Many people today want to express themselves and connect with others, but they hold back because they’re introverted.
Being an introvert or extrovert isn’t fixed – it’s influenced by our genes and behaviors we learn.
As the world changes and social events happen often, some people want to learn how to fit in naturally. While our personalities are strong, we can improve our social skills to become better individuals.
Being an introvert isn’t a weakness or something to be ashamed of – it’s just a personality preference. Introverts often prefer quiet time and reflection, while extroverts enjoy socializing.
Some people love loud parties, while others prefer peaceful activities like mountain climbing. This isn’t about changing who you are overnight. It’s about becoming more confident and comfortable in social situations while still embracing your introverted strengths.
Many strategies can help you find balance and build your social skills. You can learn to feel more at ease in social situations and become a more confident version of yourself.
Table of Contents
Proven Strategies to Move from Shy to Social as an Introvert
1. Be in Sync With Social Skills
We all tend to get better at our social skills, the more situations we put them to good use. One of the ways we can get this done is by learning to listen while others give expression to their feelings. It is not only about hearing what others say, it is that we are finding ways to engage with them and develop a genuine interest in their stories and perspectives.
We could ask them what particularly stood out for them in the stories they shared with us. These can be conversation starters. We can naturally try to be inquisitive, learn more about the other person, while trying to find common ground, and try to ask open-ended questions that encourage others to share more about themselves.
2. Have a Clear Communication with Others
Giving expression to ourselves is very important to build any proper interaction. This entails speaking not in a shaky or unstable voice, but in a rather clear and steady voice, and paying attention to your non-verbal cues.
Now, this might seem an almost impossible thing to do for many introverts. For them, public speaking can be seen as a daunting experience. But here’s the thing. We get better with each passing moment of throwing ourselves into the idea of change.
When done right, it can become less intimidating. Think of starting small – maybe share your thoughts with close friends or people you are most comfortable holding a conversation with. Try to give a mental picture of the conversation you are about to have, and see how it plays out.
3. Be Firm in Your Opinions
Being rooted in your opinions has to do with expressing your needs, and boundaries confidently and respectfully, while also respecting the views of others. It tells so much about finding a balance between being passive and aggressive.
Directness can be helpful for someone looking to become extroverted, in that it helps you overcome introverted tendencies by allowing you to express your desire for social interaction, set boundaries when needed, and advocate for yourself in social situations.
Much more, it helps you to initiate conversations, share your opinions, and ask for what you want, all while maintaining respect for others.
4. Get Rid of Negative Orientations
We all have moments of social awkwardness, but that is not a basis to give room for negative orientations. It is very okay to make mistakes, but instead of dwelling on your perceived failures and getting bogged down with negative thoughts, you can practice mindfulness.
Negative thoughts can be a real way to drop one’s morale, especially in social situations. Thoughts like, “What if I say something that does not fit in?” It is only normal to have those thoughts hanging, but they’re often not based in reality.
Mindfulness can also be incredibly helpful. When you are in such a social situation, try to focus on the present moment. Notice the sounds, the sights, the feeling of your feet on the ground. This can help you reduce anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Working on extroverted behaviours is a continued process of personal growth and seeing change become evident. And the change we desperately want to see does not happen in a few seconds. They demand effort, embodying this change by embracing our challenges and celebrating every new thing that plays out differently. Every introverted person reading this is encouraged to gradually and effectively put these strategies to use, to become even better individuals than they could think of themselves.
Also check: Social Life: 7 Simple Ways To Make It Work
