The Writers' Life: Personality Type (Introversion and Extroversion)

One of the biggest challenges facing writers is self-discipline.  Rather than giving up and thinking we don't "have what it takes" to be a writer, perhaps part of the problem is that our work space and schedule are not compatible with our personality type. 
     The Myers Briggs personality test was developed to help people determine their personality type or temperament.  The test identifies four pairs of temperament types: Extroversion vs Introversion, Intuition vs Sensation, Thinking vs Feeling, and Judging vs Feeling.  In this blog I'm going to look at the first pair: Extroversion and Introversion. 
     Extroverts (E) feel energized by being around other people. This makes it difficult for writers who are extroverts to work alone at home, especially for long periods of time.   If you are an extrovert, consider working part of the day at the library or even in a busy coffee shop.  At the end of the day reward yourself with social time.  As an extrovert, I find I do my best work if I've scheduled in social activities with friends and family in the late afternoon or early evening.  It gives me something to look forward to.  Extroverts are also energized by belonging to a writers group and getting live feedback.  However, they need a group where the energy is positive and constructive, since extroverts prefer a harmonious environment and place a high value on what others think.  
     Introverts (I), in contrast, prefer solitude or being with only one or two other people.  They may even feel a sense of loneliness in a crowd.  Most writers and artists are introverts.  If you are an introvert set up a writing space in your home that is away from other people and activities.  Try to set aside a time to work when others are gone.  Some introverted writers get up early in the morning before anyone else to do a few hours of writing.  If working at home is not an option, consider finding a quiet space away from home.  Many libraries have quiet rooms.  While extroverts tend to find live writers groups energizing, introverts may balk at joining one, preferring to "write for themselves."  If you are an introvert, consider joining an online writers' group rather than a face-to-face writers' group.  The rise of the Internet, where one can "meet" with other people while being alone in one's home, has given a boost to writers who are introverts.  In addition, many publishers and editors now interact with their writers almost exclusively by email and other electronic media. 
     If you are not sure what your temperament is, the Myers-Briggs test can be purchased online.  It is also available at most college career offices.   It is generally best to do the test with a professional who can help you interpret the test results.  If this is not practical, an alternative form of the test, known as the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, is available in the book Please Understand Me II: Temperment , Character, Intelligence by David Keirsey. I like this book because it has detailed explanations of each personality type. The book can be purchased from Amazon.com for under $20.     
     In my next blog, I'll be looking at the next two personality types: Intuition (N) vs Sensation (S).  I'll also discuss how these traits are influenced or modified by extroversion and introversion (EN, ES, IN, IS).