Does the world know how wonderful you are?
Sweet Peace: #49: Maybe it’s all about acetylcholine
By now you probably know whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert or where you might fall on the spectrum between the two. But, do you know why?
Understanding your tendency toward extroversion or introversion is a major aspect of understanding and appreciating yourself, feeling gratitude for the real you. However, the source of this difference may be deeper than just a personality trait.
Dopamine: outer world reward system. Acetylcholine: inner world reward system.
Studies exploring the differences between introversion and extroversion have focused on two neurotransmitters: dopamine and acetylcholine, both part of the pleasure reward system. Simplistically, dopamine provides the motivation to seek external rewards like earning money, climbing the social ladder, attracting a mate, or getting selected for a high-profile project at work, while acetylcholine which makes us feel good when we turn inward and find calm environments where we can “think deeply, reflect, and focus intensely on just one thing for a long period of time.”
While both styles have similar amounts of dopamine, the extrovert brain has a more active dopamine reward network, while the introvert brains prefer to use the acetylcholine reward network
There is more, much more, to know about the differences, but watching this three-minute video is a good starting place to build understanding of your particular style..
If you happen to be an introvert, this light hearted video could help you understand how wonderful you are. And, if you are an extrovert, this might help you understand why your best friend wants to stay home instead of going to a party with you.
Which style are you: introvert or extravert? And, more importantly, how do you honor and befriend your own pleasure reward system?
Source: Why Introverts and Extroverts Are Different: The Science
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