Are extroverts happier and introverts more thoughtful? Research suggests that extroverts tend to be happier. However, I challenge this notion. Isn’t happiness truly an inside job? While being thoughtful is often linked to personality types, introverts do seem to exhibit more depth in their reflections. It’s worth considering that both happiness and thoughtfulness are complex and influenced by much more than just personality traits.
Are Extroverts Happier and Introverts More Thoughtful?
Scientific studies have explored these questions with logic and data. But let’s also consider the Law of Attraction from a spiritual perspective. How does this spiritual view shape our understanding of happiness and thoughtfulness? Does being an extrovert or an introvert influence or happiness or is it a state of mind? Let’s explore this further.
Definitions: Extroverts and Introverts
Extroversion and introversion define how you channel and receive energy. According to The Myers-Briggs® Foundation, here’s what each entails:
Extroverts
Extroverts thrive on engaging with the outside world. They channel their energy outward and find fulfillment in interacting with people and taking action.
- Drawn to the physical world
- Prefer talking as a means of communication
- Develop ideas by discussing them aloud
- Learn best through action and conversation
- Tend to be sociable and expressive
- Proactively take initiative in work and relationships
Introverts
Introverts focus on their inner world. They direct their energy inward, gaining strength from reflecting on their own and others’ ideas, memories, and experiences.
- Drawn to their inner thoughts and reflections
- Prefer written communication
- Develop ideas through introspection
- Learn best through mental practice and reflection
- Focus deeply on a few interests, friends, or hobbies
- Tend to be reserved and selective in their actions, particularly when the situation matters to them
Understanding these traits helps you harness your natural energy and align your actions with your true self.
Are Extroverts Happier and Introverts More Thoughtful: Arguments for Both Sides
Does a red rose make you happy? Now answer the question are you an introvert or an extrovert? See sometimes the traits don’t impact happieness.
Back to the post idea, are extroverts happier and are introverts more thoughtful. There are yes and no arguments on both sides of these personality functions. My 2¢. I agree with the typology theorists that state:
- Extroverts are happier being in the world,
- Experiencing new things and,
- Engaging with people.
BUT
I also 1000% believe happiness starts within. If you’re not a happy camper, I don’t care what trait you have; you won’t be happy. So typology, getting in touch with your personality, and inner soul work, in my opinion, is a divided highway. You can’t have one without the other. We are a trinity; a mind, body, and soul.
The very happiness of your life experience, in general, is happening because of the story that you tell. Abraham Hicks, Money, and the Law of Attraction.
Are Extroverts Happier? What Does the Research Reveal?
The theory that extroverts are generally happier than introverts has gained traction. It’s suggested that extroverts enjoy activities more intensely due to a more responsive “pleasure system” in their brains. A Research Digest study and research by Wido Oerlemans and Arnold Bakker, was published by the British Psychological Society. S study involving 1,364 Dutch participants (average age 45; 86% female). Using the Day Reconstruction Method, participants detailed their previous day’s activities, who they were with, and how they felt during each activity. The study analyzed 5,595 days of recorded data.
Findings:
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Extroverts reported higher happiness levels during effortful “rewarding” activities, such as sports and exercise. This may be due to their engagement with others, though the report doesn’t clarify this connection.
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Introverts also find satisfaction in activities, especially solo pursuits like golf, paddleboarding, or hiking, which align with their preference for alone time.
Interestingly, the study found that extroverts reported more enjoyment from reading compared to introverts. This might be due to reading being associated with passing exams or specific goals, but it’s worth noting this finding with caution.
Overall, extroverts experience a significant happiness boost from engaging in rewarding activities with others, as their energy thrives in social interactions.
Could introverts experience a similar boost from engaging in rewarding activities with a few close friends or alone? The study didn’t address this, but it’s a reasonable possibility.
Are Introverts More Thoughtful? What Does the Research Reveal?
A Time Magazine article highlights the unique qualities introverts bring to the table. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Motor Behavior found that introverts take longer to process information compared to extroverts. This slower processing is due to their thoughtful approach—they carefully consider ideas before moving on to new ones, as noted by Kahnweiler.
Here’s why introverts are often seen as more thoughtful:
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Better Listeners: Introverts are reflective and contemplative listeners. Their responses are well-considered, and their words are chosen with care.
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Thoughtful Communication: Unlike extroverts, who may jump into conversations and act before fully understanding, introverts think before speaking. This careful consideration makes their comments and suggestions more thoughtful.
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Observant: Introverts are keen observers, which is a crucial aspect of creativity. Their attentiveness allows them to notice details that others might overlook.
While extroverts are often engaged in active discussion and are busily involved in various activities, this can sometimes lead to missing out on important details. However, it’s essential to remember that not all extroverts fit this pattern, especially when they possess additional reflective qualities.
In summary, introverts’ thoughtful nature stems from their reflective processing and careful communication, which often leads to deeper insights and more considered responses.
Are Extroverts Happier and Introverts More Thoughtful?
Who am I to question the personality theories of Carl Jung, the renowned 20th-century Swiss psychiatrist? I’m not challenging his insights but adding a spiritual dimension to them. I believe that our DIVINE essence calls us to engage fully with our mind, body, and spirit.
If you accept the Law of Attraction, then a person who actively seeks happiness and practices positivity will naturally find joy in their activities, experiences, and interactions. Similarly, an empathic and thoughtful individual will bring that same depth and care into their communications.
While typology provides valuable insights, incorporating a spiritual practice offers a deeper foundation. By aligning your personality traits with spiritual awareness, you enhance both your happiness and your ability to connect meaningfully with others.
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Are Extroverts Happier and Introverts More Thoughtful?
Who am I to dispute the theories of personality typing pioneered by 20th-century Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Well, I’m not challenging his assumptions, only adding in a spiritual component. I believe the DIVINE intended us to use our mind, body, and spirit. If you believe like energy attracts like energy, then, can you agree a person who commits to being happy and practices ways to be happier will find activities, experiences, and interactions with others to be more pleasant? Likewise, if you are an empathic and thoughtful individual, your communications with others will reflect this energy.
So while typology is an excellent starting point, I also believe a spiritual practice is necessary to build a firm foundation.
Understanding the Differences for Self-Growth
Does it make sense then that during vacation when people of opposite traits intersect, a quarrel can occur? Do you, as an introvert, come away thinking what is wrong with them? Do you think WOW they don’t even know me?
Tip: It isn’t about YOU; it’s about your travel mates personality traits. I know that one can hurt, but it’s a big learning lesson.
Would a better understanding of characteristics help you NOT take things so personally? Could you be more understanding, more peaceful? Would you then count on your thinking mate to make a logical choice in a travel crisis?
Did you Enjoy: Are Extroverts Happier and Introverts More Thoughtful?
I hope you found How to Love Being an Extrovert and Own Your Truth inspiring. If you’ve realized that you are more than just an extrovert—considering your unique personality, life experiences, societal conditioning, and childhood influences—then you understand that your extroverted nature is exactly what your spirit-fed self needs to fulfill its earthly mission. Embrace your extroverted qualities; they are integral to achieving your soul’s purpose.
The Book
Unlock Your True Potential with My Debut Book: Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide
Are you ready to transform your life and discover the key to living a life you truly love? My debut book, Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide, is your essential first step toward self-discovery and empowerment.
This isn’t just any self-help book—it’s a powerful guide designed to help you delve deep into your personality, understand your unique strengths, and harness that knowledge to shape the life of your dreams. Imagine having a roadmap that leads directly to your true self, guiding you to make choices that align with your deepest desires and aspirations.
By exploring the insights in this book, you’ll uncover the tools and strategies needed to unlock your full potential. Whether you’re seeking to build confidence, pursue your passions, or simply create a more fulfilling life, Unpack Your Personality will empower you to take control of your journey and craft the reality you’ve always wanted.
Don’t just dream about the life you want—take action and make it a reality. Start your transformative journey today with Unpack Your Personality and let your inner guide lead the way to a life you love.
Discover Spiritual Personality Typing ™️
I’m offering a pioneering and revolutionary approach to personality assessment with a unique blend of Myers-Briggs® personality typing and spiritual insight. This innovative personality paradigm emerged from my own journey through life’s challenges and deep conversations with countless women who have grappled with feelings of being lost, purposeless, and disconnected from their true selves.
Through her personal experiences and profound understanding, my mission is to help women everywhere gain a deep understanding of their true selves—the essence of who they really are. To empower women everywhere to embrace their unique, divine essence, irrespective of age, relationship status, or social standing.
It’s a a modern day personality theory that is both powerful and liberating helping you recognize, and pursue your true calling with confidence – unshackled from societal expectations. Embrace your authentic self and pursue your dreams with newfound clarity and purpose.
Explore Your Unique Feminine Archetype—Free Guide Available!
I’ve created (16) feminine personal brand archetypes that are built on the foundation of a Myers-Briggs® with a spiritual focus. These archetypes offer a comprehensive framework to help women entrepreneurs align with the personal brand to encourage a purpose-filled and meaningful life. It’s all about cultivating a true self lifestyle that initiates spiritual wisdom which expresses itself through your unique, spiritually-enriched, personality type.
Are you navigating a career change, starting anew or exploring what’s next for this season of life? Discover the power of your unique feminine archetype with my exclusive guide, based on a modern Myers-Briggs® framework. To get your free ebook and gain insights tailored just for you, simply send me a message with “feminine archetype.” Don’t miss this chance to align with your true self and take confident strides into your new direction!
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Additional resources:
1. Extended Learning on the blog: Are Extroverts Happier and Introverts More Thoughtful?
2. Watch on YouTube as I dive a bit deeper to further enhance your self-understanding.
3. My debut book: Unpack Your Personality: Gives a detailed look at personality types with a spiritual understanding.
Join the Movement if You Are Ready to Life a Life You Love
Join Nina’s Newsletter, a community rooted in grace, support, and authenticity, encouraging a lifestyle centered around your true self. You’ll receive insights, journal prompts, book recommendations, and more. Subscribe today and become an insider. Receive exclusive access to new courses, upcoming live “ask me anything” sessions, and onsite retreats…
My debut book: Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide, is a blend of personality typing, and spirituality, and brings forth the idea of traveling a classroom for self-discovery. A book that introduces my pioneering theory of personality typing with a spiritual focus. It all starts with the belief that we are spirit beings having a human experience, moving beyond the 1940s personality paradigm. Grab your copy here.
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It’s Time to Discover Spiritual Personality Typing ™️ — Nina Zapala, a Curious Type, ENTP.
Discover Spiritual Personality Typing ™️
Nina Zapala, author of Unpack Your Personality Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide, is a certified MBTI® practitioner, dedicating to guiding, and empowering women to cultivate a true self journey. Through her transformative book, she introduces a groundbreaking personality paradigm — a blend of Myers-Briggs® personality typing and spiritual understanding — born from navigating her life tsunami, and conversations with countless women who have felt lost, purposeless, and disconnected from their true selves.
Drawing from her personal experiences, Nina champions the idea that every women everywhere should fully embrace their unique, divine essence, regardless of age, relationship status, or social standing. Her message is clear: recognize and pursue your true calling, and dreams with confidence, free from societal illusions.
Explore Your Unique Feminine Archetype—Free Guide Available!
I’ve created (16) feminine personal brand archetypes that are built on the foundation of a Myers-Briggs® with a spiritual focus. These archetypes offer a comprehensive framework to help women entrepreneurs align with the personal brand to encourage a purpose-filled and meaningful life. It’s all about cultivating a true self lifestyle that initiates spiritual wisdom which expresses itself through your unique, spiritually-enriched, personality type.
Are you navigating a career change, starting anew or exploring what’s next for this season of life? Discover the power of your unique feminine archetype with my exclusive guide, based on a modern Myers-Briggs® framework. To get your free ebook and gain insights tailored just for you, simply send me a message with “feminine archetype.” Don’t miss this chance to align with your true self and take confident strides into your new direction!
More Resources Here
How To Love Being an Extrovert: Own Your Truth
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Join the Movement if You Are Ready to Follow Your True Calling in Life
Join Nina’s Newsletter, a community rooted in grace, support, and authenticity, encouraging a lifestyle centered around your true self. A weekly five-minute read to discover something new about yourself. You’ll receive insights, journal prompts, book recommendations, and more. Subscribe today and become an insider. Receive exclusive access to new courses, upcoming live “ask me anything” sessions, and onsite retreats…
Her debut book: Unpack Your Personality: Let Your Inner Guide Be Your Travel Guide, is a blend of personality typing, and spirituality, and brings forth the idea of traveling a classroom for self-discovery. A book that introduces Zapala’s pioneering theory of personality typing with a spiritual focus. It all starts with the belief that we are spirit beings having a human experience, moving beyond the 1940s personality paradigm. Grab your copy here.
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It’s Time to Discover Spiritual Personality Typing ™️ — Nina Zapala, a Curious Type, ENTP.