WELL / AWARE SHOW 006 | Allie Lehman on Introversion

I can’t tell you how I met Allie, but it happened on the Internet — which after today’s conversation comes as no surprise.

I always had introverted tendencies as a kid. I favored books over parties (until about age 18, then I went a little wild…), observation over performance and yoga over field hockey. Don’t get me wrong, I love being social and really value my relationships. But I get far more out of a 1:1 situation than I do in a large group. I like having friends from different places and varying walks of life, not one “main” group. I also enjoy interacting with people through their life’s work or my own. When I’m not feeling social, staying at home on a Friday night somehow brings me more joy and fills me up in a way than dancing till the morning light does not. At least not in the present moment.

I can say I tried that personality on for size in college, and I really, really tried to make it fit. I tried smoking for a while, being a punk, drinking far too much at a time and even dabbled in drugs. Nothing stuck. Not a thing! And to think at the time I wished it would because I wanted so badly to be a rebel, but even then, I found myself working part time at NYU’s two gyms. I always studied best alone and my favorite pastime was taking solitary walks in the village. Now whenever I drink it’s usually a glass of wine, maybe three if the time and place calls. I’m still down for spontaneity or a walk on the wild side, but I have to be feeling it. It took a long time to admit and accept this especially post-rebel stage, but I’m working on it :).

The truth is I proactively seek quiet, reflection, routine and simplicity. Which is why I’ve been intrigued by Allie’s work on introversion. It was through her work that I started to realize what it means to be an introvert, that we Charge Up with alone time.

This is an eye opening episode for anyone who feels a grating and constant stress or frustration with productivity, doesn’t feel fulfilled or is consistently agitated in relationships. You may have introverted tendencies that are not being honored, causing unnecessary friction. It’s also a great listen if you date, work with or are close to an introvert.

In this conversation we discuss:

the duality of introversion

overcoming fatigue and feeling “overflow” with energy to give to others

identification of and solutions for friction at work or personal life caused by introversion

nature of introverted relationships

SHOW NOTES:

Charge Up Introverts – Allie’s e-book

The Wonder Jam – Branding, design and photography company co-founded by Allie

Be Up & Doing – Allie’s blog, which I read loyally!

Death to the Stock Photo – A disruptive photography agency co-founded by Allie