Extroversion is a natural and healthy personality. However, it takes time for extroverts to develop contemplative attitudes. If you're an extrovert, you've probably never considered how a rich inner life can be good for you and those you care about. In fact, it may even be worth it for you to learn to enjoy solitude as much as you enjoy social relationships.
Step
Part 1 of 2: What it means to be an Introvert
Step 1. Don't confuse introvert with shyness
A shy person usually wants to hang out, but can't because he's anxious. However, introverts choose not to hang out, sometimes because they gain psychological energy (or restore energy) from spending time alone.
Step 2. Remember that most people are not completely extroverted or introverted
Renowned psychologist Carl Jung, who coined the terms extrovert and introvert, argues that there is no such thing as a total extrovert or a total introvert.
In fact, most people have attitude tendencies that are a mix of extrovert and introvert, but lean towards one attitude
Step 3. Consider the benefits of balancing an extrovert and an introvert attitude
Generally, people who are most likely to have good emotional, psychological, physical, and spiritual attitudes are people who can balance the extroverted and introverted sides of their personalities.
- For example, if we prefer to live alone and are aware of our introverted nature, taking risks and going on new adventures that involve interacting with a group of people can enrich our lives in different and interesting ways.
- Likewise with extroverts. If we are party-goers, it might be useful for us to take a moment to take a break from social activities, for example to self-reflect, take a walk around the house, or even read a book for 15 minutes a day.
Part 2 of 2: Developing an Introvert Personality
Step 1. Write a journal
While extroverts are primarily concerned with things happening outside of themselves, introverts generally think about the world inside of them. One way to shift that focus is to keep a journal. Invite yourself to write every day. Ask yourself things like:
- What I feel? Why?
- What did I learn today? Who did I learn it from?
- Any ideas? Who crosses my mind today?
- Today is different from yesterday in what way? How about last week? How about last year?
- What can I be grateful for? Who in my life feels lonely? Why?
Step 2. Cultivate personal creativity
Imagination and ideas develop from observing the outside world. The more often you observe the things happening around you, the more attentive you will become and the more connections you can make from concepts that don't seem to fit at all at first.
- When you are alone, what do you notice? What kind of impression do you get from the outside world? Creativity can be considered a selfish attitude, but it requires an extraordinary focus on the outside world.
- Write fiction.
- Create works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, sketches, etc.
- Use an art journal.
- Write a song.
- Write poetry.
Step 3. Enjoy the activity alone
Such activities can cultivate patience and may relieve stress, as well as boredom, when you need to be alone. Here are some ideas for what you can do:
- Read.
- Knitting and Knitting.
- Programming.
- Listening to music alone.
- Play a musical instrument.
- Take a walk or hike alone.
Step 4. Increase your awareness
Whether it means getting closer to God, meditating, or simply taking the time to learn new things, any shift or increase in perspective will nurture your introverted side..
Being aware of everything around you or driving while calming your mind can also help. Contemplating scientific mysteries (universe, quantum theory) can also be a very introspective experience
Step 5. Be patient
Sometimes solitude and introspection can seem boring to extroverts because you're used to getting energy from external stimulation. Think of soaking up solitude as learning a new sport you're not used to. It might be awkward and boring at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll start to have fun.
Remember that introversion is not a mountain waiting for you to climb. In fact, most introverts use their alone time to recharge. Time alone can be a good way to recharge after throwing so much energy into a very hectic situation or on someone who is also an extrovert
Tips
- As an extrovert, cultivating an attitude of loneliness can enrich the meaning and experience of your life.
- Be yourself. Introverts and extroverts should admire and complement each other without envying each other. As long as we are kind to one another, there is plenty of room in this world for introverts and extroverts to shine.
- If you're an extrovert by nature, don't try to be an introvert because you think it's cool. That's so ridiculous. Being yourself is more important than pretending to be someone else. However, it would be beneficial if you occasionally stop hanging out and introspect.