How to develop an extroverted side of you

As an extroverted introvert, you use your extraverted feeling side to connect with people and create rapport. This side of you enjoys putting others at ease and notices shared values and interests in people.

Your extraverted intuition is more unconscious and you tend to prioritize your thinking and sensing sides of personality. However, during severe stress your extroverted intuition can flare up.

1. Get out and socialize

Socializing with people is the best way to develop your extroverted side. However, don’t overdo it. Be selective about who you talk to, and don’t take unnecessary risks.

If you’re not sure how to approach a group conversation, try looking at an extroverted person in their element and observe how they do it. This will help you learn how to put others at ease, and may give you ideas on what topics to discuss with people.

You can also practice being extroverted at work or school by using icebreakers, such as talking about a new outfit or a fun hobby. You can also be the friend matchmaker by sending your coworkers or classmates cards on their birthdays and holidays. Just remember that introverts can become tired in groups and need to recharge by themselves, so don’t force yourself to socialize if you aren’t up for it.

2. Practice being extroverted

Trying to act more extroverted all the time can be draining. Identifying times when this type of behavior is beneficial for you can help you stay motivated and prevent you from burning out.

For example, if you know that attending a networking event makes you nervous, set a goal for yourself to stay at the event for only 45 minutes. This allows you to experience the benefits of the event without sacrificing your introverted needs.

While genetics plays a significant role in personality, it’s possible to become more extroverted. If you’re on the introverted side of the spectrum, practicing extroverted behaviors can make you feel more connected to others and less isolated. You can also join a group or club to practice social interactions.

3. Listen to music

According to research by Psych Central, people with extroverted personalities tend to enjoy rhythmical and upbeat music. This is why genres such as soul, electronic, hip-hop and pop appeal to them.

Your Extraverted Intuition is your tertiary function, meaning it takes a back seat to the feeling and sensing sides of your personality. However, it is a voice that beckons you to explore alternatives, perspectives and possibilities outside of your direct experience. This might show up in your offbeat sense of humor or the creative alterations you make to projects you’re working on.

Your Extraverted Thinking is your tertiary function as well, but it’s one you often stifle and only tap into in small spurts. This is the side of you that gets frustrated by inefficiency and chaos and wants things streamlined and segmented into manageable chunks. It flares up under severe stress, as you may become overly critical and argumentative.

4. Watch an extroverted person in their element

Like eye-color, being left or right-handed and time zones, certain traits tend to be categorized as being either one thing or another. But with extroversion, there’s no such thing as a “pure extrovert.” Most people fall somewhere in the middle.

In teams, extroverts bring enthusiasm and candor to meetings and can help to organize group projects. However, if they aren’t careful, they can overstimulate their introverted colleagues, draining them of energy.

Extroverts gain their energy by spending time in large groups of friends or socializing at parties. But they also find it stimulating to watch someone else perform. Actors, impressionists and other performers are great examples of this phenomenon. Their ability to step into a character and effervesce on stage is a type of extroverted behavior.

5. Talk to your friends

Often, people who are highly introverted can learn to act more extroverted, especially in certain situations. This may help them feel more energized from socializing. But they should still take time to recharge their energy levels and avoid overdoing it.

Sensing extroverts enjoy bonding with friends through fun activities and hands-on experiences that provide sensory stimulation. They tend to enjoy socializing with a smaller group of friends who they know well and can converse with easily.

With Extraverted Intuition as your auxiliary function, you balance the inner perceptions of your feeling side with an explorer, seeker quality. You’re gifted at bringing up transformations and possibilities in conversation, brainstorming, and working with others on creative projects. You may also enjoy discussing philosophical topics or theories with your close friends.