Psychologist Carl Jung proposed that defining whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, depends on where we direct our energy. Jung believed that extroverts direct their energy outwards, towards other people, and as a result, gain energy from social interactions; and introverts, direct their energy inwards, and therefore, gain their energy from spending time on their own.
We at T2 have found that when it comes to introverts and extroverts, there's a common misconception that introverts are often thought of being shy and anxious, and extroverts are highly confident and love the limelight. However, from our experience, we can argue that this isn’t the case. Although preferring to spend time on their own, introverts can be extremely confident individuals, and similarly, although preferring to be around others, extroverts can experience feelings of anxiousness. This is where our theory comes into play.
Your answers tell us that you are a Confident Introvert. Confident introverts are very comfortable in their own skin. They enjoy spending time on their own, and seek stimulation from doing tasks alone. Despite favouring spending time on their own, they are comfortable socialising and are confident speaking to and in front of others. Confident introverts are great thinkers. Their ideas are extremely well thought through and therefore, when they do speak, they should be listened to. Despite their quiet demeanour, confident introverts can command a room when required and engage their audience due to their confidence in their abilities, visions and thought processes. As they regain their social energy by spending time alone, confident introverts are likely to have a small group of close friends who they enjoy spending time with. They make great listeners and are often the person that their friends go to for advice.
Your answers tell us that you are a Confident Extrovert. Confident extroverts are literally the life and soul of the party. They are extremely comfortable in their own skin and enjoy being the centre of attention. They gain their energy from spending time with others, therefore, have a large social circle made up of friends, family and acquaintances. Confident extroverts are extremely comfortable in their own skin and do not let the thoughts and judgements of others impact them. They are confident in their own abilities and believe that they can achieve anything that they set their mind to. Confident extroverts are often described as friendly and approachable and they are open and willing to share their thoughts and feelings.
Your answers tell us that you are a Anxious Extrovert. Anxious extroverts are rather complex characters. They enjoy spending time with people, and are energised by external stimuli, however, they tend to seek validation from others and care about what people think about them. This can make anxious extroverts very self-conscious and anxious individuals, traits which become more exaggerated when they spend time on their own. However, in the right company, anxious extroverts can thrive and be the life and soul of the party. They are their best-self when they are in the presence of people that they like and trust and feel comfortable with. Outside of their comfort zone, anxious extroverts can retract socially and appear introverted. Nonetheless, they gain their energy by spending time with others and therefore feel more at ease when surrounded by their friends and family.