do something instead of setting. He says it to me till today.
i always had a desire to create something like drawing for example. Which i think a lot of introverts can relate to, because it speaks to our innate desire to create or learn something on our own. We often use our imagination to build something or create regardless of wether or not it is useful to others, as long as it makes sense or is authentic to us.
I have been here for 7 years and I am still asked, "Why don't you want to be in the lunchroom with us? Whay do you always have to go off by yourself?" It's important that even in the face of questions like that, (which can sound like interrogation at times!), that we introverts "keep it real" and continue to do what it is that is most natural, healthy, and nurturing for us: Spending our time as we see fit even when it raises eyebrows. *Currently reading "Introvert Power"*
I really identified with story you told about looking out the window and your teacher's response to what she probably saw as a child who is having "problems" socializing, I sometimes feel as though I need to "sneak off" in order to read my books - At work, when my lunchtime rolls around, I feel it's imperative that I have that hour of time free from conversating or socializing.
Me and you have similar goals, i am also working on being a body builder. I'm also an introvert in a way that am also an INTJ... I always thought something was wrong with me. Like i need to socialize more... But every time i try to it doesn't feel like it's me. I must except who i am. Not angry at myself just feel like you said you know... Maybe I should stop trying to be an extrovert so much and be myself. Thanks a lot bro, glad to see others like me out there.
You make some good points buddy, as a fellow introvert I totally relate. I think your point about being more inwardly focused as a plus is a huge thing, because I feel it makes us less likely to be influenced by peer pressure or someone trying to convince us of an idea. We could hear them and then say to ourselves, "this person makes no sense, because I've spent a lot of time thinking about it myself and I know my beliefs and values do not jive with what you're trying to tell me." I feel like extroverts may not have that same kind of self-assurance, for lack of better term, to know exactly how and why we feel a certain way about something. I could obviously be wrong
I had a co-worker who stated that I lived in my own world. I laughed. If she only knew how aware I was of everything going on around me. Sometimes you can see and hear more from a distance. There is so much freedom in being an introvert....we are not tied to how others may feel we should act or behave...I wouldn't trade it for the world.
bro great video! iv had a hard time adjusting to college life because of my introversion but i always thought there was just something wrong with me and have had to deal with major depression because of it. Just really appreciate the video man.
Awesome, I'm an introvert myself & I've been greatly criticized and misunderstood all my life for it, but the older I get the more I embrace my natural introvert ways... great to know I'm not alone :)
I totally relate to everything you said. Ive always had an issue with accepting the way I was and it caused me to have low self confidence and very critical of myself. I need to learn to not be scared to show me.
Great info as I'm an extrovert and my son is an introvert and as from your info I will aim to appreciate introverts peaceful times more. Thanks
I really enjoyed this. You're very well spoken and intelligent. God Bless.
Thanks for making this video. You made me feel a little better about myself. I am an introvert and am really just now understanding what that is. I've always been made to feel weird for not being really talkative or outgoing. I'm glad to see I'm not the only person on earth like this.
Great video! I think I am going through the process you did when you were 20. It has been an enlightening stage in my life! I had always felt there was something wrong with me and often adapted my personality and acted more extrovert to fit in with certain scenarios...its a crying shame really. As has been quoted "know thyself!"
This was so long ago... i just finished reading the book , when i first started reading it i was absolutely amazed and relieved knowing that there was nothing wrong with me ,
Damn you're handsome! :-) Well I'm an introvert too. I know just how you felt when you thought something was wrong with you. Even though I feel socially awkward in many situations, I've improved a lot and can say things to people now like "damn you're handsome" ever since I had enlisted in the military and gained some confidence in social situations but there's nothing wrong with being an introvert. It just means that we're more productive and definitely more creative when alone.
Once again, I'll say that it's all about balance. Take time in and take time out. This slides both ways yo. We all need time alone to make sure our individual selves are collected and that we also balance this with our peers. If one weighs in more, you are bound to encounter difficulty. I thought I'd share this if anyone is quick to comfort any form of fear with associating themselves as an in/extrovert and not even liking the fact that their an in/extrovert but agree to it as if its that's all.
I respect the introverted life because of such confusion and wickedness of the world that I refused to be apart of. Being by myself causes me to get to know myself more, but at the same time when I'm by myself desire for God to speak to my heart and spirit so I can know where to go and what to do.
I just searched up on the web. Here is the great list of famous INTJs:
* Angela Lansbury - actress (Murder, She Wrote)
* Arnold Schwarzenegger - actor, Governor of California
* Arthur Ashe - tennis champion
* Augustus Caesar - Roman Emperor
* C. Everett Koop - former U.S. Surgeon General
* C. S. Lewis - apologist, author (The Chronicles of Narnia)
* Calvin Coolidge - American President
* Charles Rangel - politician, decorated war veteran
* Chester A. Arthur - lawyer, American President
* Chevy Chase - actor, comedian
* Dan Akroyd - actor, comedian, musician
* Donald Rumsfeld - former U.S. Secretary of Defense
* Dwight D. Eisenhower - American President
* Edwin Moses - Olympic gold medalist
* General Colin Powell - former U.S. Secretary of State
* Greg Gumbel - TV sportscaster
* Hannibal Barca - Military Commander
* Ivan Lendl - tennis champion
* James K. Polk - American President
* Jane Austen - author (Pride and Prejudice)
* Joan Lunden - Journalist
* Josephine Tey - English author
* Katie Couric - journalist
* Lance Armstrong - cyclist (seven Tour De France wins)
* Maria Shriver - journalist, wife to Arnold Schwarzenegger
* Martina Navratilova - tennis champion
* Michael Dukakis - former Governor of Massachusetts
* Orel Hershiser - baseball player (pitcher)
* Pernell Roberts - actor, activist
* Peter Jennings - journalist
* Raymond Burr - actor (Perry Mason), vintner
* Rudy Giuliani - former New York City mayor
* Sir Isaac Newton - Astronomer
* Susan B. Anthony - civil rights leader
* Thomas Jefferson - American President
* Veronica Hamel - actress
* William F. Buckley, Jr. - journalist
* William J. Bennett - politician
* Woodrow Wilson - American President
* General Ulysses S. Grant - Union general, American President
* Friederich Nietzsche - philosopher
* Niels Bohr - physicist
* Peter the Great - Russian tsar
* Stephen Hawking - astrophysicist
* John Maynard Keynes -
* Lise Meitner - chemist
* Ayn Rand - philosopher, author
* John F. Nash Jr. - mathematician, game theorist
* Norbert Wiener - mathematician, founder of cybernetics
* Nikola Tesla - physicist, engineer, inventor
* Glenn Gould - Canadian pianist and composer
* Stanley Kubrick - film director (2001: A Space Odyssey)
* Jean-Paul Sartre - philosopher
* Erik Satie - composer, pianist
* Helmuth von Moltke - German military general
* Isaac Asimov - biochemist, science-fiction author (I Robot)
* Theodore Kaczynski - infamous “Unabomber”
* Lewis Carroll - author, logician, mathematician
* Franz Kafka - author
* Calvin - Calvin and Hobbes
* Cassius - The Tragedy of Julius Caesar
* Clarice Starling - Silence of the Lambs
* Batman - Batman Begins
* Dexter - Dexter’s Laboratory
* Dr. Jonathan Crane - Batman Begins
* Dr. Otto Octavius (Doc Ock) - Spiderman 2
* Ellen Ripley - Alien
* Ensign Ro Laren - Star Trek: The Next Generation
* Ernst Stavro Blofeld - James Bond
* Gandalf - Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit
* George Smiley - John Le Carr character
* Hannibal Lecter - Silence of the Lambs
* Jigsaw - Saw films
* Marsellus Wallace - Pulp Fiction
* Michael Corleone - Godfather
* Mr. Burns - The Simpsons
* Mr. Darcy - Pride and Prejudice
* O-Ren Ishii - Kill Bill Vol. 1
* Phileas Fogg - Around the World in Eight Days (novel and film adaptations)
* Professor Moriarty - Sherlock Holmes antagonist
* Sherlock Holmes
* Reed Richards - the Fantastic Four
* Stewie Griffin - Family Guy
* Tom Hagen - Godfather
* V - V for Vendetta
* Vicious - Cowboy Bebop
* Victor von Frankenstein
* Vito Corleone - Godfather
* Willy Wonka - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
So, there.
Sophia Gnehm Elton John
Albert Einstein
Everything that this man said in this video is so true,I thought something was wrong with me as well.I always feel more free when Iam to myself.I always stayed to myself in highschool as well and it helped me to stay out of trouble.
I have struggled with this for some time. The best thing an introvert can do is read -shouldn't be a problem - about the introversion and take a personality test. You will likely already realize most of what you read but it is very reassuring which can lead to making some changes that really help!
Great video mate. It has certainly helped me to realise that being an introvert isn't necessarily a bad thing. Thanks for making the video.
thanks so much for this video! I'm an intj female and I've been struggling with it lately. This made me feel better!
yeah i totally agree with you, for me i like being alone because i have this social phobia that is so enormous to the extent that when people start talking about something i feel uncomfortable and wish i was not there, i just can't comprehend why people can't easily understand that you need your space for comfort ......
Thank you. Good video. Like you said, it's tough being an introvert because society sends us the message that it's a bad thing. In elementary school, I got mostly As, but always got a C+ in speaking, LOL. Which I didn't understand because my vocabulary was good. I just didn't speak that much in class. So the message I got from a young age was that the more a person talks, the better and that being quiet is bad. I used to be shy as well, but I'm not really shy now. I love organizing events and meeting new people. I have run many meetup groups. But in my day-to-day life I have few friends and not alot of social activity. I have found too much socializing is really draining. I enjoy small talk, but also sometimes find it a waste of time. I tell people I go hiking alone and they feel sorry for me. They don't understand it's a choice and that I enjoy it. I love to go out and be one with nature and my own thoughts.
I feel you man. ...and nice work putting this video out. Hopefully you enlighten some people a little here. Misunderstandings and assumptions are so poisonous.
you freaking hit the nail on the head bro thanks for this video. I am an introvert and i used to hate it because its more of an extrovert world but i always realize that i excel greatly ahead of all the extrovert in work, school and everything that involves logic and thinking but when it comes to socializing i suck i really have to force it. and like you said at 2:28 that you felt something was wrong with you thats how i always felt :-( until lately i realize its not thanks bro make me feel good
I HAVE FOUND SOMEONE WHO IS AN INTROVERT AND BODYBUILDS, I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT!
Great video. I was always the introverted/shy person in school and still am at 21 years old. I started weightlifting a couple years ago and started to get more serious on it this year..
I would think most bodybuilders are extroverted.
Wauw well said. I am reading and finding more and more about the introvert's world lately and it feels good to know what it is. I always felt a bit strange sometimes but I am getting to understand myself much better now. Your movie/speech is amazing and i can totally find myself in it. It inspires a lot. Thank you very much.
Great video, appreciated, I'm nearly 30 and only just starting to realise that I have allot of introverted qualities, whereas before I was always wondering what was wrong with me.... The signs were always there but there was nobody to explain them to me..... Another reason why the internet is an amazing thing.
I can definitely relate to your early memories of being an introvert, when I was in elementary school I also remember always wandering outside by myself instead of playing with the other kids during recess. I never got questioned about it or pushed to be more social but I felt singled out regardless.
I can totally relate to what you're talking about. When I was growing up, I was labeled as anti-social or unfriendly (even though I love people) but I could only take so much at a time because I began to feel very tired after being around people for too long. I think the misunderstanding is that introverts don't like people, but that's not true,....it's like you said "introverts recharge from within".
I never truly knew what "introvert" meant until I read Quiet by Susan Cain. Like you, a book helped me discover who I am. I work at a school & we have high schoolers come to help at 5K lunch. I used to feel anxious around them, like I HAD to make conversation. Now, I realize I don't have to if it makes me uncomfortable. My co-worker talks enough for the two of us! It's not that I don't talk, but the anxiety isn't there anymore to be the ring-leader because I've accepted Quiet is part of WHO I AM
I was pretty much ridiculed by teachers in elementary school for the same thing, middle & high school for not wanting to participate in certain events. I've always had 1 friend throuh each level of school that was an extrovert. Some family members say i'm just stuck up or distant. Praised at work for getting the job done but told that i need to be more social. I met my husband at work, which was the first person to get me to really socialize at work. He's an extrovert. He will talk to anyone.
Thanks for sharing. I'm definitely going to keep working out a priority. I loved going to the gym alone, but it has been a few months since I worked out. We need more people who embrace introversion. I think if I had a mentor/role model growing up who embraced this, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been so hard on myself.
Thanks, you just helped me to understand someone special in my life a little more. It's a good thing. You were able to put into words actions I've noticed over the years and now let's me understand their perspective more. Good job.