Wow! There are actual raspberries in my mini garden folks! I can’t promise it will be this vibrant after a few weeks from now because I may forget to water the plants. Regardless if they grow nicely or not, I still want to maintain a garden or place of calm in the backyard. This leads me to my latest podcast muse “The Introvert Entrepreneur”. I have been doing alot of thinking about life/career and stumbled across interviews with successful introverts of the world. It is refreshing to listen and learn from like minded individuals–especially since we live in an extrovert dominated world. Did you know introverts are only 30% of the entire population? For introverts, this just means we have to work harder to stay true to who we are and not give in to the pressures of an extroverted world. Nothing against extroverts, because we really do need you–especially since I am married to one and love him dearly. More about that on a later post.

First, lets take a quick introvert personality trait test for fun on www.theadventurouswriter.com and see how we all score. I pretty much answered yes to almost all the questions. I am a proud introvert my dear friends! What that means is left to be discovered in the next few months.

A Test for Introverted Personality Traits

Answer true or false to the following questions about introversion and extroversion:

1. I like to have long, uninterrupted periods to work on projects, rather than small chunks.

2. I sometimes rehearse things before speaking, occasionally writing notes to myself.

3. I like to listen more than talk.

4. People sometimes think I’m quiet, mysterious, aloof or calm.

5. I usually need to think before I respond or speak.

6. I like to share special occasions with just one or two people, rather than have a big celebration.

7. I tend to notice details many people don’t see.

8. If two people have just had an argument, I feel the tension in the air.

9. If I say I’ll do something, I almost always do it.

10. I feel anxious if I have a deadline or pressure.

11. I can zone out if too much is going on.

12. I like to watch an activity for awhile before joining in.

13. I form lasting relationships.

14. I don’t like to interrupt others; I don’t like to be interrupted.

15. When I take in lots of information, it takes me awhile to sort it out.

16. I don’t like overstimulating environments.

17. I sometimes have strong reactions to smells, tastes, foods, weather, and noise.

18. I am creative and/or imaginative.

19. I feel drained after social situations, even when I enjoy myself.

20. I prefer to be introduced rather than having to introduce others.

21. I often feel uncomfortable in new surroundings.

22. I can become grouchy if I’m around people or activities for too long.

23. I often dread returning phone calls.

24. I like people to come to my home, but I don’t like them to stay a long time.

25. I find my mind sometimes goes blank when I meet people or when I am asked to speak unexpectedly.

26. I talk slowly or have gaps in my words, especially if I’m tired or if I’m trying to think and speak at once.

27. I don’t think of acquaintances as close friends.

28. I feel as if I can’t show other people my ideas until they’re fully formulated.

29. Other people may surprise me by thinking I’m smarter than I am.

Are you an introvert? Finding the answers to this personality test is easy

Simply add up your “true” responses. The more “trues” you have, the more introverted personality traits or introversion signs you possess…

Scoring:

20-29 “true” responses means you’re a true introvert (like me!). “Only deep relationships measure up as friendships and you use them to relax. You need to mentally rest throughout the day, even after enjoyable activities. Because you will draw a blank under pressure, prepare for meetings, talks, and even parties beforehand. Accept your nature and learn to politely fend off energy-draining people.”

10-19 “true” responses means you’re both introverted and extroverted. “You sometimes feel torn between the desire to dance in the streets and walk alone on the beach. Notice this, so you can keep your energy consistent. You judge yourself through your thoughts and feelings, and through others, leaving you with a broad view that is sometimes difficult to straddle.”

1-9 “true” responses means you’re an extrovert. “You relish variety, have lots of ‘close, personal’ friends and will chat with complete strangers. Your stimulation is all external, so you talk, think, and act quickly. As you reach midlife, however, you may need to take a break from the high life to reflect, even though it goes against your nature.”