The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World

Do you often think of something you should have said after the opportunity has passed? Are others often surprised, finding you to be smarter than they first thought? Has anyone ever said you momentarily looked as if you were in a different world? Do you notice the small details others don't see or many sides of an issue? If so, you may be part of the 20% population known as an "introvert" personality type. (Although I suspect there may actually be more than 20% who have been conditioned by our predominantly extroverted orientated society to fit themselves within the extrovert range of the continuum.)If you are an introvert (and there is a test within this book to find out), you will find your qualities celebrated and appreciated. You will feel vindicated and validated as Dr. Laney dispels myths and misconceptions, such as being shy, antisocial, being a self-absorbed loner, reclusive, retiring, and the myriad of other distortions society (including introverts themselves) may have about introvertism.The main difference between an introvert and an extrovert is in how the two types gain their energy. Introverts focus inward to gain energy and become drained of energy from external sources. Extroverts must draw their energy from outward sources and become drained when they are alone. With their focus outside of themselves, extroverts like to experience a wide variety of stimuli, knowledge and experiences, whereas an introvert enjoys a more in-depth focus. Extroverts take in information but don't process it or expand it. When introverts take in information, they feel a need to reflect on it and expand it for depth, delving deeply for richness. Although extroverts may judge themselves in the light of the values and reality of others, an introvert is not at the mercy of such external environment. Introverts are independent thinkers and idle chit-chat can drain their energy, giving nothing in return. Because extroverts don't generate as much internal stimulation as introverts, they must get it from external sources. Introverts need fewer relationships than extroverts but they like more connection and intimacy within their relationships.Some of the other hallmark traits of introverts are: conscientiousness, good listeners, having the ability to think outside the box, ability to persistently focus well for long periods of time, to notice details others miss, ability to take all sides of an issue into account and being creative in imaginative ways.With at least 60% of the intellectually gifted identified as introverted, there is a definite correlation between introversion and intelligence. The example of Einstein's earliest education proves that a harsh environment can impair an introvert and undercut their potential. Introverts can access their talents, like the ability to concentrate and question, only in a fitting environment. And as Dr. Laney also points out, "Unless they can reduce outside stimulation, their inner thoughts, feelings, and impressions will never bubble up to the surface."One chapter of "The Introvert Advantage" features a fascinating study of brain research and mapping results. Blood travels along different pathways of the brain between introverts and extroverts and the dominant neurotransmitters used are different as well.Other chapters are written about relationships and the pros and cons of the paired combinations of introverts and extroverts, children and their identifiable differences and strategies for helping them succeed, as well as all sorts of tips, tactics and methods for helping yourself nurture this special personality to your fullest advantage.True to form with this statement, "The trick is to help them understand themselves without developing avoidance as a way to cope," Dr. Laney helps without being patronizing, overly simple or indulgent, and she is very thorough in her suggestions for even those most introverted along the spectrum.Although anyone can benefit from reading "The Introvert Advantage: How To Thrive (not "Survive" but "Thrive", mind you) In An Extrovert World" by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D., I consider it a must-read for any in counseling or teaching positions.Bravo and thank you, Dr. Laney, for such a thorough and wonderful book!

Up until a few years ago, I never really thought much about the idea that people are either introverts or extroverts. Of course, I noticed that some people are more outgoing than others but I never really considered why exactly that is. Now that I am in my mid 30s and raising a family, I am examining my personality more and thinking about why I am the way I am. When my husband and I started talking about it, we discovered we are both introverts and suddenly, everything made sense! That would explain why I disliked group projects in school so much and why I would dread giving speeches in class. I started becoming more interested in learning about the differences between introverts and extroverts and came upon this book. Let me point out that I have never read other books on introverts so I don't have any others to compare it to. However, I decided the reviews looked good and I should try to branch out of my normal preference for fiction novels so I purchased this book.One of the most interesting facts I immediately picked up in this book is that 75% of people are extroverts which means only 25% are introverts. It makes sense then why so many of our daily activities are more extrovert-centered and why introverts may think something is wrong with them. The truth is, there is nothing wrong with introverts. This book helps to explain that the brains of introverts and extroverts are different and thus, we process everything at different speeds and different ways. While I was reading this book, I could picture some of my friends and family who fit the personality traits of those mentioned in the book and it made it easier for me to understand the information presented.I like how the book is organized, even though at times some of the information seemed a bit daunting. The book is organized in three parts and within those three parts are a total of ten chapters. The book starts about by defining the ways in which introverts differ from extroverts then goes on to discuss ways in which we can thrive in the "outie" (extrovert) world but at the same time still be ourselves. There are sections for handling relationships, parenting, friendships, and jobs which I found helpful since I can go back and read a section that I feel is particularly useful to me. I enjoyed the author's occasional humor inserted into the book which added a little bit of zest for me. In the beginning the author states that you can read the book cover to cover or skip around and read whichever sections sound appealing. I chose to read the entire book and, because I am used to reading fiction novels from cover to cover, I didn't anticipate just how much information I would be taking in all at once with more of a self-help type of book. It probably would have been more beneficial to me to read a chapter here and there so I could have more time to process all of the interesting information. I will most likely just go back and reread the sections I want to review.Overall, I found this book to be a good resource so I can understand more about myself and how I can tweak certain things I do in order to still enjoy social activities and thrive out in the world without having to exhaust my energy constantly. This book would be a good read for any introvert wanting to learn more about their personality as well as extroverts who want to understand how introverts work. It certainly helped me to understand personalities a bit more and how I can interact with extroverts and still enjoy my own activities. I'm proud to be an introvert!

Best book I have ever read . Soooo informative. Lots of aha moments. This book its truly life changing. I recommend it to not just introverts but to everyone.

An authentic account of an introverted existence, as the author is an introvert herself. Towards the end the book contains a detailed survival guide too.

I can only talk from my own experience but I believe I'm a bit of an introvert. Although a performer I've always been shy in social situations and can find them draining. This book really clears up a lot of things for me and spins a positive light on being a thoughtful person. The science and psychology seems solid and the authors long experience of helping others has helped her create a clever and detailed guide to living on the quiet side.Loved it!CheersD.

This book explains clearly the differences between the different kind of personalities, introverts and extroverts and its variations, right and left brain sides.It explains why people act differently, and why some people have facility in express themselves, talk in a more confident way and others are more quiet and don't express themselves or have a "blank" situation during conversations where they lost the line of reasoning and don't know why.One important thing too is that it shows that most of the introverts doesn't have knowledge of the differences, they don't know themselves and think that they have some kind of problem and considers the extroverts type as the normal ones.It is a very good book to start understanding the differences between people personalities kinds. And for the introverts start to understand themselves.

Buen libro, un poco simple pero útil para aquellos introvertidos que desean conocerse y ver que existen otros como ellos.