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Susan Cain, the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking and founder of the startup Quiet Revolution, believes that the world gives an unfair advantage to extroverts, by designing institutions like schools and workplaces for them.
Cain has dedicated her life to showing people why introverts are actually capable of great achievement — not despite their personality, but because of it.
Are you an introvert, like Cain, an ambivert, or extrovert? Take the quiz below to find out:
Answer each question on this 1-5 scale:
1 = very uncharacteristic or untrue, strongly disagree
2 = uncharacteristic
3 = neutral
4 = characteristic
5 = very characteristic or true, strongly agree
- I quickly feel drained when in a large crowd of people.
- I am a cautious decision maker.
- I feel drained after being out and about, even if I've enjoyed myself.
- I don't take risks unless I've done some careful research or evaluation first.
- When I was a child, people described me as "quiet."
- In large social gatherings, I often feel a need to seek out space to be by myself.
- I don't rush decisions.
- Too much exposure to noise or light leaves me feeling drained or spacey.
- I am patient to find out all the facts before making a decision.
- I do my best work in a quiet environment.
Now, add up your total score.
Here's what your score means:
Total score of 38 or more: Introvert
Given the choice, you'll usually devote your social energy to a small group of people you care about most, preferring a glass of wine with a close friend to a party full of strangers. You think before you speak, have a more deliberate approach to risk, and enjoy solitude. You feel energized when focusing deeply on a subject or activity that really interests you. When you're in overly stimulating environments (too loud, too crowded, etc.), you tend to feel overwhelmed. You seek out environments of peace, sanctuary, and beauty; you have an active inner life and are at your best when you tap into its riches.
Total score from 22 to 37: Ambivert
You fall somewhere in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum. In many ways, ambiverts have the best of both worlds, able to tap into the strengths of both introverts and extroverts, as needed.
Total score of 21 or less: Extrovert
You relish social life and are energized by interacting with friends and strangers alike. You are typically assertive, go-getting, and able to seize the day. You are great at thinking on your feet and relatively comfortable with conflict. Given the choice, you usually prefer more stimulating environments that give you frequent opportunities to see and speak with others. When you're in quiet environments, you're prone to feeling bored and restless. You are actively engaged in the world around you and at your best when you tap into its energy.
Let us know which one you got! (Of course, you can have some personality traits from each category.)
(h/t Fortune)
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