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Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength
"If you have introvert inclinations and are doubting yourself, this is a must read. Or if you know someone who exhibits introvert symptoms, read this book before calling the shrink."
- Bhante Yogavacara Rahula, author of One Night's Shelter: An Autobiography of an American Buddhist Monk
EMBRACE THE POWER INSIDE YOU
Are you an introvert? Psychologist and introvert
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
July 1st 2008
by Sourcebooks
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Karen
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Recommends it for:
Anyone who is not bored by their own company, lives inside their head, or thinks the world is mad
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book-that-defined-who-i-am
If there were more rating stars, I would give them all to this book. For anyone who has wanted to retreat from the hectic pace, blaring noise, assault of advertising, and the "American" culture ceaseless activity - this is the book for you. It was like finding an old friend and myself at the same time.
Helgoe explains that "we have become a culture of 'everybody else' Through our constantly expanding media channels, we can know what people are (supposedly) buying, how peopl...more
Helgoe explains that "we have become a culture of 'everybody else' Through our constantly expanding media channels, we can know what people are (supposedly) buying, how peopl...more
If I could have given this book ten stars, I would have. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this is the best nonfiction book I have ever read. If you are an introvert, or know an introvert, this book is a must read. It's like the author has been living inside my head for my entire life. I can't begin to explain how throughly and utterly she gets it. What's so surprising is we comprise a little more than half of the population! I always thought I was in some small minority. This book teac...more
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Introvert Power is a self-help book about celebrating your introverted identity and recognizing its strengths, instead of trying to be more extroverted and running out of energy, or becoming a hermit - the typical introvert responses to social overstimulation. The title is very appropriate - it's a very empowering message for introverts.
Personally, I'm trying to work on *reducing* my ego and I don't crave power, so some of her rah-rah'ing came off as presumptuous, for me: She makes a...more
Personally, I'm trying to work on *reducing* my ego and I don't crave power, so some of her rah-rah'ing came off as presumptuous, for me: She makes a...more
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked some of the concepts Helgoe focused on, like accepting your introversion and noticing the good things about it. Another idea I thought was valid was that you should be honest when you decline an unwanted invitation. If you make up excuses and say you really want to go, you will get more invitations. I also liked her encouragement to not let yourself be pressured into social events when you will not enjoy them, unless it's necessary, like for work.
...more
This book describes my inner life so well, and so compassionately, that it feels as if I finally find myself defended and acquitted before a jury (and culture) of extroverts. It makes me feel valued for my strength of a contemplative, observational life rather than being misjudged as snobbish, socially withdrawn, or too bookish. I have often felt as if I have to make excuses for not having active, outgoing, socially noisy plans for the weekend/holiday/vacation. I get weary of Facebook's judgme...more
I enjoy and find it beneficial to myself and others to learn about human behavior. I obviously learned a lot about introverts, but also appreciated the tidbits I picked up about extroverts. As an introvert myself, I appreciate the practical ideas Helgoe presented. They are easily applicable and gives respect to oneself and others. I think it is important to know that about 50 percent of us are introverts, but don't realize it because we are conditioned to be extroverts. Another key point was...more
Wow...really enlightening and insightful.
It reminds me why I'm an introvert--and why I'm an extrovert at the same time. :D
I love the nostalgic, homecoming feeling of returning to your permanent safe haven--your own solitude.
Another part I especially enjoyed was the "birth dates" not "deadlines!" And how we should follow Nature--our natural bodily rhythms, not the socially imposed time schedules. :) I really love this idea and I'm going t...more
It reminds me why I'm an introvert--and why I'm an extrovert at the same time. :D
I love the nostalgic, homecoming feeling of returning to your permanent safe haven--your own solitude.
Another part I especially enjoyed was the "birth dates" not "deadlines!" And how we should follow Nature--our natural bodily rhythms, not the socially imposed time schedules. :) I really love this idea and I'm going t...more
I just grabbed this off the new book shelf at the library and will have to admit that I didn't read the whole thing. But I will say that the author understands us introverts. Sample:
Extrovert: How is your day going?
Introvert:(taking the question in, thinking)
Extrovert: I have had the craziest day....
Introvert: Yeah? (distracted from thinking)
Extrovert: Yeah, it all started this morning when...(continues for fiv...more
Extrovert: How is your day going?
Introvert:(taking the question in, thinking)
Extrovert: I have had the craziest day....
Introvert: Yeah? (distracted from thinking)
Extrovert: Yeah, it all started this morning when...(continues for fiv...more
I attended a workshop/seminar based on this book's ideas, so maybe I'm biased--the book's pacing was almost painfully slow and redundant at times. Helgoe really packed in her examples, some of which I appreciated because I really related to them (e.g., the first one about savoring the slow opening of presents), but there were so many, that I felt more alienation than association. As for the specific points she drew, they'd best help introverts whose introspections haven't helped them realize tha...more
I decided to read this book with the hopes of learning more about introversion in general. I've always thought that the workplace (and even the world in general) is set up for extroverts, so I wanted to see this author's take on the research and what kind of information she could offer on maneuvering through the social complexities that sometimes confound introverts. Nothing new or too surprising here, but a good general resource with good descriptions of the behaviors and tendencies and good ti...more
My sweetheart and many of my family and friends are introverts and I think this book opens up their world to an extrovert like me. I definitely appreciate J's peaceful, introspective nature and I learned so much about the gift their different style offers the world. I think anyone could learn a lot from this book about how living in an extroverted society can really dampen the experience for an introvert who believes there is something wrong with them. This book helps introverts value their d...more
I've been pretty accepting of my introversion since I was young, but in recent years, juggling family, work, friends, etc., has made it difficult for me to set aside the time I need to process my experience.
Helgoe's book provided some useful things to consider, some good suggestions, and some emotional support. Sure, I needed to take a week off of as many activities as I could schedule myself out of to make space to think about her exercises, but any introvert reading this will underst...more
Helgoe's book provided some useful things to consider, some good suggestions, and some emotional support. Sure, I needed to take a week off of as many activities as I could schedule myself out of to make space to think about her exercises, but any introvert reading this will underst...more
This book had could have been written about me, a lifelong introvert. The author "gets" me. Descriptions, examples, thoughts, and feelings are right on target. Most importantly, I learned that it is okay to be an introvert. My strength is drawn from solitude, the company of one or two people at a time, my pets, my books, my interests. I shouldn't berate myself for not wanting to go to big parties and do "fun" activities that extroverts enjoy. I will be buying my own cop...more
If you haven't read many books about personality types, etc., I'd suggest this book as a go-to guide. If you're already familiar with your introverted personality, this book is more of a cheerleader for you to maintain what you like about your introverted life and change what doesn't work. She offers lots of tips for specific situations: parties, work, home life, etc., but what I think she'd really wish for this book to be is an introvert's manifesto to be read by the extroverts of the world.
I really enjoyed this book. I could really identify with most of the introvert traits that the author pointed out and I loved her ideas about yin days and invisibility props. I also liked the idea of the passionate observer and I was very interested to learn that there are probably far more introverts than what people realise, it's just that most people feel as though they have to try and act extroverted to get by and fit in.
One thing I particularly liked about this book was the wa...more
One thing I particularly liked about this book was the wa...more
A life changing book. Each chapter read was an exhilarating experience full of "Ah-ha!" moments and realizations. This is a true self esteem booster for introverts, and helps [us] them take charge of their [our] inward oriented personality in extroverted environments.
If you think you are flawed for not wanting to engage in what most people regard as 'fun', think again. You might as well be an alienated introvert. This book will provide insight.
If you think you are flawed for not wanting to engage in what most people regard as 'fun', think again. You might as well be an alienated introvert. This book will provide insight.
mlady_rebecca
rated it
I'm still taking notes on this one, but it seems like a good time to cap things with a review.
These are the main points I took away from this book.
1) Introverts are in the majority in the US - 57% - despite America being a very extroverted culture.
2) Introverts come in two flavors: Accessible Introverts who almost look like extroverts on the outside and Shadow Dwellers who are your more stereotypical introvert.
3) "Introverts are drawn to worl...more
These are the main points I took away from this book.
1) Introverts are in the majority in the US - 57% - despite America being a very extroverted culture.
2) Introverts come in two flavors: Accessible Introverts who almost look like extroverts on the outside and Shadow Dwellers who are your more stereotypical introvert.
3) "Introverts are drawn to worl...more
Empowering indeed. This handbook for the introverted MAJORITY among us doesn't necessarily break any new ground, but it doesn't need to. It compiles thoughts and perspectives on the advantages to being an introvert, along with useful mental exercises to make the transition from "extrovert light" that our society often requires, to self aware and authentic introvert. Introverts everywhere, especially those feeling pressures to conform to the extroverted side of things, should read this ...more
I loved this book. I always knew I was an introvert but I didn't really know the full meaning of the word and how to take advantage of it. I also didn't realize that HALF of people are introverts. I've been looking around a little more since I've read this and I 'get' people a little more now. I REALLY appreciated the insights of this book and fully intend to read it again to remind myself that it's OK that sometimes, going to a party full of people just sounds exhausting, not fun, and that I NE...more
Introversion is often treated as a personality defect; how often are we encouraged by well-meaning individuals to "get involved" and take part in social events when we really don't wish to?
Instead of badgering introverts to "get out more," Helgoe recognizes and celebrates introversion. Introverts are needed in our society, she argues, just as much as extroverts are.
Instead of badgering introverts to "get out more," Helgoe recognizes and celebrates introversion. Introverts are needed in our society, she argues, just as much as extroverts are.
A helpful book with a wide breadth of topics related to introversion. I'd estimate any significantly introverted person would learn something.
It's interspersed with anecdotes, I found myself skipping a lot of paragraphs to get to the point.
It's good even if you don't need a self-help book, just to learn about yourself some more.
It's interspersed with anecdotes, I found myself skipping a lot of paragraphs to get to the point.
It's good even if you don't need a self-help book, just to learn about yourself some more.
If you're already familiar with your Meyers-Briggs Type, a lot of this will be redundant for you, but in terms of self-help, if that's what you're after, the author has lots and lots of ideas about that. I personally was hoping for something a little more grounded in studies and culture, but maybe that's too much to hope for.
Life changer. I wish I could have read this book when I was 7 years old. Self-acceptance and empowerment as an introvert back then would have prevented lots of subsequent suffering for myself and others. It is what it is, and it's not too late! I'm grateful for this book.
This book is a treasure! I've read a lot on the nature of introversion in the past, and yet, I have always felt as if I need to apologize for mine. This book truly empowers those of us with a rich inner life. I still think extroverts would have a hard time buying into much of this, but at least we "innies" can take solace in these truths. The book seemed to lose momentum as it went on, but I had to give 4 stars because of the five-star aspects it possesses as well.
Grabbed this off the ebook library at my local library. One of the very few self-help book that I've picked up to read. Interesting as it affirms my introvert character. Otherwise, it's nothing much unusual for an introvert. Might be useful for an extrovert to read this to understand us introverts though.
There were a few interesting parts, but too much clinical stuff, which was boring and not helpful. Very rah rah yay introverts, to the point of making me roll my eyes - we are not better than extroverts, just different.
Kinda on the cheesy self-help side, and I didn't finish because it had to go back to the library. On the other hand, I got some useful tips for attending to my introverted self. (When I take those Myers-Briggs tests, I pretty much always score all the way over on the I side.) Mainly, how not to apologize and how to pay attention to my energy levels.
I often felt like she was talking about me specifically. Almost as if she knew me and all of my introverted quirks. For any introvert just discovering who they are and what it means to gain energy from within, I think this is an amazing book and one not to be looked over.
Have read, taken notes, underlined, highlighted and re-read. A great practical encouragement. Our power? The power to go within. Dispels some myths/misinformation about introverts.
I liked this book, and put my review of it on my blog.
http://scientificink.com/blog/2011/09/02...
http://scientificink.com/blog/2011/09/02...
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“Your nature is not the problem. The problem is that you have become alienated from your nature -- from your power source.”
—
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