Hi Reader,

April is here, with its capricious weather and the promise of spring. Am I the only one who woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of thunder?

Let's dive in today's topics:

1. Life as an Introvert
2. Relationships & Communication
3. Job Search & Career Advice
4. Business & Entrepreneurship
5. Mind-Body-Spirit Connection
6. Hobbies

1. Life as an Introvert

Have you considered the impact that overthinking can have on you and your goals? Most decisions are reversible if the choice doesn't lead to what you want.

While making quick decisions can help move forward faster, that doesn't imply only thinking and analyzing the situation more quickly. It also requires involving your "inner team" in the decision process by giving it a purpose to focus on. Otherwise, the discussions between your inner team members simply add to the chatter, and overthinking becomes overwhelming.

Intrigued by the "inner team" concept? In the blog post Overthinking? The Introvert Inner Team Can Help! (based on a coaching session), I share how a client found clarity and ways to move forward by engaging her inner team.

Do you already engage your inner team in decisions? Please share how it's working for you.

2. Relationships & Communication

There's a new term taking the internet by storm: "otrovert." Have you heard of it?

Our communication and relationships are shaped by our personality traits more than we think. Understanding the complementary traits of introversion and extroversion can help. However, there are also myths and misconceptions about personality types we should be aware of.

In the article Can Introverts Become Extroverts? Introvert vs. Extrovert, Ambivert, Otrovert, I discuss these concepts and the "four types of introverts" currently floating around, looking at them from three perspectives:
​• Reality: What the scientific data says.
​• Perception: How some interpret situational behaviours as personality traits.
​• Time: An often overlooked factor when considering personality types.

What do you think about these concepts?

3. Job Search & Career Advice

In North America, networking is a buzzword; it's highly recommended by career counsellors and business experts as the most effective strategy. However, I don't agree that networking is a strategy—I see it more as a tactic than a strategy for introverts. Why?

People often recommend networking to increase visibility and access new opportunities. However, many introverts find standard networking styles inauthentic and the environments overwhelming. This often leads introverts to unconsciously project an image that is far from who they actually are, resulting in outcomes that are far less than expected.

In the article How to Network Authentically as an Introvert (Using Your Natural Strengths), I delve into this topic—providing details on why using networking as a tactic for implementing long-term strategies works better for introverts to achieve their goals.

4. Business & Entrepreneurship

While Alignable provides online networking opportunities, I’ve found many participants pushing their own agendas and dominating conversations. These days, I’m putting together several webinars for introverted entrepreneurs based on what I’ve noticed is missing for those I work with or have met.

Please let me know if you're interested in any of the following webinars. While I'll be approaching entrepreneurship hubs to deliver these, I may also schedule them on Eventbrite if there is enough interest:

Strategy Pillar​
​1. The Flywheel Engine: Strategic Business Growth without Burnout
2. Authentic Connection: Master Business Communication in the Age of AI

Tech/Efficiency Pillar ​
​3. Gemini (AI): As a Business Development Tool
4. Webinars: A Powerful Marketing Tool for Business Growth

Human Pillar ​
​5. The CEO Mindset: Overcome Psychological Barriers to Scaling Your Business
6. Beyond Stereotypes: How Personality Traits Influence Your Business Growth

Meanwhile, since introverts prefer meaningful interactions in less noisy environments, Introverts Academy invites you to our Introverts Connect monthly events—the first one is on April 9.
​All introverts are welcome (not just business owners!), and you can choose the topic you'd like to explore in one-on-one breakout rooms via Zoom.

5. Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Of all the people I've met via Alignable recently, I connected particularly well with the founder of Access Possibilities, Julie D. Mayo. In our follow-up discussion, we realized we have a lot in common—including a wholistic* approach to helping people, alternative techniques for healing and wellbeing, and an openness to learning new modalities.

Julie introduced me to Access Bars®, a relaxing and nurturing process. As someone who has a daily meditation practice, believes that everything is energy, and that we live in a Holographic Universe, I found the Access Bars® process interesting. You can learn more about it on Julie's website.

*Julie uses the "holistic" spelling, while I prefer "wholistic" for Introverts Academy. I find it better describes the work I do through Introverts Academy: looking at situations, challenges, and individuals as interconnected parts of a larger system to find customized, integrated solutions.

6. Hobbies

In the last newsletter, I mentioned ACEO ("Art Cards, Editions, and Originals")—the miniature (2.5x3.5 inches) paintings I was excited to try. Well, the excitement didn't last long!

Since I love intuitive finger painting (seeing what comes out of the free movement), I looked for natural, non-toxic acrylic paints. I found a US company that manufactures them, but they don't ship to Canada. And watercolours don't quite work with my painting style. Bummer!
So, I’ve given up on ACEO, at least for now.

Hobbies teach us many things—even how to be okay with giving up on something you were looking forward to. What have you learned from your hobbies lately?
​
Gabriela

Gabriela Casineanu, MSc, MBA, MBTI
​Catalyst of self-awareness and growth in the overlooked gap between inner & outer worlds
(people, roles, systems)​
Founder / CEO of Introverts Academy • Award-Winning Author​
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