Confessions of a Successful Extroverted Introvert

We all wear masks! Some, such as those of liars and thieves, are dangerous to ourselves and to others. Others, are required by the careers we engage in using acting and undercover law enforcement as related example. And, the remainder may be considered the product or our own internal coaxing. Among us are those who hide behind the mask of extroversion in order to succeed in careers - we may very enjoy - but, require more daily interaction and energy than come naturally to us.

I am - at my core - an Introvert. I am not embarrassed to make this admission, because I have challenged myself to put myself more into a public light. You don't get much accomplished in the world by hiding from people. If you have a calling, you must answer it and overcome ALL external and INTERNAL barriers to succeed.

I have always forced myself to "act" more extroverted, because in order to be successful in many of life's endeavors that call for heavy people interaction, we need to become more outgoing to contribute to meeting our daily and long-range goals.

Being an extroverted introvert takes a huge toll on my mind and body, daily. At the end of most days, I've left most of my energy and enthusiasm on the field and need to retreat to a nice, quiet, relaxing and private evening or weekend to fully recharge. Listening to music, watching television, going to the movies, dining out, traveling to an interesting location, taking photos, attending a concert or sporting event or reading a good book all come much easier to me than looking for a raucous party to attend. In fact, I am much better speaking one-to-one with others and when I am business networking; wearing my business/professional mask.

I can comfortably address a huge group from behind and out front of a lectern, than open myself up to others at a party. My nature is to be a better and kinder person to one or many, rather than to be a "clown and conversation monopolizer" at a party. The latter type often intimidates me. It is almost as if they can read me better than others and know how to overwhelm me to capture the main stage for themselves. In a debate with them, I am confident I would win, but at a party there is no real contest. I am just not wired that way. In fact, I am a lot like the late Johnny Carson, who was rumored to have been terrific in front of and commanding an audience, yet painfully shy when in most social situations.

So, what is the take-away from my confession? Despite all of the above, I am still comfortable in my own skin. I don't mind being someone I am not, because my alternate someone is doing things I like and feeding my family at the same time. This Introverted Extrovert has been elected to public office numerous time and have done a credible job, so they say. This Introverted Extrovert has enjoyed a very long career in the field of employment and attained titles of Director, General Manager, Vice President and Business Owner. This Introverted Extrovert has had his written work published, has traveled the country for speaking engagements and has received many honors. This Introverted Extrovert has always used his position and the dais to benefit others. And, this Introverted Extrovert - despite his sleep apnea - sleeps well every night, because my shell was hard enough to prevent me from breaking out of it.

God gives us US (a body and a soul), we make US, who we need to be (growth and adaptation) to accomplish our missions and purposes in life.