Is it possible to switch from introvert to extrovert
Many people have adopted this model and have spoken of the toll it took on them. It is a major reason why introverts prefer smaller, quieter social interactions to large, noisy ones. Scientists have studied and shown the fact that introverts get overwhelmed and drained by too much stimulation. Much like the above concept of not recharging your energy, acting extroverted permanently and exposing yourself to constant overstimulation will be draining. It would be a constant drain on your energy, like leaving a light on in your car all the time.
Extroverts can handle much more stimulation than an introvert, but even they need to take a break and have some alone time occasionally.
Processing Information. When scientists have mapped what happens in the brain during a conversation or when receiving information, different parts of the brain fire introverts and extroverts.
To try and respond like an extrovert would be to ignore how your brain works and lessen the quality of your work or thinking. As mentioned, extroverts are better at dealing with stimulation, including information overload. To ignore this and expose yourself to a constant overload of information is going to overwhelm you and diminish your performance.
An interesting critique of modern schools is that they make students focus on their areas of weakness, rather than their strengths. For example, if a student does well in English but struggles in math, it is likely they will be encouraged to spend extra time or tutoring in their weak subject math instead of focusing on the subject they excel in.
The same can be said of an introvert acting like an extrovert long term. Extrovert strengths include working in groups, expressing feelings easily, risk taking and making friends readily. While everyone is a little different, broadly speaking these are the weaknesses of most introverts. If you were terrible at math would it make any sense to pursue a career in statistics or as an algebra teacher?
If you were to work in a way that focused on your weaknesses, how successful do you think you would be in. If you were constantly working in areas you struggled in like math for me how motivated and energetic would you be? The idea of stretching your comfort zone to achieve growth is essential to personal success in any professional realm. I enjoy the creative side of speech writing and developing ideas more than the delivery side.
Areas introverts can stretch briefly for success. Networking is an essential part of business and careers. I start chatting to Ben, who has just moved into the area. He is a friendly bloke with a deep tan and a placid manner. Ben looks at me kindly. After the meeting, he waves at me from the church steps.
I was abysmal at team sports at school, and the thought of balls ricocheting around me feels like an anxiety dream. After checking the maximum velocity of a dodgeball 70mph , I panic and call Jacob, the Headshot United team coordinator, for some last-minute reassurance. Besides, you can hide at the back. There will be a few people who wear knee pads and stuff like that — try not to worry about them. I catch up with Jacob and his teammate, Ed, for a pre-game drink. I gulp. Jacob senses my anxiety.
We head to a nearby school gym. Playing team sports with strangers was exactly like losing my virginity: not memorably awful, but definitely not good. I cringe every time a ball thuds my way and lack the strength to make my throws clear the other side of the court. Obviously, I get hit on the head. After the game we lost , I hit the pub with Jacob and his teammate Will. Emma introduces me to Rich, the owner of Crossfit Shapesmiths in south London.
I meet JP, who will be leading the class. The workout flies by. Emma is a sweetheart. After the class, JP instructs us — orders, really — to high five. Old Sirin would cringe at this enforced bonhomie, but new Sirin is all high fives.
The group meets every Thursday morning to tend the grounds behind the William Morris Gallery in east London. Looking round, I can relate. I have never gardened before and most of the people here are regulars. Research also indicates that it's extremely unlikely you can shift your introversion to be entirely extroverted, or vice versa. Armstrong tells Bustle that studies show personality traits are pretty stable after you turn The research on adults and college students, published in the J ournal of Research in Personality , found that largely, people weren't able to consciously change their personalities.
When they followed up with the college students six months later, they actually changed to have less of their desired personality trait than when they were first asked. Even if an introvert has refined or altered their behavior to become more extroverted, they'll likely fall back onto their original ways when they're tired, stressed, anxious, or exhausted. This, says Klapow, is called our "fallback state. Introverts aren't fixed in their introverted state and can learn extroverted behaviors that make them seem more like extroverts — and even become very comfortable with extroversion.
However, that doesn't mean they're innately extroverts. If you're an introvert who has learned to fake it till you make it in extrovert-friendly situations, you'll always need to go home and recharge eventually. Preferably with the door shut and a nice cup of tea. Erika Martinez , Psy. Do the opposite. For example, extroverts can substitute their usual attention-grabbing attire for more practical clothing at least one day a week.
They can also try listening to more soothing, chilled out music than the upbeat tempos that normally fire them up. In contrast, introverts could have a go at drawing attention to themselves and their workspace by putting photos on the wall or flowers on the desk.
A bowl of grapes or hard candies on the desk will also draw more co-workers than usual towards the introvert — who can resist a free snack? Give a performance. Many actors, impressionists and other performers are actually quite introverted. When they step into the character, however, they effervesce just like extroverts do. Think back to your school plays or glee club and what you did to really get your teeth into a role or musical number.
Watch and learn. It will come across as a disciplined environment.