Do Introverts have less energy than Extraverts?
Yes, Introverts have limited energy reserves for external or unfamiliar activities. But when it comes to their inner world or what they know and love, Introverts possess far more energy than Extraverts. In other words, if both types focused on reading a novel, the Introvert would probably finish first, would retain more, and would be able to understand and explain the story to others better. This is because reading for pleasure is an area in which Introverts tend to excel, and into which they can pour more energy because the activity itself allows them to recharge while doing it.
Some famous Introverts
The ability to pour energy into specialized tasks and achieve spectacular results is central to Introverts. It is what allowed Poe to produce such deeply disturbing and visceral stories and poetry, and Tolkien to create his own fantasy world complete with cultures and languages within which to set his novels. It allowed Chopin to produce some of the most impressive and evocative musical pieces of all time, influencing musicians worldwide up to the present day. And it was what allowed George Washington, in a time of mass confusion and political unrest, to understand what was right for the American people, to see clearly into the hearts of men and unite them with his ideas of a better society, drawing on the strengths of his friends as he demonstrated his worth as a visionary leader.
Synchronization, the Second Domain of Introversion
Rather than scatter their attention among many people and places, Introverts prefer to focus in on individuals and discrete locales. For them, it’s more about quality than quantity, so they try to get as close to their subjects as possible. If conditions are right, they can establish a tight rapport that will allow them to interact with that subject indefinitely without significant resource drain. This is especially important for Introverts, who are such low-energy people to begin with. The three Strengths associated with Synchronization are described below.
Devotion
Instead of endeavoring to enlarge their circles of friends, Introverts tend to focus on a small number of individuals. When joining a new group, they will select one person to be their liaison with the group, allowing them to conserve energy. Introverts may rank their friends, consciously or unconsciously, and closer friends receive more attention. Their most intimate relationships are sacred to them, and can possess elements of symbiosis or even psychic connection. An Introvert will value such friends as much as themselves, and will do anything for them when they are in need. Introvert devotion extends to things as well as people. Like Linus from Peanuts, they may have a special blanket or stuffed animal that they carry around with them as children, and even adults may have a keepsake that is with them at all times. Introverts may also have special foods or meals that are eaten frequently. Brand loyalty is something that comes naturally to them, and once they have found a product they connect with, they will not change based on popularity or reason. The only way they will change is if they perceive some violation of trust in the “relationship”, such as diminished quality, excessive expense, or failure to meet health standards.
Immersion
Given the choice, Introverts prefer to work independently. They like to give themselves over wholly to whatever they are working on. In fact, if anything prevents them from doing so, the quality of the resulting product will suffer immensely. In a distraction-free environment, Introverts are capable of performing the most amazing feats. Their intense concentration enables them to delve into the most complex of issues, where they can study, learn, and apply their knowledge as part of a major contribution to their field. This ability extends to all manner of tasks, whether scientific, mechanical, or artistic. They are often excited to have time alone, because it allows them to focus on their personal projects, many of which involve long periods of time without speech, simply focusing in and working with their subject, getting into as much detail or depth as they wish.
Experience-savoring
in addition to fixating on specific people and things, Introverts prefer focusing on a single experience to the exclusion of all others. They will even develop favorite experiences, which they will seek to replicate and find ways to perfect the enjoyment of over time. While most Extraverts are moving on to something new and different, Introverts are still savoring. Whether it’s a meal, a painting, a sunset, or a segment from a book, Introverts don’t move on until all that goodness has been exhausted. While Extraverts are busy planting seeds, Introverts are putting down roots, sinking into the soil and partaking of the wonder around them—or within them—wherever the experience is located. While visiting a foreign country, Introverts are more likely to target a small authentic village than a busy and famous city. They will get to know the locals, learn their terms and accent—maybe even their language. They’ll walk the streets, try the local cuisine, maybe go to the market and buy ingredients, then have a local teach them how to make an authentic dish. They want to take the time to see what the lives of the people are really like and value them.
Who do you value most?
Now may be a good time to consider your own life. What do you enjoy doing most? Who do you really care about? How much of your time is devoted to those things and people? If the answer is “not much”, maybe you should figure out a way to prioritize your activities better. Why don’t you start by taking the Trait Spectrum and inviting a close friend to take it, too? That way you can further cement your already precious relationship.