Quiet

Psychology has fascinated me for years not only in my focus to help others through fitness training, but also in my own self improvement. It is interesting to know why people act in certain ways, why they sabotage their own improvement and how some can enact change as easily as changing clothes.

Recently I have written about the book “Quiet” that I have been inching my way through slowly. Having finished this excellent read it has helped me to better understand my own personality, answering multiple questions about why I act the way I do. Catherine has often said I am different at work or when with work friends compared with when I am with her. This makes more sense to me now after reading “Quiet” and understanding the deeper reasons behind that personality change.

I firmly believe that we don't always show our true characters in our everyday lives. When at work we may act more confident than we feel, showing an extroverted personality that is actually at odds with who we truly are. If we have a personality that leans toward the introverted end of the scale then this extroversion will be draining and require time to recuperate.

Personally I exhibit a level of confidence and exuberance that I don't always feel. I may enjoy talking to people and learning about them, but I find it draining, even more so when it's in a group setting. As a result I talk less after work and need quiet time to read, listen to music or write. Provided I recognise the warning signs and keep consistent with addressing the balance then I maintain good mental health.

For many people this may sound like a lot of deep drivel and that's ok. I don't really write to explain a deeper level of thinking to people, but merely to raise an awareness of it. So many of us don't take the time to think things through in life, whether that is thinking before we speak or thinking before we act. I know that I have always been guilty of the latter when it comes to my life and have begun to change that. Slowing down and considering what we say and do should not be a negative, but it often loses out to speaking first with unwavering enthusiasm.

Here's to slowing down, thinking and quiet.

T :)