The Irresistible Introvert

May 9, 2016
Life coach Chung educates her fellow introverts on how to effectively use their innate strengths while making slight behavioral adjustments to achieve self-esteem and earn respect from others. On a mission to combat a perceived social “bias toward extroversion” where gregariousness is rewarded and the more withdrawn are unappreciated or ostracized, Chung celebrates the introvert’s natural magnetism, loyalty, intuition, and empathy. She covers coping skills for introverts to cultivate, such as creating time and space to retreat and recharge, and tips to “extend our social batteries” to get the most out of social activities without becoming overstimulated. For those struggling with emotional roadblocks, she suggests creative expression and clever mental tricks of personification. She also discusses some introversion-specific problems surrounding intimacy and how to overcome them. Exercises show readers how to “perform an energy audit,” identify their own goals and desires apart from societal norms, and project when speaking. With public interest in introversion currently on the upswing, this is a useful all-purpose guide, particularly for younger readers who have not had the life experience to develop these skills on their own.

July 1, 2016

Ever since Susan Cain's Quiet, introverts have been released from the closet of embarrassment and have realized they deserve respect. Chung, introvert coach, writer, and entrepreneur, breaks down the myth that charisma is reserved exclusively for extroverts. She maintains that when introverts harness their inner nature, they let people see the good parts of themselves that they usually keep hidden, and they can do that in their own calm way. Chung bolsters the introvert's approach to life and encourages those of that personality style to rediscover their emotions, love themselves, and use their voice to demonstrate confidence and assertiveness. VERDICT A great morale-booster for introverts.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.