It’s been a busy week.  Two days in LA, followed by two days being an illegal alien in Canada!  Next time I’ll have the right paperwork with me!

Now back in LA waiting for a flight, I have time to reflect more on that question I get asked from time to time: Does being shy mean the same thing as being introverted?

As a high-powered Introvert (INFP) (Phlegmatic/Choleric) I feel uniquely qualified to answer that question.  As a child I was HIGHLY bashful.  I did not speak much, I did not interact with other children much and my mother tells me I was a very compliant child.

Now I believe that introversion formed the basis of this shyness which lasted into college.  But I believe that even the most hard nosed introvert can overcome shyness.

As an adult I have made my living in Sales and Marketing for 15 years.  I HATE cold calling (see my article entitled “Cold Calling for Introverts”) and do not schmooze well.

After a presentation or meeting I still have the Introvert’s desperate need to go hide somewhere until I can recharge.  But I CAN make presentations and I CAN call people when I have to and I CAN hold conversations with strangers.

So what happened?  I believe a strong program of self-development over the years helped me build self-confidence.  Not blustering, Dale Carnegie confidence but actual confidence in my abilities, my intelligence and my understanding.

Studying Temperaments helped me tremendously — finally coming to the realization that I was not socially retarded (Hey!  I’m just an Introvert!) made a big difference.

So, while perhaps controversial, I believe that Introversion is inborn and shyness is a controllable, changeable behavior.

If you disagree, please let me know back — I am always open to other points of view.