The term "inner-directed" is likely new to you. It is the behavioral term I'm pioneering that unites "those who focus inward to restore."

It refers to the common behaviors of introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs) and how they relate to the world.

Why it matters that you know whether you are (or someone you know is) inner-directed is because it impacts how you deal with the world and the choices you make each day.

You don't need psychological or social labels to define you, especially when they stop you from naturally being who you are.

Labels, like introvert, sensitive, quiet, shy or withdrawn, attempt to describe how others experience you.

They do not relate to who you are.

They can limit you because the tendency is to live to the limits of the label and only go that far. In addition, there is the stigma that can accompany any label, which causes you to feel shame. Any way you look at it, labels confine all you truly are.

What is important to realize is that there is so much more to you than any label can include. Inner-directed individuals are different and that is good.

They act differently to create their own comfort level in situations. They feel differently about what happens.

And it's exactly those differences that bring richness and texture to our world and events.

For instance, inner-directed individuals who adopt a slow, steady pace perform best while doing one thing. That can be contradictory in our fast-paced, "out there" world that demands more and more get done each day.

I've repeatedly seen inner-directed individuals who embrace their best tempo out-perform those who use speed and multi-tasking.

Another common behavior is spending time alone. For inner-directed individuals, this is time to process and regroup, while part of an essential practice to know what one thinks or how one feels.

Others may easily scorn such actions as "anti-social" and miss the whole point.

It matters to know if you are inner-directed because:

You stop debilitating comparisons and start to see yourself for all the fabulous qualities you hold.

Society begs us all to be alike. When it compromises your true nature, being like others is not worth it.

You give yourself permission to take care of yourself in the way that's best for you.

You allow into your routine what nurtures you and naturally put other things aside.

You stop copying others. Assimilation calls on us to act like others. Yet, when you replicate behaviors from others who are not like you, you feel awkward and potentially can be embarrassed.

When you learn to identify others like yourself and watch them, your success rate improves.

You stop being who you are not and start being who you are at your core. You feel the release of pressure to be inauthentic and simultaneously create an avenue to experience your great gifts, talents and strengths.

You move to experiencing freedom and choice in every area of life. What more could you want?

Being inner-directed is a wonderful life. [I know because I am.] Still, many struggle with it because they see it from society's angle -- that different is not good.

Come join the transformation that leaves your best qualities shining.

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Sarah Dolliver is the Founder of InnerVantage, the online community for inner-directed individuals (those who focus inward to restore), where you can take the Are Your Inner-Directed Assessment at http://www.innervantage.com/freein.shtml

Her vision is to remove the stigma from being introverted or highly sensitive (HSP) to allow these individuals to lead rewarding lives that bring distinct contributions to the world. She educates, inspires and empowers them to use their gifts, talents and strengths as the basis from which they approach life.

Subscribe to the Awakening Your InnerVantage newsletter or get other free resources at http://www.InnerVantage.com

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Management (Bentley College, Waltham, MA) and is a graduate of Coach U and The Graduate School of Coaching from CoachVille.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Dolliver

More articles by Sarah Dolliver.
 

Sometimes because I am very shy, when I meet a director and they are shy too, we just sort of sit there. I remember when I met Ang Lee and we were left alone -- we were supposed to have tea with each other.. I was so shy and he was so shy neither of us said anything to each other for about 20 minutes. Finally, we started talking about "The Ice Storm."
Sigourney Weaver
 

  Related Talent Development Resources pages :

Highly Sensitive.....High Ability.....HSP & gifted books

High Ability - gifted/talented articles.....Giftedness books

Intensity / sensitivity.....Intensity / sensitivity resources : articles sites books

Introversion / shyness......Introversion resources : articles  sites  books

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