One of my most favourite cousin’s is a great baker, and so multiple times, I have asked her to start a small business of baking cakes and brownies, which she has agreed to; however, every single time I would ask her to step out for a social gathering and start talking about it, she would bail! It took me a while to realize that she is an introvert, and being amongst many people drains her out instead of being energizing.
This was when I started doing some research to see how an introvert can try and break out of their shell even if for limited periods of time, so that they are still able to reap the benefits that an outgoing person would, from a social set-up, meeting new people, etc.
Let’s have a look at some important tips that can really elevate your social growth if you are an introvert:
The first step toward working on oneself is to know their personality traits and acknowledge that one can tweak them or do better.
Take baby steps: One day at a time is my golden rule of life! Never try to overachieve overnight; it almost never works. Start slow, and try to strike conversations with the people you are comfortable with, when you are out. It will help you feel at ease and also boost your confidence.
Recharge your batteries before: Before going to an event, centre yourself. Mentally prepare for an evening of socializing, and that will help you calm your nerves about stepping out of your comfort zone.
Prep for an event: Make a list of some basic and easy questions you could ask that would make for a simple but good conversation with people you’ve never met before.
Give yourself a job at the event: If you feel awkward standing around, find yourself a task, probably helping with drinks or snacks in the kitchen. I often find it a great way to start an easygoing conversation without putting much effort into it.
Recluse after the event: It’s understandable that you are depleted of all your energy after a social-do. The day after, give yourself to refuel your soul. Spend some quality time with yourself, go for a long walk or recluse with your pending book.
Leave early: Nobody expects anyone to stay through the event or the party. Once you have spent a good 30-40 minutes, mingled with at least 2-3 people, and had a decent chat, it is absolutely ok to excuse yourself from there.
Keep your close circle intact: It is normal to feel lonely and disconnected when you constantly meet new people and probably have not such deep conversations. Keep going back to your core group and engage in a heart to heart to avoid these empty feelings every now and then.
There are far more people with social anxiety than you think, and the only way to break the shackles is by keeping on trying even if you fail!
To understand your personality type better, take the Wealth Dynamics personality test, the world’s leading profiling tool for entrepreneurs.
