Introverts Acting as If they were Extroverts

Since moving out of working in computer technology and into the business world, Paul Erhardt struggled with his introversion because social interactions are so different for him. Over time, Paul became known as a "closet extrovert" because when he brings up a business topic for discussion, his department ends up talking about it for hours. That is because Paul typically does not talk much but when he does ask a question, it is thought provoking and so profound that no one thought of it before Paul.

Think of this, you are watching a movie and your favorite actor or actress is playing the lead. Most actors and actresses are introverted. If they can play a role while acting the part, you can try this for short periods of time as well. Gradually stretch your comfort zone slightly, even though you will probably feel uncomfortable at first, but you will get the hang of it.

As William Shakespeare wrote, "All the World's a Stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and entrances; And one man in time plays many parts...", introverts can also play parts as well. They just have to want to, know the risks, and feel comfortable shifting gears. This is what many "Social Introverts" or "Extroverted-Introverts" go through depending onwho they feel comfortable with and where.

Acting extroverted makes people happier, suggests researcher William Fleeson, associate professor of psychology at Wake Forest University, who published his study in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology. Fleeson found that, "When introverted people were asked to rate their levels of extroverted behavior and their mood at the end of each week for 10 weeks, the results suggested a strong connection between acting extroverted and greater happiness. If people want to be happier and choose to act more outgoing, adventurous or assertive, then they have the power to directly improve their own well being."

Deborah Torres Patel wrote: "Acting as if simply means living with confidence...It means that you do not have to be perfect. It means that you can model someone you think is extraordinary and act as if they would in that situation.

Act as if:

• You are fearless
• You know exactly what you are doing
• You are the most successful person in the room
• You have spoken to larger crowds many times before
• You did not bother to prepare notes because your excellent messages comes straight from your heart

By changing your introverted behavior, extroverted behaviors seem to have a positive impact on you as you probably prefer having more of an extroverted type of lifestyle than your own.

When you walk into a room and scan for a familiar face, you realize you do not see anyone you know. Do not panic. So, instead of acting as if you are the life of the party, and you do not have to be a wallflower either, introduce yourself to someone and begin a conversation with them. Remember to use open-ended questions.

There is still an introvert-extrovert gap, but this way, many introverts can feel less nervoius or anxious about interacting with others. The only issue may be is how or where else do I get started on the rest of my introversion?

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