7 Things That Can Make You An Extrovert

Not everyone is outgoing by nature, but anyone can learn to behave this way. Maybe you used to be super social and now find yourself stuck in a rut. Perhaps you've always just been a bit shy but have always wanted to break out of your shell. Right now is both the time and your chance to do so.

To be outgoing is to confidently put yourself out there and into new social situations. It can be hard to initiate this kind of mentality and behavior for the first time. It can also be difficult if you haven't been the most active on the social scene in a while. It's hard to get out of our own patterns, but that's why we have the ability to break patterns and form new habits.

There are a ton of ways to help make yourself more outgoing, it's all about setting your mind to it and committing to the change.

1. Make The Effort

This isn't going to be one of those things that is super easy. It's hard to commit to making the initial effort, but just at first. Once you're in the swing of things, you'll be glad you started in the first place.

Before you start inserting yourself into more social scenarios it can be a bit nerve wracking. It's something new, unfamiliar, or just different to what your idea of normal is. If you can make the promise to work on this aspect of yourself, you'll want to honor it. Breaking a promise to someone you care about hurts, so breaking it to yourself will hurt the most. You will be motivated to achieve this for yourself.

2. Set Your Mind To It

You have to get yourself into the mindset of achieving this goal; that's more than half the battle. If you can convince yourself you want to be more sociable, people will believe it. Even if you're hesitant, just keep telling yourself that you can do this. Eventually, if you hear it enough, you'll start to believe it. In turn, so will everyone else.

3. Meet Someone New Every Day

A great way to make yourself more outgoing is to set a social challenge for yourself. The idea to meet someone new every day is a great one. It's not only really easy, it's also a fast confidence booster. You can meet someone who's checking you out at the store, or a waiter at a restaurant. All you have to do is say, Hey and the conversation will follow.

4. Fake It Till You Make It

The phrase in itself is true. Even though this is unfamiliar territory, no one else needs to know that. If you pretend to be outgoing it will be perceived as who you truly are to all outsiders. Similarly, to committing to this idea, if you act in a manner for long enough it becomes

second nature.

5. Do It With A Friend

If you have a friend who is the definition of a social butterfly, they can be a great source of insight in this area. You can try going to events or gatherings with this person and they can show you the ropes. You'll have the chance to interact with some new people, and observe how your friend interacts. Her techniques can rub off on you.

6. New Activities

Another possible way to become more well-versed in all things social, is to try new activities. Discovering uncharted territory is a great way to expand your horizons. When you try something new, you're learning, and with your new knowledge comes new things to talk about.

7. Put Yourself First

Before you can start putting yourself out there, you may want to have a little 'you' time. Pamper yourself in whatever way makes you happy. It could be getting your hair done, working out, having a picnic etc. Doing something that you already enjoy will have you feeling relaxed and your self-confidence booming.

8. Talk It Out

Sometimes talking out what's hindering you can be helpful in itself. Perhaps you're unsure why you're shy or feel awkward putting yourself out there. Hearing your thoughts aloud can provide clarity as to why you feel the way you do. Once you can pinpoint where the worries stem from, you can move forward to improve upon that.