Extrovert behaviour explained

Allow yourself the freedom to let your hair down and be a happier you

EFleeson. Let it out Being extroverted isn’t something that exists in just a small percentage of the population – it’s quite the opposite.

Almost every single person regularly acts in an extroverted way, it’s just that the level of this behaviour differs from person to person. Even if you think that you are introverted, you already subconsciously know how to be extroverted so it’s just a case of bringing that character out. Start small Don’t think that you need to change everything about your personality or start becoming a whole new character – scale it right down. Practise being extroverted for just 10 minutes a day and think on a more active, assertive level. You don’t have to be a complete extrovert all of the time, but you can easily add a few of the traits to your daily life Talk the talk Compliment people, comment on the weather or state your opinion – just say something, and often. As a lecturer, I get students in my classes who feel sleepy, and I say, “If you’re feeling sleepy, ask a question.” It always works and wakes you right up.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re home alone – practise talking out loud VER wondered what the secret is to being an extrovert? Being outgoing isn’t all about wild parties and showing off, says psychology professor William when no one else is around Assert yourself State your opinion more often, or ask for things rather than being passive. Say what film you’d like to see or which restaurant you want to go to.

Sometimes being assertive can be quite hard, as you think, “Is this going to make everything go badly?” There’s often a lot of resistance to saying what your opinion is, but if you can overcome that, you’ll feel much happier. Walk on the wild side Being adventurous is a key part of being an extrovert. Do something – anything – adventurous. If you’re walking in the countryside and pass a stream, go swimming. Even if it wasn’t what you were planning to do or isn’t something you’d normally do, just try something new. If you’re at home, singing is a great activity, even if it’s just in the shower. Be impulsive Extroverts tend to act rather than hesitate. They are impulsive because they are active, so if you want to be extroverted, do something rather than watch television and you’ll immediately feel better. But being impulsive doesn’t mean doing dangerous, over-the-top things – those aren’t the things to make you extroverted and you shouldn’t take any undue risks. Notice the good things Pay more attention to the positive things around you. You shouldn’t ignore anything negative, or exaggerate the positive, just take note of the good. By being more extroverted you’ll notice good things more quickly, and remember them for longer. –

The Daily Telegraph