JONGSON PARK

For an introvert the outer world is scary. Maybe it’s actual physical threats, harm or pain. Maybe it’s failure, embarrassment, ridicule, inadequacy. Maybe it’s verbal, social, relational, expectations, competition.

For the extrovert the inner world is scary. Maybe it’s that inner-voice of doubt, fear, insecurity. Maybe it’s the possibility of being wrong. Maybe it’s the idea of having to change. Maybe it’s having to re-evaluate, question or be honest with life-long held beliefs, thoughts and principles.

The introvert and extrovert gravitates toward each other’s opposite spectrum. The introvert is more comfortable with facing, dealing with and trying to figure out their internal struggles. The extrovert is more comfortable with facing and overcoming external challenges and physical adversity.

An introvert feels more in control of themselves and the environment in the inner world. An extrovert feels more in control and at ease in the external world. An introvert might feel more confident with the ability to change themselves. An extrovert might feel more confident in being able to affect or change their environment. An introvert might be more aware of how they’re feeling and presence in a social setting. An extrovert might be more aware of the energy and presence of others in a group setting.

Introverted or extroverted, each are a strength, each is a gift to how to see the world, others and ourselves. We can and should learn from each other.

Continuing on this topic of internal and external – introverted and extroverted. Early on, as a child, we learn which area is safer. Is the “outside” physical world safer, more comfortable? Or is the “inner” personal world safer.

Maybe as a child, there was an actual physical pain interacting with the physical world, scraping your knee falling, getting hurt playing sports or maybe it was pain, fear or embarrassment when interacting with and caused by other people. A child might start to think the world is unsafe, and start to go inward, scared and hesitant to live outwardly and express themselves physically, emotionally or psychologically.

Maybe another child, has a higher tolerance for pain and embarrassment or maybe they’re more adept at navigating their physical body in the physical world, avoiding harm, injury and even better at interacting and responses from other people and situations. This person wouldn’t necessarily feel the need to draw inward and be in their own head because they don’t see the outer world as being unsafe or scary.

Couldn’t these be a template of how we learn to be introverted or extroverted?

As much as I can see and understand from my experiences and what I’ve learned. Our interaction with the “world”, how we relate and operate in it, is an interface between our receptors, interpretations and responses. Our “receptors” experiences the information and then we interpret that information, into how to respond, what to say and do. Closing the “loop” on our interaction.

But the receptors, interpretations and responses can happen in two different places – Internally and Externally. Our receptors can receive information externally, that is with our actual physical body, with our senses, what is actually physically visible or tangible. Or our receptors will receive information internally, that is receiving information that isn’t readily visible, maybe it’s a mood or energy, and maybe reason or logic.

External receiving takes the experience at face-value, it’s all about what you see is what you get.

Internal receiving is picking up on the “unseen”, what isn’t readily obvious, spoken or outwardly visible.

Then we interpret the information that we experience. This too, happens at the external layer the internal layer. At the external layer, it’s not about trying to make guesses or hunches or trying to think deeper about the situation or what the other person might be thinking. At the internal layer, it is trying to look deeper, reading between the lines, to try and make sense between what is seen and why it’s happening. Trying to make inferences and identify patterns.

And then we’ll either react internally or externally. That is internally – let the loop continue in our heads. This can look like deciding to let it go or standing by a set of principles or rules to dictate the reaction. Seems to linger more and be more, thinking about things of the past and future.

Or our response can be external – reacting outwardly in a physical manifestation. That is, it seems like preventing the “chemical reaction” from going any deeper and keeping it all external, feels very reactive and spontaneous. Can be an emotional reaction and more immediate – more present and in the here-and-now.

And our “interface”, the receptors, interpretations and responses can make up any combination of being internal-internal, external-external, internal-external, external-internal and so-on.

Take a closer look at the organizations, foundations, societies, companies, governments, cities. i.e. maybe find an encyclopedia on the structure of the military, government or company. Just think about it. Wonder about how a single person, product or process grows into a large company. Ponder about how they’re structured, how they operate. How each person and pieces plays a part into the whole. What is their objective? What are they doing to reach it? Efficiencies, inefficiencies. How is each person, department intertwined to carry out their jobs. How is communication, directives, tasks and direction carried out. What is the most optimized, efficient way to do that?

Then organize your own project, event or activity. It could be a dinner, get-together, party, vacation. Or maybe something more objective oriented, a charity, volunteerism, or maybe it involves a product or service. Do something that uses and develops your ability to organize and move people in a direction, communicate and get something done.