We have different personalities that lean towards introversion or extroversion. But according to experts, all people have both introvert and extrovert sides. However, one side will always be dominant than the other. If you want to be less shy and more outgoing, here are some helpful tips for you:
1.Understand your level of introversion.
Introverts are usually good listeners – processing the information they absorb from other people. On the other hand, extroverts are normally the ones who pick up the information and put it out. If you can recognise your natural behaviours, you can easily practise and master your opposite behaviour and expand your capabilities.
2.Do it slowly but surely.
Don’t try to change your behaviours all in a snap. Shifting from a shy to a more outgoing person takes time. If you do it full swing on your first attempt, you might slip and get disappointed! Start small. Practice being outgoing at least once a day, until you become the person you want to be.
3.Consider going out of the box.
One key to becoming an admirable, outgoing person is to be adventurous. Do things you don’t normally do – some you haven’t ever thought of doing! If you’ve never been to any sport, find one and master it. Go backpacking with your friends or relatives. Attend an acting workshop. Travel alone. Doing the extraordinary is likely to help you hone the confidence you need to deal with others in a much more effective way.
4.Be open.
Sometimes, it’s really tough to adopt a personality you don’t like. Introverts and extroverts are very opposite, right? Most introverts would think that extroverted people are chaotic and shallow, while extroverts would think of introvert individuals as boring, traditional and aloof. But if you really want to adopt the other personality, you need to accept things as they are. One way to overcome this mental barrier is to list down the names of outgoing people you admire. Focus on the qualities and traits that you like about them, and ignore the negative ones.
5.Just talk.
Don’t wait for others to approach you and talk to you. Try starting the conversation! It would be helpful if you make it a habit to read newspapers so you could talk about trending topics that will surely interest your colleagues. One study shows that people who are updated on the current news and events tend to earn more friends than those who don’t.
6.Stay active.
In order to be outgoing, you have to be as active and as energetic as possible! Instead of watching TV, go out and engage in a different activity. Outgoing people never ran out of things to do.
7.Be positive.
Most outgoing individuals have brighter perspective. They have a good sense of humour. They are able to find good things even during the most difficult times. And because of these traits, they gain friends easier.
8.Speak up!
“What if they don’t believe me?”, “What if they don’t listen?”, “Did he tell this already?” – If you think too much about what you will say, the chance to speak up passes by and you end up being silent again. Say what comes to your mind. The more often you do it, the better you become!
Being confident and outgoing will win you more friends, more happiness, and most of all – more years living a happy life!
