I found a key to happiness and I would like to share it with you. Ok. Ok. Not really, but I wish I could!!!! I did, however, came across an interesting study that’s worth sharing. Here it is:
People’s personalities generally fall into two traits or theories: extraverts and introverts.
Extraverts tend to have outgoing, talkative, energetic behavior and tend to thrive off of interaction with other people. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to have more reserved and solitary behavior and prefer solitude or engaging in small groups.
So what makes either one happy?
According to a study, extroverts are outgoing, gregarious types who wear their personalities on their sleeve, are generally happier. Researches found that introverts, who are more withdrawn in nature, will feel a greater sense of happiness if they act extroverted.
Why? One theory is that being talkative and engaging influences how people respond to you, especially if that response is positive. Others speculate that people get more satisfaction and energy when they express their core self and opinions. Another possibility: happiness might come simply from having successfully completed a goal, such as giving a speech.
Other studies have shown that extroverts are more motivated than introverts. It might be due in part to extroverts' greater sensitivity to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a big role in behavior driven by rewards.
Also, a series of studies found that introverts misjudge how they would feel after acting extroverted. They often predicted feelings of anxiety and embarrassment, which never transpired. Introverts kind of underestimate how much fun it will be to act extroverted. For example, you don't think you want to go to a party and then go and have a great time.
However, it’s not that simple! If people acting in a way that goes against their natural disposition they might wear themselves out. Acting out of character can take a physiological toll on the nervous and immune systems. For example, introvert who often has to engage in extroverted behavior, such as making speeches, in order to advance his work often needs to emotionally recharge.
While introvert might benefit from interacting with others during a break at a conference, they prefer to go for walk if he has time. If not, he might hide in the restroom. Going against your traits is going to use up resources and anything that requires concentration is going to deplete glucose resources.
Also, genetics may play a large role in whether we are more extroverted or introverted. Social experiences, especially those outside of the family environment, are also important, particularly as a child and young adult when the connectivity between neurons is being established.
And how does culture play into this? Would you observe the same effects in cultures that didn't have this sort of value placed on being outgoing and assertive and so forth?
We live in a culture that very much subscribes to the extrovert ideal of being bold, outgoing and assertive. Rather than trying to get introverts to act more extroverted, society should be drawing on their natural strengths, which can include being a good listener, more focused and working creatively.
And the conclusion is….what makes one happy? Have no expectations, don’t be afraid to try new things and be yourself!