How To Be More Extroverted: 10 Tips That Help - Meraki Lane

Are you frustrated with feeling shy and anxious at social events? You’re not alone. Everyone wishes to gain new social skills to feel better about themselves. But it’s important to remember nobody is completely extroverted, introverted, or ominvert. We’re all on a spectrum of unique personality traits and characteristics. But learning how to be more extroverted has the power to bring more benefits into your life. You become better at communicating, building relationships, and navigating stressful life experiences. So, if you’re ready to embrace who you are while opening yourself for growth, let’s dive in.

Introvert, Extrovert, or Ominvert: What’s The Difference?

Are you an omnivert, introvert, or extrovert? And what is the difference? The main difference is how these personality types process the world around them. For example, an introvert is someone who retreats inward to recharge when battling stress and overwhelm. Conversely, an extrovert is someone who requires relationships to feel alive, balanced, and reenergized. In the middle of the spectrum is an omnivert with extremes of both introversion and extroversion. One day they’re speaking to everyone in the room with no visible fear. Then the next, they’re recharging their battery and struggling to strike up a conversation with their neighbor. This means they’re an introvert at times and an extrovert at others. But whether you’re introverted or ominvert, let’s discuss how you can become more extroverted.

How To Be More Extroverted: 1o Tips

1. What is your motivation?

Like any new challenge, you need to define your motivation and goal to help you move forward. Having one will empower you to keep going when you face obstacles. And let’s be honest, it’s realistic to know you will not get along with everyone you encounter. So, if you have a bad experience, your goal will help you shake it off and build your emotional resilience. When you begin, create a list of small goals to ease yourself into the socializing game. For example, maybe you ask your coworker to lunch, say yes to an event, or strike up a conversation with someone at the dog park. The choice is yours. But go slow and make sure you define your goals.

2. Slowly ease out of your comfort zone

Becoming more extroverted is not an overnight success. It takes time and patience. Therefore, release the pressure and go slowly. For example, maybe one night you decide to go to a party and aim to speak to two new people. That goal is reasonable and possible to achieve. It won’t push you outside your comfort zone to the point of stress and overwhelm. Instead, it will give you an accessible goal to slowly practice and gain new social experiences. Once you feel better, begin adding more steps towards bigger goals.

3. Leave your phone at home

You can’t expect to make new friends if you’re constantly attached to your phone. If someone sees you swiping and reading, they won’t feel comfortable approaching you. And while it may feel challenging to separate yourself from it, especially if you use it as a security blanket to keep you grounded, your phone is not serving your new outgoing skills. So, leave it in your car or home to resist the temptation of pulling it out.

4. Engage in active listening

The more present you are in a conversation, the easier it will be to navigate and connect. Even more, this is your strong suit. If you’re an introvert, you are a naturally gifted listener. Therefore lean into this skill and follow the conversation closely. When you’re focused on the flow instead of your stress, your anxiety will slowly melt away. Stress can’t live in the present moment.

5. Say yes more than you say no

Have you ever seen the movie “Yes Man” starring Jim Carrey? It’s an oldie but a goodie about a man whose unhappy life changes when he adopts a new motto, “Say yes to life”. Saying yes more opens yourself to new opportunities and limitless expansion. You probably decline more events because you’re drained, overworked, or uncomfortable. But know how to set your boundaries and practice saying yes to see what might happen. You’d be surprised at the flow of magic that enters your life when you change one simple word.

6. Don’t ignore your recharge time

You may feel tempted to push past your body’s warning signs to become more outgoing. But if you’re an introvert or ominvert, you need time to recharge your battery. When you’re rested, you’ll feel more courageous to soar beyond your typical social limits. You’ll also have more clarity towards making better decisions for your overall happiness. Remember, it’s not a crime to prioritize your needs, too.

7. Lower your expectations

You’re not expected to become the most outgoing person from the get-go. So, go easy on yourself. You’re growing, and you’re courageous for improving your social skills. Therefore, practice self-forgiveness throughout every step of the process. You may experience setbacks, but that’s okay. You’re human and a work in progress like all of us. Every step you make towards learning how to be more extroverted is a step in the right direction.

8. Practice makes perfect

Conversations with new people can feel tricky and intimidating to navigate. Therefore, having a few practice opportunities before an event or work meeting will remove the pressure and anxiety. Practice with someone you feel comfortable with, and go through a list of conversation starters. Allow them to challenge you and put you off to strengthen your skills. It will be worth it.

9. Socialize within your comfort zone

As an introvert or omnivert, you have a comfort zone. Heck, we all do. So, try to host an event at home, your friend’s home, or a place you love. Having control of where you test your extroversion skills will make you feel less anxious and won’t trigger your fear-flight-or-freeze response as much. It will also give you more conversation points if you know the place well.

10. What comforts you the most?

While adopting a new skill or living outside your comfort zone is exciting, it also makes you more vulnerable to stress. And you don’t want to quit before you’ve given yourself a chance to succeed. So, make yourself feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation using available resources. For example, think about every stressful situation you’ve experienced. How did you move forward? Perhaps you breathed through the panic, visualized a happy place, or maybe you used a grounding technique like rubbing a blanket. Whatever your calming technique is, remember it so you can use it whenever you feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Leaving your comfort zone can be intimidating and scary. So, when you’re learning how to be more extroverted, focus on the big picture and remember how incredible you already are. You possess so many strengths as you are, and each step you take to improve your life is progress.

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