We live in a world full of labels and logos. We have this incredible urge to add tags to our names. And an undeniable urge to belong to a group. But it also a sign of the disengagement of the modern world, especially urban society. The desperate ambition to characterise ourselves as something meaningful like wearing a badge that says, I am part of this tribe, I have an identity. But when it comes to Introvert, Extrovert and even the more balanced and realistic Ambivert – I still have to ask – are you really an Introvert? Extrovert? Or Just You!
-There is no such thing as a pure extrovert or a pure introvert, such a person would be in the lunatic asylum – Carl Jung
More recent research into human behaviour shows that all of us have, to some degree, a mix set of attributes from the extrovert and introvert blends. The ambivert, (a person who lies in the middle of the spectrum) is gaining popularity. After all, people are individuals and not yet programmed to react like robots. Much of this is backed up by new research. Remember Carl Jung devised his theory in the 1920’s and probably – more than likely excluded women from his studies. In a Wall Street Journal interview, psychologist Adam Grant estimated that ambiverts make up between half and two-thirds of the population. This is good news, because ambiverts win at life and business.
-The worst distance between two people is misunderstanding – Anon
I think it is all about mindset and the way you have been limited and restricted in your life growing up. The indoctrinations, moral, social and religious codes you have swallowed and digested and believed to be true. The things you heard and trusted as truths from your parents and teachers, all those should’s and shouldn’t’s. The Rules from Schools scenario, I call it. From all the little things like Girls mustn’t – Boys have to – You can’t sing you or you will never be good at…Remember? By the time you reach your teenage years the labels and categories are firmly in place. Introvert? Extrovert? Or Just You! What would happen if you didn’t label yourself?
Here is an interesting article on the topic, which focuses more on personality. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-gen-y-guide/201710/the-majority-people-are-not-introverts-or-extroverts
-Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important – Janet Lane
And now just to make matters more complicated – someone has come up with a new label. An omnivert is a kind of hybrid between introvert and extrovert. They will be extroverted in a low stimulating environment while being introverted in a high stimulating environment. So, are you ready to decide? Introvert? Extrovert? Or Just You!
For further reading about the Rules that govern and rule your life and how you can start to ditch them, check out my new book, The Rule Breakers Guide.
My book is now on the Peoples Book Prize – down to the last 16 – Don’t hesitate to vote for me!
The less labels you attach and the more you dismiss the rules that do not benefit you – the more you will move on the things that matter in your life.
Are you ready to have a wonderful week without labels?
