Understanding Introversion in the Modern World - extract from The Introvert Teacher
The world today is an extrovert’s paradise, with plenty to do and get caught up in. Without getting too far into history, much of this has to do with Western society’s obsession with big dreams and larger-than-life personalities.
As the world becomes more westernised, these values inevitably become part of popular culture. Today, we are so inundated by them that our behaviour and mindsets have started to align with them.
Leaders in today’s world are often appointed based on how well they speak, how quickly they make decisions and how well they can build rapport with people. Products gain popularity through widespread advertisements, attractive packaging and catchy slogans.
Even services have to be made to appeal to the mass market through careful targeting, meticulous data analysis
and extensive conceptualisation before they can be introduced for sale.
Is any of this wrong in and of itself?
Certainly not!
It is merely how the modern world works.
For good or evil, it will continue to change, and what we can do is to be updated and adapt to it.
Since that is the case, let us, as introverts, recognise this, accept it and roll with it, not with a feeling of disenchantment or disappointment, but with a spirit of graciousness and a sense of adventure. After all, we have some really good things going for us as introverts.
2021 Updates for remuszhong.com, including Word of the Year
It’s been a while since I updated this blog.
I’ve been trying to form the habit of regularly recording on Twitter and on my own phone in the form of Notes.
What I realised is that I find it way easier when I don’t feel that I ‘need to connect’ to an audience.
I may decide to kick people off the new Instagram account that I’m trying to set up about my professional life until I’m deeper into it.
Right now, I do feel a certain insecurity due to the presence of too many people (although there are less than 20 followers).
Let’s figure that out later.
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My Word of the Year 2021 is…
Jam
I actually wrote all of this down on 31 Dec 2020 in my notebook on why I chose this word:
1) Jam is experimental
It involves other people. In the coming year, I intend to experiment more, both to test things out as well as to continuously improve myself and my skills and abilities. As others are also involved, there will be a need to continue to build and maintain relationships, as well as cull them, continuing on from the previous 2 years.
2) Jam can get messy (as can jamming) (and making jam)
I intend to be unafraid of getting my hands dirty and having things in disarray. Eventually, things will become…
3) Sweet
The signature taste of jam. I will trust that things will eventually turn out for the best, The end-result of a jam is not only pleasant to the tongue, it will be pleasing to the eye (and ear), and is readily shared.
4) The Jams in my life
I will have to isolate them, deal with them, or overcome them. Also, I’ll have to jam the brakes on bad habits and behaviours that are detrimental to me and others.
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If you’ve read this, you’ll notice quite a bit of play on words. I find that this helps me to remember things and keeps them fresh in my mind.
The Final Month of 2020 - A Month of Renewal?
So here we finally are, in the last month of a tumultuous year. Based on everything that has happened so far, it isn’t hard to imagine that many people are either still reeling or just starting to get back on their feet. Of course, there are some of us who have managed to turn crisis into opportunity.
Wherever we may be in the midst of all this, it’s probably worth planning for the year ahead, and the ones after that.
Certainly, the virus isn’t going to up and leave just because it’s 2021.
However, we cannot let it dictate the rest of our lives.
It may have left an indelible mark on us, but we are an adaptable species.
Somehow, we will rebuild and restore, recalibrate and reconnect, restart and renew.
After all, it is through difficult times that strength and resilience emerges.
Let us embody this and help others around us forge that better future.
