Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength [Paperback]

Laurie Helgoe Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2008

"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 Laurie Helgoe reveals that more than half of all Americans are. Introverts gain energy and power through reflection and solitude. Our culture, however, is geared toward the extrovert. The pressure to enjoy parties, chatter, and interactions can lead people to think that an inward orientation is a problem instead of an opportunity.

Helgoe shows that the exact opposite is true: Introverts can capitalize on this inner source of power. INTROVERT POWER is a groundbreaking call for an introvert renaissance, a blueprint for how introverts can take full advantage of this hidden strength in daily life. Supplemented by the voices of several introverts, Helgoe presents a startling look at introvert numbers, influence, and economic might.

Revolutionary and invaluable, INTROVERT POWER includes ideas for how introverts can learn to:

• Claim private space
• Carve out time to think
• Bring a slower tempo into daily life
• Create breaks in conversation and relationships
• Deal effectively with parties, interruptions, and crowds

QUIET IS MIGHT. SOLITUDE IS STRENGTH. INTROVERSION IS POWER.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. "Most Americans, whether introverted or extroverted, have learned to look like extroverts," writes psychologist (and introvert) Helgoe in this well-written and well-reasoned analysis that challenges the perception of introverts as a silent, problematic minority. The author reveals that 57% of the U.S. population identify as introverts and are so commonly misunderstood because many of them have become adept at mimicking extroversion (becoming a "Socially Accessible Introvert") to get by. Helgoe encourages introverts to see themselves as perfectly functional and to fulfill their need for solitude with regular retreats and creating a private space in their homes. Helgoe's book is wide-ranging and cross-cultural, invoking how other societies (particularly in Japan and Scandinavia) are more compatible with and accepting of introversion. Helpful sections details why introverts need extroverts in their lives and how extroverts depend on introverts for their artistic contributions and inner "richness." The author's voice is vivid and engaging, and she skillfully draws real-life examples of awkward scenarios introverts find themselves in when forced to play a role in society or the workplace. Readers will find much insight, as well as a comforting sense of being understood and validated.

Review

So many spot on assertions about introversion – what it is and what it isn't. I definitely appreciated the insight Helgoe had with respect to understanding and building upon the strengths of the introverted mind.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks; 1 edition (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402211171
• ISBN-13: 978-1402211171
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.7 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

218 of 218 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Introverts are not alone February 15, 2009

By annesailorgirl

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Oh my, where has this book been all of my life?!! As a marked introvert who has to pretend to be an extrovert in my health-care career at a busy county hospital, this book was like water poured over my soul. It is okay to need alone times to recharge. Introverts are up to 57% of the American population, according to some sources, and if you an introvert, there is nothing wrong with you. I burst out laughing at the quote on p. 16, "If you've been spending a lot of time with people, she might suggest that you are avoiding time alone and suggest that you might be depressed." I could relate so well! In our society, everyone thinks there is something wrong with you, if you like quiet time, not if you're avoiding quiet time. I adore books, and if I get a day off work, I'm happiest at our nearby bookstore curled up with a stack of good books to peruse and a cup of hot chocolate from their cafe -- this is also a recommended introvert pursuit, according to the book, but one that few people understand (I assume that many readers of Amazon reviews also enjoy books, however, so I'm assuming readers of this blog will understand a love of books). I'm also half Swedish/Norwegian, and the author describes Sweden as being one of the openly introverted cultures in the world, along with Japan, where introversion is also prized and understood. I enjoyed how the author is familiar with the Myers-Briggs test; as an INFP myself, I also recommend the book "Please Understand Me II." It is not likely that I can restructure my people-centered career at the hospital, but I've learned to escape on lunch break to my car and sit quietly for a while with a book or my thoughts. It is worth it even in winter when it is so cold, just to not have people constantly demanding my attention, and just let my spirit breathe.... I go back in to work and I'm revitalized and smiling and have so much more to give. (See Ch. 13, "Why Did I Want to Work with People?") After reading this book, I actually understand why I repeatedly fantasize about escaping up north to a little cabin filled with books for a whole winter, or a remote island with no one else around, this is not strange for an introvert. People drain introverts, even if we enjoy them -- in small doses, with space in between, to quote the book.

The book also discusses how introverts can claim private space, carve out time to think, bring a slower tempo to daily life, create breaks in conversation and relationships, and deal effectively with parties and crowds. Most of all, it gives you permission to enjoy quiet time and if you are introverted, to learn how to thrive instead of just co-exist with all of the noise of modern life.

Contents:
Part I: Antisocial, Weird, or Displaced?
Ch. 1 The Mistaken Identity
Ch. 2 Alone is Not a Four-letter Word
Ch. 3 Becoming an Alien
Ch. 4 "Anyone Else IN?"
Ch. 5 Meditating with the Majority: The Introverted Society
Part II: The Introvert's Wish List
Ch. 6 A Room of your own
Ch. 7 The Time to Think
Ch. 8 The Right to Retreat
Ch. 9 The Freedom of a Flaneur
Ch. 10 Inroads to Intimacy
Part III: Standing Still in a Loud World
Ch. 11: The Conversation Conundrum
Ch. 12 The Anti-Party Guide
Ch. 13 Why Did I Want to Work with People?
Ch. 14 The Downside to Self-Containment
Ch. 15 Showing Up for Relationships
Part IV: Outing the Introvert
Ch. 16 From Apology to Acceptance -- and Beyond
Ch. 17 Celebrating Introversion
Ch. 18 Expressing What's In There
Ch. 19 Moshing on Your Own Terms
Ch. 20 Introvert Power

I highly recommend this book for all introverts, and people who know introverts. Read more ›

81 of 84 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Provoking, in every sense possible- July 10, 2008

By Laura Homar

Format:Paperback

I feel that had I known, or my parents and the adults around me, all this information, these helpful insights, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble. Trouble, in every sense of the word. It's bittersweet. I feel justified, vindicated, explained, comprehended, normal. But at the same time, it's almost haunting.
"If they had know this or that...things wouldnt have happened that way." This book has thusfar explained every struggle I've ever had, and the truth is I'm not exaggerating.

Aside from being wonderfully written, in an accessible and personal tone, the book leaves nothing unanswered, and no room for doubiousness. It's a great investment for people who are introverted, or people who know introverts, or extroverts who can understand introverts....the list goes on.

A+

77 of 80 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book July 10, 2008

By John Thornbrook

Format:Paperback

Wow! What a fascinating book. The title caught my attention, and once I got into it, I was pleased with all of the insights the author provides. I always figured I was an introvert, but I didn't realize what that meant until I read this book. Now I understand that introverts simply gain strength from within and that many social interactions cause them to expend energy, while extroverts gain strength from interactions and have to expend more energy through internal reflection. That explains a lot of mysteries about people I have known, including me. The author does a great job of disproving the falsehood that introverts are in the minority and that extroversion is the preferred state of being. Neither is better than the other, but knowing the difference can help all of us understand ourselves and others better. I also like the way the author combines academic research, real-life examples and her own experiences to make a very compelling case for the power of introverts. I plan to keep this book in a handy spot so I can refer to it whenever I need a refresher on its concepts. This book is a good investment.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Laurie Helgoe, Ph. D. - INTROVERT POWER April 13, 2009

By J. H. Carpenter

Format:Paperback

I have read most of the recently published books on introversion, and INTROVERT POWER is, by far the best one I've encountered. Even when introversion is acknowledged and explained by many authors, it is regarded as an obstacle that needs to be overcome, or an enemy that should be conquered.

Dr. Helgoe identifies introversion as a characteristic of personality that is common, but widely ignored; and explains that when properly understood, introversion can be enjoyed, celebrated and put to productive use.

I have discussed the subject of introversion with people who have advanced degrees in psychology, and I have been told that introversion is a personal choice or an attitude. Bull!

Dr. Helgoe GETS IT! She understands that some people are plenty of company for themselves. She understands that many of us just don't care for parties or crowds or superficial relationships. She knows the value of just a few good friends and the life enhancing value of a solitary retreat. And she knows the need to have the freedom to think your own thoughts and to feel your own emotions.

This is an outstanding book. Introverts will be refreshingly validated by it, and extroverts will be educated.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Book September 6, 2008

By Renee Cavin

Format:Paperback

I'm so grateful that this book found its way to me! Anyone out there who is wondering why they haven't "achieved" extroversion yet needs to read this right away. So many of us wonder, "What is wrong with me", "I should enjoy crowds and groups and parties- all the things that our media and our current American society say makes up a healthy person". No more of that- no more expecting ourselves to transcend into extroversion - like breaking through the glass ceiling and victoriously becoming this social butterfly! A true introvert does not find their power there. This book very aptly tells how we do find it. And for this I say thank you.