People are reading about their personalities to learn more about them in the age of the Internet and social media and with the exchange of information. Many individuals are amazed when they learn that what they perceive to be an illness, weakness, or strangeness is incorrect and that they are not the only ones on this planet.

Today, on this blog, we will talk about that subject with me. I’m one of these “weirdos” known as introverts, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know about that personality type and how I react to the question of Can I change from an introvert to an extrovert?

Introversion is a personality trait defined by a preference for inward sensations over exterior sources of stimulus. Introverts and extroverts are sometimes perceived as diametrically opposed, yet the fact is that most individuals lie somewhere in the middle.

Despite the fact that introverts account for 25 to 40% of the population, there are numerous misunderstandings concerning this personality type. It’s important to note that introversion is not synonymous with social anxiety or shyness. Being an introvert does not imply being socially anxious or reserved.

What Is an Introvert?

The names “introvert” and “extrovert” are derived from Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung’s psychological type theory.

Introverts, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), are more focused on their inner self, thoughts, and feelings. They are more reclusive, reticent, and quiet, and they prefer to work alone.

They are not the same as extroverts, who are extroverted, sociable, and talkative people. Extroverts prefer social engagement and enjoy being around other people.

People who are introverted tend to be inward-turning or focus more on internal thoughts, feelings, and moods rather than seeking out external stimulation.

Causes

Scientists are unsure if introversion or extroversion has a cause. What they do know is that the brains of the two personality types function slightly differently from one another. According to research, introverted people have stronger blood flow to their frontal lobes than extroverts. This area of the brain helps with memory, problem-solving, and planning.

Introverted brains react differently to dopamine than extroverted brains. That’s a substance that activates your brain’s reward and pleasure-seeking circuitry. Introverts and extroverts have the same quantity of neurotransmitters in their brains, but extrovert brains get a happy rush from their reward system. Introverts, on the other hand, tend to become exhausted as a result of it.

There is also the environmental element to consider. Introverts can be shaped by their surroundings, whether it be trauma or seeing how their parents act and mirroring their behaviors. The events that occur in a child’s environment have a significant influence on their future existence. Even something as insignificant as a baby’s loud cry might result in post-traumatic stress disorder. It may make someone feel the urge to be alone, in a location of peace and quiet, or in an environment with sounds that the individual can regulate. Yes, emotional stress may make a person much more introverted. Along with anything as little as a loud noise, more severe experiences might alter a person’s behavior. For example, if a youngster is exposed to a very violent individual, they may grow up believing that they must continuously protect themselves. When a youngster is raised with the belief that their ideas are unimportant, they will become increasingly mute as they grow older.

Common Signs 

Do you think you know who is and who isn’t an introvert? While you might think of an introvert as a shy wallflower who likes to stay at home alone rather than socialize, introverts come in a number of forms with a wide range of qualities.

There are many introverts who are socially reticent and would rather sit at home and read a book than attend a huge party, but there are also many introverts who like socializing. You might be shocked to find that many people who you consider to be “social butterflies” are actually rather introverted.

The following are just a few indicators that you (or someone you know) may be an introvert.

1. Being around lots of people drains your energy.

Do you ever become tired after spending a lot of time around a lot of people? Do you frequently need to escape to a quiet spot and have an extended period of time all to yourself after a day of engaging with others? One of the most distinctive characteristics of this personality type is that introverts usually lose energy in social environments, whereas extroverts receive energy from such encounters. 

That is not to say that all introverts shun social situations entirely.

Many introverts love spending time with others, with one important exception: introverts prefer the company of close friends. While an extrovert may attend a party to meet new people, an introvert prefers to spend quality time with old ones.

2. You Enjoy Your Own Company

As an introvert, having a peaceful day to yourself to pursue your hobbies and interests is your notion of a good time.

A few hours alone with a nice book, a relaxing nature stroll, or your favorite television show are excellent ways to refuel and revive yourself.

This is not to say that the ordinary introvert prefers to be alone all of the time. Many introverts like spending time with their friends and conversing with individuals they know in social circumstances. The important thing to remember is that, after a full day of socializing, an introverted person will want to withdraw to a quiet spot to think, reflect, and recharge.

If a few hours alone seems like your idea of a good time, you may be an introvert.

3. You Have a Small Group of Close Friends.

One widespread misconception about introverts is that they dislike others. While introverts may not normally like a lot of socializing, they do love having a limited circle of friends with whom they are especially close. Rather than having a vast social circle of individuals they only know on a superficial level, introverts prefer to focus on deep, long-lasting relationships characterized by a higher degree of closeness and intimacy.

According to research, those who score high on this feature have a narrower circle of friends. Extroverts tend to have a large circle of friends and acquaintances, whereas introverts tend to pick their friends far more carefully. Their most intimate interactions are usually meaningful and substantial. They also prefer one-on-one interactions with people rather than large group interactions.

If your social circle is limited yet incredibly close, there’s a strong probability that you’re an introvert.

4. People often describe you as quiet and may find it difficult to get to know you.

Introverts are sometimes regarded as calm, restrained, and mellow, and they are occasionally misconstrued as shy.

While some introverts are shy, people should not misinterpret an introvert’s reserve for timidity. People with this personality type often like to select their words carefully and avoid wasting time or energy on unnecessary chit-chat.

You are most likely an introvert if you are quiet and reserved.

5. Excessive stimulation causes you to become distracted and unfocused.

When introverts are forced to spend time in hectic activities or situations, they might become disoriented and overwhelmed. Extroverts, on the other hand, thrive in environments with a high level of activity and limited opportunities for becoming bored.

According to at least one study, introverts are more readily distracted than extroverts, which is one of the reasons why introverts prefer a calmer, less rushed environment.

If you’re overwhelmed in crowded social situations, you’re definitely an introvert.

6. You are extremely self-aware.

Because introverts are inward-turning, they spend a lot of time analyzing their own interior experiences. If you believe you have a strong understanding of yourself, your motives, and your feelings, you may be an introvert.

Introverts like merely contemplating and analyzing things in their heads.

Introverts value self-awareness and self-understanding. Therefore, they frequently invest a significant amount of effort in learning more about themselves. This might include engaging in hobbies they like, reflecting on their life, and reading literature about themes and issues that are significant to them.

If you consider yourself self-aware and appreciate learning about yourself in-depth, you may be an introvert.

7. You prefer to learn by watching others.

Whereas extroverts love to get right in and learn by hand-on experience, introverts prefer to learn through observation. Extroverts often learn by trial and error, whereas introverts learn best by watching.

Introverts like watching others accomplish a task, frequently repeatedly, until they feel confident that they can perform the same activities on their own. When introverts learn through personal experience, they prefer to do it in a quiet setting where they may perfect their talents and abilities without having to perform in front of an audience.

If you prefer to learn by observing rather than doing, you may have a more introverted personality.

8. You are Drawn to Jobs That Involve Independence

Jobs that demand a lot of social interaction, as you might expect, have little appeal to people who are introverted. Careers that require working autonomously, on the other hand, are frequently a good fit for introverts. An introvert may enjoy working as a writer, accountant, computer programmer, graphic designer, pharmacist, or artist, for example.

Can I become less introverted and more extrovert?

Yes, you could, since studies have shown that introversion is not a genetic or DNA type of action with the body’s chemicals. If a person studies enough about introverted and extroverted personalities, they will be able to change their personality to that of an extrovert. But you should be aware that it is not as simple as it appears.

When you begin the transition, you will experience internal discomfort because you will be exposing your body and mind to conditions over which you have no control, which will be difficult for your mind to deal with. But the main issue is that if you expose yourself to these scenarios, you will fail to cope with the bulk of them, if not all of them. This is where self-awareness comes in. I’ll pause here to give you a wider picture of the steps and what you’ll experience in each phase:

Step I: Reading about extroverts

The first step will be to begin reading about extroverts. What are the characteristics? How they deal with the circumstances You must obtain information from a trusted source in order to avoid missing a vital shot. We’ve written an article to help you learn more.

Step 2: Take Action

After you’ve identified the personality’s qualities and all pertinent facts about it, You must transform these into practical actions on the ground.

Step III: The Failing Part and Being Aware

Whatever you are, The failed element is unavoidable. If you don’t fail, it implies you’re either not doing it correctly or you’re not an introvert. But why is that?

When you begin the activity, you will be exposed to situations that require you to be an extrovert to cope. However, you are not an extrovert. As a consequence, you will fail and feel ashamed, claiming that it is not for you. You failed because you are an introvert and the qualities of your personality are incapable of dealing with the circumstances. If you are aware of this truth, congratulations, you have completed the most crucial portion.

Step IV: The Notice of Change

Once you are aware of the issue and the requirement to accept the truth, you will have to put a lot of work into the situations in which you are exposed. It normally takes 3 months after some period (it depends on the difficulty of the situation). You’ll begin to notice changes in your personality and behavior, and here comes another difficulty.

The difficulty is that you get the impression that you have lost some of your abilities, such as thorough observation, and that you are weak. Right now, your brain is playing you; it is focused on the things you have lost but not on the things you have gained.

When you transform into an extrovert, you are no longer an introvert; as a result, you gain extrovert power while losing all introverted powers.

Step V: The Push and the Persistence

When you become conscious of the shift and are completely aware of the circumstance, You’ll begin to push yourself into more of these situations, and every setback you face will be viewed as a challenge to push even harder and keep going until one day you’ll be an extrovert. The previous personality will stick with you, and if you start acting like an introvert, you must stop and let that thought go.

I hope that article is going to be useful to some of you. And knowing that any change needs patience and time,