An introvert is a loner by choice. Personality traits, psychological types, relationships and professional life of an introvert

Personality types determine our behavior in social situations, influencing our relationships with other people. Introverts are people who draw energy from their own inner life, not from external stimuli. Introverts lose energy in relationships with other people, which means that, for example, after a social meeting or a whole day of working among people, they become exhausted and have to recharge their batteries alone. Introverts do not need constant company to be happy and fulfilled – this applies to family, professional and social relationships. The complete opposite of introverts are extroverts, who need social interaction to be happy and feel uncomfortable in isolation. An extrovert is sociable, open to new relationships and experiences, energetic, optimistic about life and willing to take risks.

Introvert and extrovert – basic personality types according to Jung

There are several generalized types of human attitudes that are related to personality. Introversion and extroversion are the most frequently described personality types. A person who has both introverted and extroverted traits is an ambivert.

Are you an introvert?

Being an introvert means enjoying spending time alone. Introverts have a rich inner life and feel best in their inner world, away from the hustle and bustle. Introversion is not just a character trait. It is a way of life that makes people with an introverted personality type manage their lives in a specific way, e.g. by choosing a profession that is not related to group work and can be performed in the privacy of home.

Types of introverts

Stands out four types of introverts: :

• Introverted thinker spends a lot of time in deep introspection, analyzing his feelings and thoughts. The introverted thinker is analytical, logical and objective and often relaxes by engaging in tasks that require intellectual effort.
• Social introvert, although he is reserved in social interactions, he is able to establish close relationships with other people. In smaller groups, an introvert shows feelings and is able to establish deep, lasting relationships with people he knows well. This type of introvert is often an excellent listener who is able to focus on the interlocutor and understand their needs.
• A reserved introvert is a withdrawn person, observing their surroundings and rarely showing emotions in the company of other people. A reserved introvert needs a lot of time to establish a deeper relationship. He opens up in social contacts only when he gets to know the people around him well.
• anxious introvert – this type of introvert does not feel comfortable in the company of strangers, which means that he or she is perceived as a rude and distant person. It is typical for an anxious introvert to feel discomfort in social situations that require leaving the comfort zone and the environment of close friends in whose company he feels at ease.

Characteristic features of an introvert

Below are some common introvert personality traits, including:

• focusing on your own thoughts,

• the need to be alone,

• hypersensitivity to external stimuli,

• specific approach to establishing relationships with other people,

• restraint in expressing feelings,

• deep focus on the work at hand,

• spending free time in a way that makes you think (e.g. reading books),

• the need to often be in peace and quiet.

It’s important to remember that every introvert is different because personality type is just one of many aspects of human identity.

Introvert in professional life

Introverts do their work conscientiously and carefully. Their open and knowledge-absorbing minds allow them to implement innovative solutions, but for an introvert’s work to be fully effective, it must be performed in conditions tailored to his needs. Introverts prefer to perform professional duties independently. The personality traits of introverts allow them to fulfill themselves in professions that require maximum concentration and a creative approach. That is why introverted people often pursue professions such as: programmer, analyst, market research specialist, accountant, editor or copywriter, computer graphic designer or UX designer.

Working in large teams is difficult for introverts. Introverts do not handle public speaking well and avoid direct interactions with people outside their familiar work environment. Although, of course, there are introverted people who are perfect for working in the entertainment industry or conducting training.

Both at work and in private life, an introvert needs time to regenerate. Fast battery charging allows an introvert to immerse himself in his thoughts and reflections. Being an introvert can be very difficult in a world full of extroversion. Drawing energy from solitude instead of the company of other people, giving up frequent social gatherings and focusing on one’s own thoughts and feelings can cause an introvert to be mistakenly perceived as a shy, lonely and withdrawn person.

Sources:

• Arnie Kozak, The Power of Introversion. Use your potential, Gdańskie Wydawnictwo Psychologiczne, Gdańsk, 2016

• Marco Magrini, The Brain. User Manual, Feeria Science Publishing House, 2016

• Jankowski J., Do you know who you are? Guide to 16 ID16 personality types, Sensus Publishing House, 2015

• Jan Strelau, Psychology of temperament, PWN Scientific Publishing House, Warsaw, 1998