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wikiHow to Be More Introverted if You're an Extrovert

Two Parts:What Being an Introvert MeansDeveloping Introverted PracticesCommunity Q&A

Extroversion is a natural and healthy personality trait. However, it can be worthwhile for an 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. In fact, it may be very valuable to learn how to enjoy solitude as well as social relationships.

Part 1
What Being an Introvert Means

  1. 1
    Don't confuse being an introvert with being shy. A person who is shy usually wants to socialize but can't, because they are anxious in some way. But an introvert chooses not to socialize sometimes because they acquire psychological energy (or "recharge") from time spent alone.
  2. 2
    Keep in mind most people are neither fully extroverted or fully introverted. Famed psychologist Carl Jung, who coined the terms “extroverted” and “introverted”, argues there is no such thing as a complete extrovert or a complete introvert.[1]
    • In fact, most people have a mix of extroverted and introverted tendencies, but tend to fall more on one side of the continuum.
  3. 3
    Consider the benefits of balancing being an extrovert with introverted practices. Generally, the people most likely to display all the qualities of emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being are those who have a well-rounded balance between the introverted and extroverted sides of their personality.
    • For instance, if we prefer a life of solitude and are aware of our introverted nature, taking some new risks and adventures that involves interaction with groups of people could enrich our lives in a different and interesting way.
    • Similarly for extroverts, if we are "the life of the party," we may also benefit from adding a "time-out" to our lives, such as a time for reflection, a daily walk around the neighborhood or perhaps committing to reading a book 15 minutes a day.

Part 2
Developing Introverted Practices

  1. 1
    Keep a journal. While extroverts are primarily concerned with what's going on outside themselves, introverts are often preoccupied with their inner world. One way to shift focus is by keeping a journal; commit to a daily writing practice. Ask yourself questions like:
    • What did I feel? Why?
    • What did I learn today? Who did I learn from?
    • What ideas arrived? Who did I think about today?
    • How was today different than yesterday? Than last week? Than last year?
    • What can I be grateful for? Who in my world seems lonely? Why?
  2. 2
    Nurture your individual creativity. Imagination and ideas develop from observation of the exterior world. The more you observe outside you, the more you take notice and the more connections you can make from concepts that may not naturally fit together.
  3. 3
    Enjoy solitary tasks. Such activities will cultivate patience and possibly relieve stress, as well as boredom, during times when you have to be alone. Here are some ideas:
  4. 4
    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 also be an intensely introspective experience.
  5. 5
    Be patient. Sometimes solitude and looking inward can seem "boring" to an extrovert, since you're used to drawing energy from external stimuli. Think of learning how to embrace solitude similar to 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.
    • Keep in mind that introversion is not a mountain waiting to be climbed. In fact, most introverts use 'alone time' to recharge themselves. Alone time can be a good way to replenish after giving a lot of energy to a highly social situation or to someone that is also extroverted.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • How can I keep away from same routine if I have no choice in that regard?
    wikiHow Contributor
    There is always choice, including making little deviations where a path has been set for you. Change your routine when out of school, work, etc., and on the weekends. That should be enough to shuffle things up.
  • What if somebody suspects the change in my behavior and doesn't except it?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Maybe you can tell them why you thought you needed to change. Ask them if they want to change too.
  • Why would someone want to be introverted?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Some people get overwhelmed by a multitude of people in a group at once. Hanging out with people in considerably smaller groups allows an introvert to get to know individuals better.
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  • As an extrovert, cultivating a few solitary commitments can add more texture and depth to your life.
  • Be yourself. Introverts and extroverts should admire and complement each other, but shouldn't envy each other. As long as we're nice to each other, there's plenty of room in this world for both of us to shine.
  • If you are naturally extroverted, you shouldn't try to become an introvert because you think it's cool - it would be a silly thing to do. It's much more important to be true to yourself rather than pretending you're someone you're not. However, it is always great to take a break from socializing and reflect on yourself from time to time.

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Español: ser más introvertido si eres extrovertido, Português: Ser Mais Introvertido Quando Você É Extrovertido, Italiano: Essere Più Introverso se Sei un Tipo Estroverso, Deutsch: Introvertierter werden wenn du extravertiert bist, Français: être plus introverti quand on est extraverti, العربية: اكتساب بعض صفات الشخصية الانطوائية (إذا كنت اجتماعيًا), Bahasa Indonesia: Bersikap Lebih Introver jika Anda Ekstrover, Tiếng Việt: Trở thành Người hướng nội Nếu bạn là Người hướng ngoại, Nederlands: Introverter zijn als je extravert bent, Русский: стать большим интровертом, если вы экстраверт, ไทย: อยู่กับตัวเองให้มากขึ้น (ถ้าคุณเป็นคนเปิดเผย), 한국어: 외향적인 성격을 내향적으로 바꾸는 법., 中文: 如何让外向的人变得内向一些, Čeština: Jak se chovat introvertně, když jste extrovert

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