Introverts and Extroverts as Builders of Our Lives

Too many times we focus only on the social differences between introverts and extroverts. This is simple and shallow. There are non-social differences. For instance, how do they differ as builders of our lives?

Both play key roles. Leave either group out. We lose. One adds to the other. Knowing how they differ as builders shows this.

Introverts and Extroverts

Introverts and extroverts have different energy sources. These explain their differences as builders of our lives.

Holistic ways exist to show how introverts and extroverts differ. One is their energy sources. Extroverts get energy from outside. Introverts from inside.

People, things and ideas give extroverts energy. It is about what they allow extroverts to do. If they allow them success and enjoyment, they are positive sources of energy.

For introverts, it is how they see these aspects. It is about a statement. If they say something interesting or help them express themselves, they are good energy sources.

As Builders of Our Lives

When we apply this to being builders of our lives, extroverts and introverts differ in their work. For the first building expresses that they are here. For the second it expresses who they are.

Extroverts want to say, “I did that,” or “I was a part of that.” For introverts, “That is me,” or “I am in that,” are key. The first do not need to see themselves in what they build. Introverts do.

In this sense, extroverts are more pragmatic than introverts are. As one pop singer said, “There was never a plan beyond making songs that a lot of people might like.” Songs did not say anything about him or his views.

Introverts are deeper than extroverts are. Howard Roark, main character in Ann Rand’s, The Fountainhead, is a classic introvert. Buildings fit his view of good. They said something.

Building Together

Extroverts are practical and shallow. Introverts deep and impractical. As builders of our lives, they team to build a world that is usefully interesting.

Introverts help extroverts build things that standout. They are unique. They do not just exist. Extroverts help introverts realize themselves. Things become real. They do not just exist inside us.

As a team they freshen our lives. It is not just another thing or idea. They build the world. They grow it. They change it. They show us the introvert and extrovert that live in each of us.