Binary vs. Spectrum Framing in Self-Talk & Self-Expression

Have you ever expressed yourself as either “extroverted” or “introverted?” It’s a very common trope I see discussed and shared in the mainstream. Whether it’s in casual conversation, on social media, or on dating profiles, generally people seem to buy into the idea that they are either one or the other.

However, the truth is that introvert and extrovert are two poles that exist at opposing ends of a spectrum. No one is solely ‘introverted’ or ‘extroverted.’ This frames an individual’s self-expression in binary extremes, which lacks context and nuance in how those characteristics are brought out through behavior and action.

Binary means something made of two things or parts that are considered diametrically opposed and in which everything is classified either one or the other.

Spectrum means a range of similar things and/or different positions classified between two extreme points.

I’m not advocating that one is better than the other. In terms of biology, human gender is binary: Male and Female. Today, many people argue that gender is a socially-constructed spectrum that has many different possibilities that exist aside from M/F designation. In politics, voting falls largely into a binary split between Democratic and Republican even though in reality people’s views on relevant issues exist on a wide and varied spectrum. These are just easy-to-understand examples of the binary-spectrum relationship and the purpose of this post is not to comment or argue about the specificities of those dynamics.

When it comes to the individual, their self-beliefs, and their own growth, it is the mentality and self-awareness of how binary vs. spectrum affects their perceptions, actions, and outcomes. If you think you are naturally introverted, that may very well be the case and there is nothing wrong with that. It's more likely that in some situations you exhibit introverted tendencies and in others you become an extrovert. Because you have the mentality that you introverted, you may either consciously or sub-consciously reinforce that self-belief through your approach to life.

However, you may also have the ambition to start a business, have incredible friends and relationships, and make a bigger impact on the world. In this case, being an introvert is not going to help you and will not be something you can hide behind. You will be required to adopt extrovert behaviors and characteristics, expose yourself to uncomfortable situations, and grow a more holistic mode of expression if you are to achieve your goals and live life up to your own standard of expectation.

In summary, start with becoming aware of how you frame yourself to yourself, and also the specific language you use to express the narrative of who you are.