There is a distinct difference between introversion and fear, but for some reason over the years two have become synonymous.

Introversion: the act of directing one’s interest inward or to things within the self or the state of being concerned primarily with one’s own thoughts and feelings rather than with the external environment.

Fear: a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. (or) concern or anxiety; solicitude

Other than the fact that both words are nouns, I can’t find any similarities. Yet many feel as though they are one and the same.

I coach and mentor virtual assistants to have a thriving business utilizing their personality type to the fullest potential. However I see many who are fearful.

They are afraid to market their business.

They are afraid to take on new challenges.

They are afraid of failing.

They are afraid of success.

Unfortunately many are hiding behind the face of fear and say that it’s because they are introverted that they’re not successful. Can you see now how many perceive the two as one?

In order to have a successful business and/or life, you have to work through the fear. Recognize it. Defeat it. Become fierce. If the fear is deep rooted, it may be necessary to employ the use of certified mental health counselors. Counseling is nothing to be ashamed of. It gives you an opportunity to talk things out, get to the root of your fear, work through it and then squash it like a bug.

Being an introvert rocks. We are a minority in this big world of ours. We are the creatives. We are the thinkers.  We are truly what makes the world go round.

Fear is another thing all together. Fear just plain old sucks and it literally sucks the life out of you.

If you want to know how many big name authors, coaches, business pros and others have dealt with fear and have used it to become fierce in life and business, then I would LOVE to suggest How the Fierce Handle Fear: Secrets to Succeeding in Challenging Times by Janet Slack, Donald Trump, Jack Canfield and over 15 others. Janet’s story alone changed how I view my life and business. I bet it will change your perspective too.

So…do you see how fear and introversion are different?

Keep rockin’,

-

I was reading about Embracing Your Introvert Personality over at Thriving Introvert and I love what he had to say about extroverts:

Like missionaries looking to recruit new disciples, extroverts seek out introverts to convert. They proclaim the advantages of their way of life – friends, activities, a busy life – and hope to entice introverts to join their team. To an introvert, this is not a good sales pitch!

Boy, oh boy, do I ever agree! I am happy with my solitude. I am content to sit down on a comfy chair with a glass of wine, alone, and read a good book. Sure I get out and socialize and shudder I actually like it. We are all creatures of God and require some sort of interaction with others, but we need to take a step back and realize that it can be on our own terms.

Take some time and figure our what your terms are and don’t feel as though you have to fit into the same mold as your extroverted family members and friends. Introverted personality types are different and it’s up to us to educate the world and help them understand who we are.

Happy Wednesday! Embrace yourself and who you are!

Keep rockin’,

-

**Every time I view the image above from from Timhaiti’s Flickr stream I am mesmerized. It captures exactly how I felt when I embraced my introverted self!

It’s not you it’s me.

OK, I won’t beat around the bush any longer it really is you.

You have so many women pining after you, so I’m sure that you’ll be fine. But I really need a break. It’s just not working anymore, plain and simple. Maybe we can be friends again, the choice is yours and yours alone. However in true woman fashion, I am going to request that you make major changes before we can consider a friendship of any kind. If I can be so forward, I think you need professional help. In this day in age, it’s not taboo anymore. Just ask. There are many good people out there who can help you work out your issues. I’m sure that you’re good deep, deep, deep down. You’re very surface though, everything looks good on the outside, but on the inside you are washed out and hollow.

Now back to the issues at hand.

You have hurt me in so many ways. The countless hours I’ve spent worrying about you because you broke my heart. Let me tell you what hurts Bill, there is no intimacy between us anymore. Do you know what it feels like for me when I touch all your hot buttons and it takes you forever to warm up? You’re more like a woman than you will ever know. Who are you to take that stereotype away from us?

Every time I turn around I’m afraid. I no longer feel secure with you. Maybe it’s your job or your power, but everyone is out to get you. Do you know how many times I’ve had to look over my shoulder in fright? Do you understand just how many times you have made me sick? The latest attack really beat me down Bill. It took days to recover. All that time lost. All the opportunities lost. You had the chance to make our relationship stronger, but you didn’t want to have anything to do with me. Bill, you’re only there for the happy times, when times get tough you turn a blind eye to the situation. I think what hurts me most is that you are so power and money hungry that you can’t see beyond your nose.

Another thing that bothers me is the fact that you’re everywhere I turn. I can’t go to the grocery store, my friends’ homes, even the local Wal-Mart without feeling your constant presence. It’s almost like you are stalking me. Like you’re lying in wait to see what my next move will be.

Like most couples, we’ve had our good times and our bad times. Remember when we played Monopoly and you kicked my butt from here to Sunday? Or the many times we’ve played hide and seek. And who can forget the time that we were apart for 2 weeks because you were so blue?
But alas this relationship has always been about you. You’re a control freak and will have nothing less. I’ve tried to prove my love over and over again and restore my love to no avail. I’m done and I can’t take it anymore.

I’ve met someone new Bill. Please release your hold on me so I can be happy again. This is my last plea to you.

Yours no more,

Becki

PS – Honey Mac is moving in, so make some room. Oh and he requires payment…he doesn’t come free you know.