Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Like many other things in life, human personality is always complex and continuous. Although there is evidence that your brain determines your level of introversion or extroversion, everyone has both introverted and extroverted traits. Most people fall in the middle. You may even feel more introverted or extroverted depending on the day or your recent experiences. This property is referred to by the term "ambiversion." Sometimes introverts often feel as if something is wrong with themselves. Introversion is a natural nature for many people, and there's nothing wrong with it. Although you may never really "go from introvert to extrovert", there are steps you can take to develop your extroverted traits and develop this side of yourself.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Understanding introversion and extroversion

1. 

   
   
   Recognize "introversion" traits. Introverts are usually more reserved than extroverts. They usually enjoy being around people, but they still prefer company with a good friend or two rather than being in the crowd of strangers (no comparison to shyness). Some of the differences between an extrovert and an introvert may be that the introverts' brains process information differently from those of the extroverts. Unlike the misconception of many people, introverts do not "hate people" and they are also not necessarily shy. Here are some common introversion traits:
   • Seek silence. Introverts are generally satisfied with being alone. Sometimes they like solitude, at least most of the time. This does not mean that they are afraid of people, but rather that they do not have a strong need to be around others.
   • Not liking stimulation. This usually implies social stimulation, but it can also refer to physical stimulation. For example, in fact introverts often produce more saliva when tasting sour food than extroverts! Noises, crowds, and bright lights (for example a typical nightclub) are often not things to which introverts are interested.
   • Enjoys company with a few people or light conversations. Introverts may enjoy communicating, but they often get tired after a period of social interaction, even if it's pleasant. Introverts need to "charge up" themselves.
   • Like to work alone. Introverts often don't like teamwork. They often like to do everything on their own, or collaborate with just one or two people.
   • Enjoys scheduling and planning. Strong introverts do not react to new things the same way extroverts do. Introverts often have a need for scheduling and predictability. They may spend a lot of time planning or pondering before taking action, even on small things.

2. 

   
   
   Recognize "extrovert" traits. Extroverts like to be in the crowd.They are usually very active, and generally have a lot to do with them. It is often thought that extroverts can't stand loneliness, but that is not the case. They just spend their alone time in a different way. Here are some common extroverted traits:
   • Look for social situations. Extroverts often feel happiest when around. They often use social interaction as a way to "charge the battery" and may feel exhausted or sad without social contact.
   • Enjoyment with sensory stimuli. Extroverts often have a different way of handling dopamine, making them feel excited or satisfied in the face of new and exciting experiences.
   • May like attention. Extroverts aren't more vain than anyone else, but they're usually not shy when people notice them.
   • Feeling comfortable working in groups. Extroverts don't always like teamwork, but they're generally comfortable with it and not uncomfortable.
   • Have an interest in adventure, adventure and new things. Extroverts are interested in finding new experiences. They can get bored easily. They may also rush into action or experience.

3. 

   
   
   Know that extroversion factors belong to biology. Research shows that extroversion attaches to two regions of the brain: the amygdala, responsible for emotional processing and the nucleus accumbens, the "pleasure center" that responds to stimuli. of dopamine. How you respond to risks and stimuli - a key element of extroversion - depends in part on your brain.
   • Many studies have suggested that dopamine is associated with extroversion. It seems that extroverts' brains are more likely to respond - and react strongly - to the chemical "happy" when adventure and adventure are met.
   • Extroverts may look for newness and diversity due to the action of dopamine. One study found that people with a particular gene that increased dopamine seemed to be more extroverted than people without it.

4. 

   Take a personality test. The Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory test, one of the greatest tests of introversion / extroversion, must be performed by a specialist. However, there are several versions of the test that are free online. They are not as comprehensive and technical as MBTI, but can also hint at where you usually fall on the introversion / extroversion scale.
   • The 16Personalities website has a short and helpful MBTI-style free quiz. In addition to pointing out your "personality type", it also helps you understand some of the common advantages and disadvantages associated with your outstanding personality traits.

5. 

   Find out if you're introverted or shy. There is a common misconception that introverts are extremely shy. On the contrary, there is also a story that extroverts love to party. Both are not always true. Shyness stems from Fearful or anxiety about social interaction. Introversion stems from a low level of need natural about communication. Introverts have a low level of initiating socialization, but their level of avoidance is also low.
   • Research shows that introversion and shyness are highly correlated - that is, being shy doesn't mean you don't want to be in contact with others, and that you don't want (or need) to be around. Being around other people doesn't mean you're shy. Even extroverts can be shy!
   • Shyness becomes a problem when you feel it makes you anxious or interferes with the things you are want do. Support groups and self-acceptance training can help you overcome annoying shyness.
   • Wellesley College offers a free version that measures shyness to learn here. This quiz measures your shyness based on a series of questions such as:
     • Do you feel tense when you're around other people (especially people you don't know well)?
     • You have want going out with other people?
     • Do you feel afraid of being confused or not knowing what to say?
     • Do you feel more uncomfortable around people of the opposite sex?
   • A score above 49 on the Wellesley scale indicates that you are very shy, a score between 34-49 indicates somewhat shy, and a score below 34 indicates that you are not very shy. You can use this tool to decide if you should strive to reduce your shyness.
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Method 2 of 3: Step out of your comfort zone

1. 

   Find your optimal anxiety zone. Psychologists believe that there is an area of ​​"optimal anxiety" (also known as productive anxiety) in immediately outside of your comfort zone. This theory suggests that the presence of limited anxiety actually increases your performance.
   • For example, many people work very well when starting a new job. The new job is somewhat stressful for them, so they focus and work harder to prove to themselves and to their superiors that they are capable.
   • Finding the optimal anxiety zone is quite complex; you have to keep track of yourself to find out where the threshold where anxiety drowns performance.
   • One example of stepping out of an optimal anxiety zone is starting a new job without the training or the inability to perform effectively. In this case, the anxiety about not performing well can overwhelm any potential effects.

2. 

   Promote yourself little by little. Pushing your self step by step through your comfort zone can help you learn new things and do things you never thought you would. When you become comfortable stepping out of your comfort zone, you will develop your more extroverted traits, such as a love of novelty.
   • However, don't push yourself too far away - and in no rush. Going too far from your comfort zone causes more anxiety than help, and your performance will plunge.
   • Try to start small. For example, if you are normally the one who quietly eats dinner with steaks and potatoes, then plunging into a beating cobra heart in front of everyone is probably not a good idea. Try taking a small step out of your comfort zone, like going to sushi with a friend and trying something you've never eaten before.

3. 

   Get comfortable with challenging yourself. Challenge yourself to try something new each week (or at a frequency that suits you) so your determination to change won't be interrupted. One of the benefits of pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone is that you will become accustomed to the optimal anxiety zone. As your brain is trained to perceive new things, it becomes less difficult to try new things.
   • Understand that you may be uncomfortable with these challenges, especially at first. It is not important to immediately feel great when trying new things. The key thing here is telling yourself that you are ready to learn new things.

4. 

   Do something spontaneous. One trait of extroverts is that they love new experiences and adventure. Introverts, on the other hand, often like to plan and think through every detail before acting. Urge yourself to let go of your tight schedule and time management.
   • This does not mean that you should give up everything and take a spontaneous and unplanned trip to Thailand (unless you want to go). As with anything else, you should start step by step and get used to small impromptu actions.
   • For example, visit your colleague's lounge and ask them to have lunch that day. Take your lover out to dinner and watch movies without planning where to go and what movie to watch. Such small actions will help you feel more comfortable with spontaneity in safe and comfortable situations.

5. 

   Prepare for group interactions in advance. Knowing that you are going to be in public, leading an activity, hosting a meeting, or in front of a crowd of people, you need to prepare and organize your ideas. This will help reduce anxiety and stress.

6. 

   Demonstrate communication skills. It is a common belief that extroverts are "better at" communicating than introverts. This is not really true. However, at first people feel that extroversion is more positive, because extroverts often seek interaction with others. Challenge yourself to find at least one interaction when you are in the next social situation.
   • Talk to someone at the party. “Socializing with the whole room” like a strong extrovert may seem overwhelming to you. Instead, plan on talking to one person. Suggest an acquaintance with sentences like, "Looks like we haven't met, I'm ..."
   • Find people who are "sitting alone". They can be introverted or just shy. Greetings can be the start of a great friendship, but you will never know without trying.
   • Accept your weaknesses. If you feel uncomfortable approaching strangers, you should start with it! Humorous commentary about your suspense like “I never know how to speak out in situations like this” can help dispel stress and encourage the other person to talk to you.
   • Prepare some "chat" stories. Introverts often like to plan ahead, so you can prepare a few stories for the next time you go out. Do not use cliché or make the listener shiver. Try open-ended questions that need long answers that aren't just "yes" or "no". For example, "Tell me what you can do" or "What's your favorite activity here?" People often enjoy talking about themselves, and open-ended questions are a way of inviting them to talk to you.

7. 

   
   
   Find the right social situations for you. If one of your goals is to make new friends, you'll have to find a way to do it. There's no rule that says you have to go to a nightclub or a bar or anywhere else, unless you want to. Not all extroverts go to a special sports club to socialize. (Actually, some extroverts are quite shy!) Think about the type of person you want to make friends with, then look for social situations where you might meet them - or you could create yourself. .
   • Invite a few friends over to your home and hold a small gathering. Invite each friend to bring another friend of theirs, preferably one you've never met. In this way, you will meet new people in a comfortable setting with people you already know.
   • Expand online relationships and communications into real-life interactions. For example, if you join forums, focus on locals and find opportunities to meet them outside. This way you will not have to meet seemingly completely unfamiliar people.
   • Remember that strong introverts tend to be overly agitated. You won't be able to get to know people if you're dealing with distracting triggers at the same time. Should choose pleasant places or situations (or just a little bit uncomfortable a bit). You are more likely to communicate when you feel comfortable.

8. 

   
   
   Take a practice class. Of course, you can still appreciate your introversion. For example, a yoga class might be perfect for you, since yoga involves a focus on inner contemplation and stillness. Make friends with the person sitting next to you, or ask the instructor a few questions.
   • Remember that you don't have to talk to everyone in the room to show your extrovert.

9. 

   
   
   Join or open a book club. This is a great way to turn a solitary activity into a social activity. The book club allows you to share your opinions and thoughts with people who share your interests. Introverts often enjoy in-depth conversations with a small group of people, and book clubs are the perfect place for this.
   • Book clubs don't meet too often, for example once a week or every month. This is suitable for introverts, as they often don't like to socialize too often.
   • If you don't know where to find the book club, you can do it online. Goodreads.com acts as an online book club where people can discuss and contribute ideas. Goodreads also lists many local book clubs. Find a group that suits you well.

10. 

    Take an acting class. You may be surprised to learn that many famous actors are strong introverts. Robert De Niro has a high degree of introversion, but he is still one of the top famous actors in America. Actor Emma Watson best known for the movie "Harry Potter" also describes himself as a quiet and introvert. Acting can allow you to transform into a different "person" and explore behaviors that you might not be comfortable with, but in a safe environment.
    • Improvisation classes can also be helpful for introverts. You will learn how to respond, how to develop flexibility, receive information and new experiences. One of the concepts of improvisation is to accept everything that happens to you and take control of it - a skill that can absolutely motivate you to step out of your inner comfort zone.

11. 

    Join a music group. Joining a group like a choir, band, or even a quartet can help you get acquainted with new friends. These activities may be good for introverts, as focusing on music can take the pressure off of your communication.
    • Many famous musicians are introverts. Country music legend Will Rogers and pop star Christina Aguilera are just a few examples.

12. 

    Allow yourself some quiet time. After you've put yourself in a social situation, make sure you give yourself some time to recover mentally and emotionally. As an introvert, you need a "pause" to regain strength to be ready for the next act of communication. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Maintain person-to-person relationships

1. 

   Hi everyone. Introverts sometimes forget that not everyone feels "recharged" after being alone. You need to remember to ask your friends and loved ones, even just say hello. Taking the initiative to communicate is an extrovert, but with a little practice, it shouldn't be too difficult.
   • Social media can be a good vehicle for the first step in your relationship. Send a friendly message to a friend on Twitter. Post a picture of a funny cat on your sibling's Facebook wall. Proactively communicating with others, even with small actions, can help you develop your outgoing side.

2. 

   Set guiding principles for social interaction. If you are in a relationship with someone who is more extroverted than you, you can ask that person to help you develop your extroverted traits. However, you will benefit from discussing what you like and dislike about communication. Set guiding principles on how to control your different needs.
   • For example, an extrovert may really need to communicate regularly to feel satisfied. Even though you're trying to be open-minded and relaxed, you may not want to hang out as much as your partner. Sometimes letting your ex out alone will give you time to stay home and recharge, and you'll both be happy.
   • You can ask your partner to take you to social events. Even if you are not very excited, you should still try it from time to time. Having a trusted and close acquaintance with you will make you feel better.

3. 

   Talk to the other person about how you feel. Introverts can be too introspective, so they may not always remember to express their feelings to others.This makes it difficult for others, especially those with strong extroverts, to know if you are having a good time or if you really want to hide. Tell others how you are feeling before they have to ask.
   • For example, if you're at a party with a friend, say to your friend, "I'm happy!" You may be reserved or quiet by nature, but that doesn't mean you have to be too mysterious.
   • Likewise, if you feel energetic at partying in front of others, let it out. You could say something like, “I feel good, but now I'm tired. I have to go home. Thank you everyone for today's fun! " That way others will know you've had a good experience, but you can also voice your need to go home and recharge.

4. 

   Respect your differences. Introversion and extroversion are just different qualities. There is no superiority than any. Don't belittle yourself because the way you react to your situation is different from that of your friends or loved ones. Likewise, don't judge others for how they react to situations.
   • Unfortunately, it's common for extroverts to have the stereotype that introverts are "hated people" or "dull." It is also unfortunate when introverts assume that all extroverts are "shallow" or "chaotic." Don't think that you have to lower your "other side" in order to elevate yourself. Each type of person has strengths and challenges.
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Advice

• Introversion is not synonymous with shyness. An introvert is actually more interested in solitary activities than social, while the shy person avoids social situations out of fear and anxiety. If you are someone who likes to talk and socialize but feel numb, or don't feel confident, you are probably dealing with shyness. See the article overcoming a shyness.
• Introverts feel that social situations are exhausting. If you're an introvert, don't worry about socializing when you simply need time alone.
• While shyness and social anxiety are solvable problems, introversion is a trait that is usually stable throughout life. It's better to be yourself, recognize your values ​​and contributions as an individual and as an introvert.

Warning

• Promote your extroverted features because friend want that, not because other people say you "should" do it somehow. Love who you are!