Relying on Systems

There are inner and outer systems. When we rely on both, new opportunities open up for us since we tap into a larger “source” that otherwise we might not have access to.

If we don’t pay attention to both systems, we build a distorted image of what’s going on?– which can lead to problems long term.

This could happen to both introverts and extroverts.

Introverts’ natural inclination is to focus more on their inner world. They’re fascinated by this rich system. So much to explore and discover, besides the refuelling effect it has on them.

Extroverts are the opposite. They’re inclined to focus more on the outer world, especially since human interactions energize them.

However, paying too much attention to our natural inclination deprives us of opportunities that could help us move forward.

Some examples

As an introvert, writing my first book (Introverts: Leverage Your Strengths for an Effective Job Search) was easier than promoting it. I could focus on my inner world for days without needing interaction, but the book wouldn’t reach many people if I do nothing to increase its visibility.?

LinkedIn and other social media platforms are outer systems, and I understood early on the importance of using them to spark interest in my book. So I gradually increased my activity on these platforms, expanding my comfort zone at a pace I was ok with. And it helped: that book became an Amazon bestseller in seven countries and had 2800+ downloads in the first 36 hours. Certainly, I didn’t know all these people personally.

Like most introverts, I don’t like to be in the limelight. But fuelled by a meaningful cause, I felt an urge to do it. After all, if I truly believe that my books can help people (which I do), it becomes my responsibility to increase their visibility. So accepting to be in the limelight is another way to rely on systems to help us achieve goals – even if we don’t feel well-prepared for that role (at least not yet). We can enhance that skill in time. And the motivation that comes from having a meaningful goal can speed up this process.

That’s one of the reasons I founded the Immigrant Writers Association (IWA) in 2018. After publishing my first book, I realized there might be other immigrants who have something to share with the world, want to learn about publishing landscape and increase the visibility of their writing… so I could help them by sharing what I’ve learned, while creating another outer system (IWA) that could increase the visibility of my books.

Two weeks ago, the IWA’s presence at the Word On The Street Toronto Festival proved again that relying on outer systems works. It multiplies our results while spending less time and energy than if we’re doing all ourselves. This annual book festival attracted many readers. They stopped at IWA’s both, bought the three anthologies published by IWA (written by members) and other members’ books (including mine). And new opportunities opened up for both IWA and its members.?So much exposure for our books in only two days, based on the extensive work of the festival’s team. Thank you!

If you’re an introvert thinking that my examples are not relevant to you, I encourage you to put “relying on both inner and outer systems” in the context of your own situation: be it job search, career development, entrepreneurship… or any other life situation you find yourself in. Getting feedback, ideas, information, and even support from outer systems can be beneficial to you, too.?That's why Introverts Academy created the online course Networking... The Introvert's Way!??

What about extroverts? You might ask.?

They, too, can benefit from paying attention to both worlds.

I’ll let an extrovert, Lesley Jones, to share her perspective on why extroverts can benefit from being more in tune with their inner system (excerpt from her review left on Readers’ Favorite website for Quiet Lessons for The Introvert's Soul):?

“As a person with extrovert personality traits, I was interested in discovering what I could learn, if anything, from the mindset of an introverted person. To say this book changed my negative perspective of introverts being unsociable characters is an understatement. The author’s gentle questioning technique really gave her interviewees an opportunity to reflect on how their quiet character is not only a strength, but has enabled them to make an impact on the people they come in contact with.?

One aspect of the book that resonated with me was the characteristic traits of an introvert such as perseverance, self-reflection, empathy, modesty and being open to self-development made them more in tune with their authentic self. There are many insightful moments throughout this book, and the lessons learned will not only empower the quiet and reserved in society but also be a reminder to the extroverts that they can learn a great deal about living an authentic life by following their example. One quotation from the book that I will take with me is that introverts make great leaders because they inspire people with their vision and not indoctrination.”

Back to you:

• If you’re an introvert, on what outer systems could you rely more to help you advance toward your objectives? (BTW, my books have many examples of how to do that while being true to yourself)
• If you’re an extrovert, what will encourage you to explore and stay in touch more often with your inner world?????

Gabriela Casineanu

GabrielaCasineanu.com?|?Books | IntrovertsAcademy.org?