World Introvert Day on January 2nd serves as an opportunity for people around the world to better understand and appreciate introverts. An introvert is best defined as someone who focuses on internal feelings rather than external sources of stimulation. The opposite of an introvert is an extrovert. There are fewer introverts in the world than extroverts. It is estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of the population are introverts. They are often described as being quiet, reserved, and introspective. Instead of receiving energy in social situations as extroverts do, introverts expend energy.
History - Introverts prefer calm environments and limited social engagements and are most happy in their own company. World Introvert Day was brought to life by the popular German psychologist and author of the free e-book "Happily Introverted Ever After," Felicitas Heyne. On September 20, 2011, Heyne wrote a blog post titled "Here's Why We Need a World Introvert Day" on her website "iPersonic." It was this article that kick-started the gears leading to the first World Introvert Day. In the article, she said that it was high time the world's awareness was sharpened to the distinctiveness of introverts. She highlighted some of the discrimination introverts face because of their reclusiveness and bemoaned the under-appreciation of introverts by general society. Heyne suggested that World Introvert Day be created and celebrated on January 2, a date she chose because introverts around the world draw a collective deep breath at the end of the draining holiday marathon that starts with Christmas and ends on New Year.
Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung was one of the first people to define introversion as a concept in a psychological context. In his 1921 book, "Psychological Types," he theorized that every human being falls into two categories — introvert or extrovert — and compared introverts to the ancient Greek god Apollo, who shines a light on understanding. He claimed that introverts are focused on the internal world of reflection, dreaming, and vision, which could make them uninterested in joining the activities of others.
Since then, more psychologists have developed more expansive theories about introverts and introversion.
Some ways to tell if you're more introverted:
• Introverts may feel exhausted after spending time with people and need to retreat to a quiet place afterward.
• It's not unusual for an introvert to enjoy spending time alone. However, they don't want to be alone all the time.
• Having a small group of close friends is more common for introverts than a large group of friends.
• Others described introverts as quiet and hard to get to know.
• Too much stimulation is distracting for introverts causing them to become unfocused.
• Introverts understand themselves quite well. They know their ticks, motivations, and insecurities.
• They prefer to have a job where they work independently than with other people.
• There are many benefits to being an introvert. Most introverts are good listeners, they think before they speak, they are very observant.