Be More Introverted if You're an Extrovert

It is very important to note that extroversion is a natural and healthy personality trait. However, it can be worthwhile for the extrovert to cultivate a few contemplative practices. If you're an extrovert, perhaps you've never considered how a rich inner life can bring positive benefits for both you and the people you care about. This article seeks to help an interested, extroverted reader learn how time spent in social relationships and quiet solitude can both be fulfilling.

Steps

 * 1) Be patient. Sometimes solitude and looking inward can seem "boring" to an extrovert, since you're used to drawing energy from external stimuli. But if you give it time and follow these steps, you'll discover that the world of ideas, observations, and imagination in your head is just as animated and dynamic as the world outside of you. It's just like starting a new sport, one that you're not already naturally talented in. At first it's awkward and repetitive, but once you get the hang of it, you'll start having fun.
 * 2) Don't associate being an introvert with being shy. There is a difference: A person who is shy usually wants to socialize but can't, because he or she is anxious in some way. An introvert chooses not to socialize because he or she enjoys being alone more than interacting with people (at that particular moment, not necessarily all the time). Also, consider that most artists, writers, sculptors, engineers, composers, and inventors have a strongly developed introverted side. Introversion and extroversion can definitely co-exist, just not at the same exact time.
 * 3) Keep a journal. While extroverts are primarily concerned with what's going on outside themselves, introverts are preoccupied with their inner world. One way you can shift the focus is to keep a journal, and commit to writing in it every day. Some introspective questions you can ask yourself are:
 * 4) *How did I feel today?
 * 5) *What did I learn today?
 * 6) *What ideas did I come up with today?
 * 7) *How was today different than yesterday? Than last week? Than last year?
 * 8) *What were my favorite (and least favorite) parts of the day and why?
 * 9) Nurture your individual creativity. Imagination and ideas - the stuff that creativity is made of - happen inside your head. You can be inspired by external circumstances or observations, but anything you create comes from within. The more you focus on creating, the more you're focusing on yourself. Challenge yourself to do any of the following:
 * 10) *Write fictional short stories
 * 11) *Create works of art - painting, sculpture, sketching, etc.
 * 12) **Consider using an art journal
 * 13) *Write songs
 * 14) *Write poetry
 * 15) *Give old clothes a new twist (e.g. Modify Your T Shirt)
 * 16) Enjoy solitary tasks. Such activities will not only develop your introverted side, but will also cultivate patience and possibly relieve stress (as well as boredom during those times when you have to be alone). Here are some ideas:
 * 17) *Reading
 * 18) *Knitting, crochet
 * 19) *Programming
 * 20) *Listening to music by yourself
 * 21) *Practicing an instrument
 * 22) *Taking a solitary walk or hike
 * 23) Increase your awareness. Whether that means relating to a higher power, meditating or just taking time out of your day to learn something new, any shift or increase in perspective will nurture your introverted side. Practicing mindfulness and things like Zen driving will also help. Contemplating the mysteries of science (the universe, quantum theory) can be an intensely introspective experience.
 * 24) Give up the spotlight here and there. A very extroverted person is comfortable drawing attention to himself or herself. Maybe you're the one always leading a conversation, cracking jokes, and being the life of the party. It doesn't hurt, however, to play the role of a quiet person once in a while. You might observe things you've never noticed before because, as an extrovert, you're probably already well-attuned to people. Being quiet and observant will amplify that sensitivity, because you won't be as busy entertaining.
 * 25) Focus on quality over quantity. Introverts aren't hermits; they simply prefer the company of a few close friends over mingling in a crowd. If you've ever felt loneliness when surrounded by people, perhaps it's a sign that you could stand to deepen some of your existing relationships. Try spending more one-on-one time with a few people you care about. Get to know them on a more intimate level. Discover their deepest fears, craziest fantasies, and biggest regrets, and share yours.
 * 26) Balance -- When all is said and done, the person most likely to display all the qualities of emotional, mental,physical, and spiritual well being, are those that have a well-rounded balance between the introverted and extroverted sides of their personality. We as individuals each have a unique personality and therefore will lean towards one or the other, of either being more introverted, or more predominately extroverted. The challenge for most of us in the identification of where we could be imbalanced.    For instance, if we prefer a life of solitude and are aware of our introverted nature, it is possible that taking some new risks and adventures that directly involves interaction with groups of people could very well enrich our lives in ways we never dreamed possible. This could include anything from learning how to ball-room dance to joining a local church or activities group.   Similarly for extroverts,if we are "the life of the party," we may equally grow by taking the risk of adding into our daily tasks something involving "time-out" for us -- a time for reflection, such as previously suggested, a daily walk around the neighborhood or perhaps commitment to reading a book 15 minutes a day. It is not uncommon for extroverts to lead lives allotting little time for self-nurturing, such as treating oneself to a massage or other healing spa services.
 * 27) Take Action Today.  "Nothing changes, till it changes." In review, few of us change because either we are not aware of the need to change ourselves, or simply not familiar with a methodology to make the change possible. Great news! We are talking about very simplistic things; the hard part is only in the fear of the unknown.  Review and choose one of the above suggestions and make a solid commitment to yourself and perhaps a friend, to accomplish the action at a given time and place. Holding ourselves accountable is helpful. For those drawn to this article, it is probable you are already at the stage of "wanting more." Sure we may like who we are and rightly so. This is not about sacrificing the good in us, contrarily it is about becoming the "most" we can be. In clinical terminology, it is about becoming "self-actualized". We leave you with a great saying in hopes you will incorporate it into your own life: Made popular by motivational speaker Anthony Robbins, "Live With Passion."

Tips

 * Leonardo Da Vinci was probably a pretty well-balanced fellow in terms of introversion and extroversion. Not only was he contemplative, but he also engaged people. Read How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci for more inspiration and ideas.
 * Remember that the things you do as an introvert will ultimately make you a better extrovert by giving you more ways to relate to people. For example, the books you read on your more introverted days might make a great conversation topic on the nights you're the mingling at parties!

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Be Creative
 * How to Go from Introvert to Extrovert
 * How to Be a Good Listener
 * How to Be a Quiet Person