Don't Let Your Personality Hold You Back - Even If You Are Inner-Directed
I believe personality diversity is as important as ethic or cultural diversity. To get there, it helps when each of us opens up to what makes us great and lets it shine. This challenge is particularly demanding for introverts and highly sensitive people [what I call "inner-directed"]. However, it is not impossible.
How do you stop yourself from being a natural and complete expression of who you are? There are many ways. Which of these affect you?
Fear: Fear is a projection of what you expect, not of what is. For many, fear obstructs constructive actions. Yet, it is possible to move forward despite fear. Don't let this warning system control your destiny.Living your past or story: Here, you cast the shadow of your past on present experiences by replaying what has happened before, quelling your in-the-moment instincts. Recast your past and you overcome this barrier.Limiting beliefs: Here is another way your past plays out in the present. Some prior experience caused you to form a belief, which may not be valid in the present. Recognizing its historic nature is the start of re-forming that belief.Trying to be like others: Could you be embellishing your natural traits by pretending to be something you are not? Selling out your true personality never brings rewards as deep as being who you truly are. Hiding what you think are your flaws or faults: Trying to put parts of you under camouflage rarely works either, as those traits leak out anyway. What if those supposed flaws or faults were really your greatest natural gifts? You never know until you use them.Self-doubt: No one is ever 100% self-confident, no matter how it appears. Learning to work with self-doubt and its negative inner dialogue is the key to mastering this essential part of being human.Living to other people's expectations: Could you find yourself saying "I can't because (any label, like 'introverts') don't do that" or "They want me to do (some action), so I will." If so, you are trying to meet external expectations and putting your own integrity aside. Instead of aiming for their target, define your own bulls' eye you can hit repeatedly.Narrow social opportunities: Feeling inhibited about larger groups, new situations or strangers doesn't have to control you. I have succumbed to social phobia and then learned to cope. Practice helps quiet negative feelings and allows you to replace them with more current, successful memories.Restrictive career choices: It's easy to talk yourself out of new opportunities around work to feel safe. Yet, when you rely on your natural abilities and let go of each of the items on this list, work and getting along at work (and elsewhere) are easier.I've seen that extroverts and non-highly sensitive people have these same concerns, too. It just doesn't seem to bother them as much as it does for us. Let's learn from their example (notice I didn't say, "copy them") to expand our horizons, feeling less bound by our personality traits. Then, as we participate more in the world in our natural ways, all will see the greatness that lies within our inner-directed type and the gifts we bring to society.
Related Tags: personality, self esteem, temperament, traits, introvert, trait, introverts, highly sensitive
Sarah Dolliver is the Founder of InnerVantage, the online community for inner-directed individuals (those who focus inward to restore). Her vision is to remove the stigma from being introverted or highly sensitive (HSP) to allow these individuals to lead rewarding lives that bring distinct contributions to the world. She educates, inspires and empowers them to use their gifts, talents and strengths as the basis from which they approach life.
Suscribe to the Awakening Your InnerVantage newsletter or get other free resources at http://www.InnerVantage.com
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Management (Bentley College, Waltham, MA) and is a graduate of Coach U and The Graduate School of Coaching from CoachVille.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- 3 Proven Success Tips That Never Fail
If you are looking for ways how you can achieve great success in your life, this will be the right a - Success Principles - 3 Powerful Tips That You Cannot Miss
If you want to be successful, continue to read on and you will discover the 3 powerful tips that wil - Life Is Full Of Opportunities If You Stop And Look Around You
Yes I do agree that life is hard especially when you consider the challenges that come with it. But - Dream Big, Aim Higher…start By Listing Goals Now
Life is just like a piece of coin, every coin represents every experience, all the knowledge and eac - 6 Reasons To Use An Abundant Life Coach
We live in a time of fast-paced, seemingly insensitive, frenzy; it is, in fact, sensory-overload. It - How To Develop A Winning Mindset
1. Give yourself permissionI know it sounds simple but one way to begin winning on a consistent basi - Life Balance: Tips From A Yoga Class
It can be tricky to find that place of balance in life. Juggling work, family, community and persona - 5 Guaranteed Tips That Will Get You Motivated In An Instant
Do you want to learn how you can get motivated immediately? If you do, this will be the right place - How To Achieve Great Success With 3 Powerful Techniques
If you are living in mediocrity and you would like to have a change, this will be the perfect articl - A Funky Success Article - The Blonde Caper
Benjamin Pennyworth considered himself a closet James Bond.He felt certain he was a 007 agent yet to
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Succeed With Goals Using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Positive Self-Talk
Do you long to breakfree from persistent, life-sapping issues ruining your life or holding you back - The Secrets of Attraction and Manifesting - Part I
We can often be so tied up in our every day realities that the thought of creating something we cons - Speed Reading For Success
We are living in the Information Age where knowledge and action are the keys to success. Business pe - On A Pathway To Wealth We Incur Many Risks
Do these quotes ring true of you?'I am scared to go against the crowd.''I am scared to be the best m - Don't Mess With Big Bird
This is a story about someone else...not me. It's about Ralph - yeah, that's his name - Ralph!Ralph - If You're In Fear Of Something - Put Your Coat On!
I remember when I was younger some of my 'supposed' friends used to tease me about being scared of s - Staying Off the Emotional Rollercoaster
We all experience this one constantly. Be it personally, professionally or anything else, we all kno - The Irrefutable Law of Success - It is About Giving and Not Necessarily Receiving
The beginning of the year is that time when people start to bring out their pens and pads and jot do - Stepping Outside the "Financial Box"
The title of this article is significant for two reasons. Firstly, because it defines the type of bo - Losers Ask "Why?" and Winners Ask "How?"
There's a saying you may have come across, especially if you're in sales or sports or any walk of li
