The Introvert Advantage

How to Thrive in an Extrovert World

By: Marti Olsen Laney PsyD

Narrated by: Tamara Marston

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Some people - a sizeable minority - prefer to avoid the limelight, tend to listen more than they speak, feel alone in large groups, and require lots of private time to restore their energy. Often they feel different, not right, less than. But as Marti Olsen Laney proves, that is far from the truth.

The Introvert Advantage dispels common myths about introverts - they’re not necessarily shy, aloof, or antisocial - and explains how they are hardwired from birth to focus inward, so outside stimulation such as chitchat, phone calls, parties, or office meetings can easily become "too much". Most importantly, it thoroughly refutes many introverts’ belief that something is wrong with them. Instead, it helps them recognize their inner strengths - their analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and strong powers of concentration. It provides tools to improve relationships with partners, kids, colleagues, and friends, while offering dozens of tips, including eight ways to showcase their abilities at work and strategies for socializing. In short, The Introvert Advantage shows introverts how to take advantage of their special qualities not only to survive in an extrovert-oriented world, but to thrive.

©2002 Marti Olsen Laney (P)2013 HighBridge Company

Delightful

I learned so much about myself (an introvert) and my husband (an extrovert). I understand why I do what I do and why he does what he does.. Things are so much clearer now. I will be more patient and understanding. He is going to read the book, too. Thank you for the information and for a better understanding of ourselves.

Helped me grasp my introversion, though some coping strategies didn't suit me

This audiobook is well written and well performed. The only reason I gave a 4 star overall is that I didn't always connect with the author's strategies for overcoming "vapor lock". That's no fault of the book, but I think it's a fair heads-up to potential listeners. I'm a 25 year old male, and the author is a 40 something female. This may be why we don't always see eye-to-eye. Though I'm glad she knows how I'm feeling when people become just too much for me to handle

There is nothing wrong with me :)

Would you listen to The Introvert Advantage again? Why?

Absolutely. I love this book. My entire life, I was told by friends and family that I was stubborn or odd for my introvert characteristics. Learning my personality falls in line with the introverted personality has been eye opening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Introvert Advantage?

Learning that needing the time to think and reflect on information does not mean I am a slow thinking. It solidified my personal view, that I need to think more deeply before gathering my thoughts and forming a conclusion or argument.

Have you listened to any of Tamara Marston’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I have not. This is was the first book I have listened to her narration on.
I did enjoy her performance, so I will be looking for more of her performances.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but my desire to stop and start the book has nothing to do with the recording or book itself. I took the time to think about and process each chapter before moving on to the next.

Wonderful

This book has given me so much insight and relief in my life. I thought for sure I had something wrong with me. Anytime I'm in a crowd I tend to get very overwhelmed by all of the stimulation and want to leave as soon as I get there. I now have a better understanding of what to do to keep myself from having these issue. I highly recommended this book to anyone with social anxiety. It has helped me and may help you as well.

Gave a sense of relief

This book was such an encouragement! Often times growing up I have felt like I was "different" or "off" for not enjoying what others kids enjoyed or acting the same as them. As I got older, I learned to accept who I am, even if I didn't like it. This book assured me that my thoughts and actions are indeed normal, and encouraged me in my introversion, giving me advice on how to manage more successfully in my daily life. Just hearing the author list emotions or actions I have found myself feeling or doing in the past and felt strange about have taken a burden off my mind. I definitely recommend this book to those who feel insecure about their more internal thoughts and lifestyles.

Very Helpful

This book is very useful for an introvert or one that lives with or works with one. There are so many ideas on how to manage and excel as an introvert.

useful

this was a highly useful book. I wish I had been able to read it 20 years ago. I learned a lot.

I learned a lot about myself

This book helped me to understand why I have the traits I have. Now I can work along with my traits to enjoy my way of living better. Great read. Highly recommend.

A must for anyone trying to better understand humans.

I am an introvert, and this book has allowed me to gain a much better understanding of how my brain works and what it is that has been making me feel different my entire life. Even before finishing the book I had begun to see the entire world with new eyes, and understand people better.

I highly recommend this book to any introvert, and also to any extroverts whom are interested in gaining an understanding of the other 20% of people and why they act the way they do.

I will also write, for the first time in my life, I can say, honestly, that I will no longer try to hold myself up to the extrovert's standards for socializing and interaction, for which I've always strode. I feel much better about myself in knowing there is a physiological reason for me not to meet these standards, and going forward, I will cut myself some slack rather than beat myself up so much for not fitting my complex polygon into that circle.

Powerful

This audiobook was awesome. For someone like myself, (a total introvert) it helped me explore and broaden my inner thoughts when dealing with people and personalities.