Are We Pushing Too Hard?
I often hear from introverts that they are exhausted during the day, only to come home and crash on the couch with little energy left to share with the family. Many also complain that the weekends aren't much better. Why is this so and what can we do about it?
Why Are We Exhausted
Introverts will often reach for the "social card" to address their exhaustion. "Networking at work exhausts me. Going out to dinner with others wears me out."
While it is true that too much socializing can be our Achilles heel, I don't buy into the suggestion that introverts can't socialize. We are interesting people and in the right environment, we have plenty to say. We just need to prepare a bit and be selective - smaller crowds, familiar faces, shorter durations.
But I think it is more than the socializing that wears us down. For many of us, there are several culprits. Why?
Extremes.
We are often pushing ourselves to extremes! That's right, no one else is doing this. This is our doing. I too am guilty as charged. These extremes can appear in different ways: Workaholic, Alcoholic, Binge-eating, Crash dieting, Extreme sports, or a Lavish or miserly lifestyle.
But why do we pick up these bad habits?
Often we feel that such extremes can provide recognition for "the hidden half," they help us "cope" with our introversion, they help remove the "gray area," or they are obsessive compulsions out of our control. Let's address each of these:
Covert Recognition
Oftentimes introverts find it difficult to be recognized. We are the "hidden half" of society. We are rarely the ones approaching our manager to share our progress or successes. But if we are the group workaholic, others will notice. We may often feel that checking off the task list early in the morning, after hours, and on weekends brings that recognition and a warm feeling of accomplishment, much in the quiet confines of our office or home. Drinking a lot or running marathons and endurance bike races brings us recognition and accomplishment as well. We are known for something.
"Coping" With Our Introversion
Often we incorrectly believe such extremes will help us cope with the stresses of introversion. If we drink enough we can be numb to the social stresses of a party. We may overeat during social gatherings or as a way to wind down or reward ourselves after a dinner or business cocktail hour. We are relaxed and soothed for a brief period of time.
Remove the Gray Area
Evaluating situations and striving for a balanced lifestyle can be hard. It necessitates making difficult choices about work projects, work/life balances, or how we spend our time. It prompts difficult decisions and anxious discussions at times. It is a lot easier to just go for the extreme...work hard and do everything, run a marathon or bike hundreds of miles rather than gauge how much is enough, eat everything rather than decide when and how to pull back or crash diet by eliminating calories, carbs, or other items rather than relying upon intuition and good choices. We can avoid internal or external conflict and just "go for it!"
Obsessive Compulsions
Perhaps we give in to these extremes because we feel we have no choice. They are obsessive compulsions out of our control. I must work long hours, eat these things, or work out to the point of exhaustion. I might recognize the unhealthy nature of these extremes, but they are part of me. I can't control them so I accept them.
I spent years crumbling under the weight of these habits. I worked long hours to go "above and beyond." As an observant introvert, I had lots of ideas and I preferred not to debate the validity of each with myself or my manager, so I tried to do them all. I drank to forget my introversion and to feel like a social "fun guy" for once. I ate to celebrate my accomplishments and social survival and then I extreme-dieted to address the shame of my appearance. I stretched biking around the neighborhood with my family to full-day cross-city bike treks. Each exhausted me but I didn't know how to stop.
Isn't This Just Ambition at Its Finest?
No. I wholeheartedly applaud ambition. It helps us stretch and grow and fosters greater self-esteem in all of us. But reaching for extremes is not the same thing. These extremes just don't feel right. These extremes are dangerous. They can actually increase stress and create unhealthy habits that can deteriorate our bodies, our mental health, and our relationships.
In the midst of some of my greatest extremes, I went to my doctor to address my weight and the rashes, sciatica, and shingles that wracked my body. The doctor assessed that while he could treat these symptoms, they would continue to recur until I addressed the root cause. We don't have to go to extremes to be ambitious and successful.
So What Are the Answers?
Moderation through knowledge.
I realized that the root cause for me was my introversion itself. I needed to go on a journey of learning and awareness to help shed the extreme habits and adopt a more moderate lifestyle.
This journey through the Phases of Introversion has taken many years. I had to shed the negative stigmas and stereotypes often associated with introversion, which drove me away from learning and embracing who I was. When I finally started to learn about the grand strengths of introverts like preparation, observation, creativity, and thoughtfulness, I realized I was needed. My work team, social groups, and family could value my talents. And if I practiced enough, I could lean on these natural strengths to succeed at work, in networking, leading teams, and meetings, without the need to stay on the extreme.
I deciphered that a big part of the problem was that I was driven so far from my comfort zone because I was embarrassed by it. I felt that being quiet albeit observant, being alone albeit not lonely, and being introspective albeit thoughtful and purposeful were unpopular traits that I could not share. So I hid my true self and my comfort zones, and I ventured off to extremes that were so "not me" that I was a wreck. I later learned that while it may be important to stretch ourselves, we must remain connected to our core and stretch carefully and with kindness to ourselves.
Introvert's Moderation Mantras
Honestly, I still struggle with these extremes. I catch myself working out way too long, or eating too much. Just this past week my dentist attributed my current dental issues to brushing too hard! Really? But now I'm aware of this and can usually catch myself, often by reminding myself of the Introvert's Moderation Mantras:
Ours is a patient game- we do our best work with pauses and pondering.
Quality over quantity- it's tempting to be a taskmaster, but cultivating our unique perspectives can deliver unique solutions others need to hear.
Embrace our strengths- everyone is different and all strengths are needed. Discover them, practice them, and proudly use them.
Work smarter not harder- we can make the biggest difference this way.
Stretch kindly- self-compassion and modest stretching as opposed to leaps are best.
The world needs the "true me"- imagine a world without creativity, observant listeners, balanced analysis, and proper preparation!
Celebrate moderation!- instead of cheering our exhaustive extremes, recognize when we moderate our behavior and relish the more relaxed, confident, and sustainable person we are becoming.
What extremes are controlling your life?
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The Questions Introverts Ponder
and
The Answers Extroverts Need to Hear
Introversion often feels so alone and many of us assume no one else could feel this way. This book contains many of the questions that have been asked, often by introverts trying to understand this personality trait that can at times govern our lives.
I also hear from many introverts struggling to share their introversion with family, friends, and co-workers, either out of fear or just not having the words. This booklet can serve to educate others to understand better the many strengths and talents we have to share.
I hope you will find this booklet an informative read and reference book with a splash of light-heartedness and inspiration as well. I invite you to start with the questions you are most curious about and share them from there.
NEXT WEEK:
Can't We All Just Get Along?
Breaking down the relationships between Introverts and Extroverts