Some People Excel at Introversion and Some People Excel at Extroversion – Which One Are You?

By Danny Pettry, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, CTRS-BHS

 

What are the two extremes?

Introversion and extroversion are two different personality traits. People who are introverted gain energy from being alone. People who are extroverted gain energy from being around other people.

People are not 100% introverted or extroverted. People can be on either end at different times.

Most people tend to lean towards one or the other most of the time.

Personality tests can help indicate a person’s preferences and tendencies.

 

Personal experiences being an introvert

Groups of people wore me out during my teenage years. I dated several girls who were more extraverted. I felt drained from having too many nights of large crowds and events.

Introversion wasn’t a word that I knew during my teenage years. However, I knew I had introverted tendencies. I enjoyed having alone time and quiet time.

Extraversion was something I wanted to be.  Extroverts were people who I admired. I thought there was something wrong with me for having introverted tendencies.

I didn’t see the benefits for being an introvert until my later years in life.

 

Introversion and Extroversion are not Good and Evil.  

 

They’re just different.

There are pros and cons for each.

 

• Introverts gain energy from alone time.
• Extraverts are drained of energy from alone time.
• Extroverts gain energy from contestant interacting.
• Introverts are drained of energy from constant interacting.

 

Different people are suited for different tasks and jobs in our world.

 

Benefits for Introverts and Extraverts

Introverts can handle alone time. There is a benefit to that too. People who are extraverted have a difficult time being alone for long periods of time. It’s similar to an introverts difficulties being in large groups of people for a long period of time.

People with introversion are more capable of staying isolated during quarantine for longer periods of time.

Mission to Mars will take several months of space travel. Introverts might be better suited for the long haul trip. An extravert might struggle being in a small tin can flying through space.

But we need extraverts too:

Managing the mission from headquarters here on Earth might be a job for an extrovert. They’re constantly checking with everyone. Contacting the crew on the ship. Contact scientists who are managing the oxygen and environment of the ship. Contact computer scientists who are keeping track of the ships technology. Contacting the navigation plan. Being full of energy to communicate with everyone.

 

Recreational Therapy 

Introverts and Extroverts may be well-suited for different tasks.

Writing and planning are two aspects of recreational therapy that are introverted. An introverted rec therapist can strive at working alone with typing up progress notes, treatment summaries, programming planning, and other types of documentation.

Constant interactions with patients, their families, and the treatment team which require extraversion.

Continuing Education

Introverts are more likely to take self-study/ on their own courses.

Extraverts are more likely to attend conferences with many people.

A healthy balance would consist of doing a bit of both.

 

Do you like independent learning?

Here is an introvert’s dream — online continuing education for rec therapists:

Click here for FREE Self-Study CEU courses from Rec Therapy Today.