If you’re an introvert who wants to become more outgoing and make new friends, read this. We’ll show you how to become an extrovert with these secret tips!
You’ve probably heard the saying “Fake it ‘til you make it.”
For introverts, that’s often easier said than done. We often find ourselves on the outside looking in, watching as the social butterflies converse, laugh, and have fun.
It’s easy to think that extroverts are born that way. And while some people are naturally social, that’s not always the case.
The truth is, many extroverts are simply introverts who trained themselves to be outgoing.
Do you want to learn their secrets? Are you ready to leave the quiet cocoon of “introvertism” and turn into an extrovert?
If so, keep reading. These five secret hacks will help you through the metamorphosis from introvert to extrovert.
1. Be Open to Other People’s Opinions
Extroverts are usually open-minded by nature. This helps them to have conversations and connect with other people.
One of the strengths of introverts is that they know their opinions quite well. But in order to open up to other people, you must be willing to listen to their ideas.
That’s not to say you have to agree with their thoughts on a subject. You just have to realize that their feelings as valid as yours, even if they are completely different.
There’s a middle ground here, though. When you accept that other people’s opinions are valid, you begin to listen to them. You learn more about the world and how people think, and your social circle grows.
Sure, you’ll meet some people that you can’t stand to be around. That’s fine. But you’ll also meet folks who you enjoy being around, even if their opinions are different than yours.
2. Practice Makes Perfect(-ish)
Before you decline the next invitation out of a knee-jerk fear of socializing, take a second to think about it:
Is it a networking event where you have to maintain a professional persona? Or is it a casual event where you can practice being extroverted?
The fact of the matter is that you’re never going to feel comfortable in a crowd if you don’t get around people.
So, you have to get out there and practice.
To do this safely, find occasions where you aren’t going to feel judged for your mistakes if you flounder.
Before accepting an invitation, think about the worst possible thing that could happen there. If the worst-case scenario doesn’t threaten your life or career, then say yes.
If you feel very uncomfortable, think about bringing an extroverted friend. Come up with a signal, like an earlobe tug, that they can use to let you know if you’re about to embarrass yourself. That way, you’ll avoid any situations that will make you regret going out.
3. Pretend You Are Your Mentor
As children, it was easier to act like other people. We spent entire afternoons pretending to be superheroes, pop stars, or just workers in our dream careers.
As an adult, you understand that there are limits to what you can do (no, you can’t fly, sorry). But you can still use your imagination to step outside yourself.
Think of an extrovert who you admire. Whose confidence do you wish you had? Think about how they act around other people, and try to behave like them next time you’re out.
Combine the innocent traits of your childhood imagination with the knowledge of adulthood. Wear their persona as a costume and see how it makes you feel.
You won’t be a superhero saving the world, but you just might do something outside of your comfort zone.
4. Realize That Everyone Has Self-Doubt
From a distance, we tend to judge others harshly without intending to. For instance, you might think that your confident coworkers could never understand your social anxiety.
But the reality is that they might also have social anxiety, even if they don’t seem like it.
The more you get to know other people who seem calm and collected, the more you realize that they aren’t always that way.
Everyone has self-esteem issues, and everyone has a backstory. You’ll never know those things about a person until you’re open to hearing it. By prejudging people based on superficial attributes, you’re creating a dangerous habit for yourself.
5. Become an Encourager
The best way to build confidence is to offer encouragement to others. Helping other people is sure to make you feel better about yourself.
Find areas where you can offer mentorship to people. If you are good at math, for example, you might sign up to be a tutor at your college or university.
If you think you don’t have any skills, don’t be silly. That’s the self-doubt talking. Ask your close friends and family members what your strengths are and focus on honing those.
Chances are, someone in your circle needs exactly what you have to offer. There’s no better feeling than building up someone else and helping them achieve a goal.
In Conclusion
I’ll be honest:
You probably won’t go from introvert to extrovert overnight.
And even when you do become more outgoing, you may find that you’re still an introvert at heart. That’s okay. The world needs both types to make it go ‘round.
Embrace who you are while still being open to new ideas and experiences. You may never be the most outgoing person at the party, but you’ll grow to love yourself and be comfortable in your own skin!
Author bio:
Caitlin Sinclair is the Business Manager at Elements 616. With over five years of property management experience, she begins and ends each day loving what she does. She finds joy in making Elements 616 a place that everyone loves to call home.