9 answers
Imee
Student
Kihei, Hawaii
2
Questions
Updated
1200 views
How do I become less of an introvert and become more confident with myself?
Hi, I have been socially awkward for a long time and I am tired of it. I want to be more confident and if there is any advice on to help. It would mean alot!
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9 answers
Devin Stoker
Project Manager
17
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Devin’s Answer
Hi Imee,
Being an introvert is perfectly okay. While media often highlights extroverts as having more fun, they just have fun differently than introverts. Everyone is unique, and people change over time.
To build confidence, see your life as a series of learning experiences. Be intentional about what you want to try and where. Reflect on what went well and what didn't after each experience.
There's an inspiring story about a man who aimed to get rejected for 100 days to learn how to be more outgoing and handle rejection. He discovered that while we often expect rejection, good things can happen instead.
Confidence is something you can practice. Watch how confident people behave. Try to imitate them, even if you don't feel the same way. Many confident people are just acting like the person they want to be until they become that person.
You'll do great! Negative outcomes are often not as bad as you think, and there's so much to gain along the way.
Being an introvert is perfectly okay. While media often highlights extroverts as having more fun, they just have fun differently than introverts. Everyone is unique, and people change over time.
To build confidence, see your life as a series of learning experiences. Be intentional about what you want to try and where. Reflect on what went well and what didn't after each experience.
There's an inspiring story about a man who aimed to get rejected for 100 days to learn how to be more outgoing and handle rejection. He discovered that while we often expect rejection, good things can happen instead.
Confidence is something you can practice. Watch how confident people behave. Try to imitate them, even if you don't feel the same way. Many confident people are just acting like the person they want to be until they become that person.
You'll do great! Negative outcomes are often not as bad as you think, and there's so much to gain along the way.
Thank you, Devin for the advice.
Imee
Abhishek Mehra
Dell Pan India Social Lead
8
Answers
New Delhi, Delhi, India
Updated
Abhishek’s Answer
Start traveling and take trips to discover more about yourself. You'll learn how you react in different situations, which will boost your confidence and make you feel stronger as you achieve milestones along the way. Traveling will teach you how to make decisions and help you find the courage to be outgoing when necessary, making you feel even more confident.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Imee,
First, I want you to know that there is nothing “wrong” with being an introvert. Many intelligent, creative, and accomplished individuals are introverts. The real goal is to gain confidence and feel more at ease being who you are around other people, not to change who you are.
Small, recurring encounters, rather than significant personality shifts, tend to be how confidence develops. Practicing little social encounters is a useful first step. Saying hi to classmates, asking a straightforward question in class, or having quick chats with people with whom you already feel somewhat at ease are a few examples. Your brain gradually learns to see social settings as less frightening through these brief interactions.
Focusing on self-acceptance can also be helpful. Because we are always concerned about how other people see us, we can at times become socially awkward. Try focusing on "How can I be curious about the person I'm talking to?" instead of "How am I being judged?" Conversations generally flow more freely when you listen to people and ask questions.
Developing your confidence through enjoyable activities is another important stage. Participating in something you care about, volunteering, or joining a club or hobby group might facilitate socializing because everyone already has a common interest.
Additionally, keep in mind that confidence is a talent that takes time to master. Even those who come across as very self-assured sometimes began as shy or insecure. They developed through practice, perseverance, and self-compassion.
Being the loudest person in the room is not a requirement for confidence. Confidence can sometimes be as simple as being at ease with who you are and letting yourself be that person. Additionally, it's a very positive starting step that you're already exploring personal development.
Best wishes!
First, I want you to know that there is nothing “wrong” with being an introvert. Many intelligent, creative, and accomplished individuals are introverts. The real goal is to gain confidence and feel more at ease being who you are around other people, not to change who you are.
Small, recurring encounters, rather than significant personality shifts, tend to be how confidence develops. Practicing little social encounters is a useful first step. Saying hi to classmates, asking a straightforward question in class, or having quick chats with people with whom you already feel somewhat at ease are a few examples. Your brain gradually learns to see social settings as less frightening through these brief interactions.
Focusing on self-acceptance can also be helpful. Because we are always concerned about how other people see us, we can at times become socially awkward. Try focusing on "How can I be curious about the person I'm talking to?" instead of "How am I being judged?" Conversations generally flow more freely when you listen to people and ask questions.
Developing your confidence through enjoyable activities is another important stage. Participating in something you care about, volunteering, or joining a club or hobby group might facilitate socializing because everyone already has a common interest.
Additionally, keep in mind that confidence is a talent that takes time to master. Even those who come across as very self-assured sometimes began as shy or insecure. They developed through practice, perseverance, and self-compassion.
Being the loudest person in the room is not a requirement for confidence. Confidence can sometimes be as simple as being at ease with who you are and letting yourself be that person. Additionally, it's a very positive starting step that you're already exploring personal development.
Best wishes!
John Johnson IV
Manager Information Technology
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Good morning, Imee,
Your question is wonderful. I understand the challenges of being introverted both personally and professionally. To grow more extroverted, try to focus on moments when you are not introverted. For example, asking this question shows that you are open, willing to learn, and ready to grow. We often overlook these small successes until we take a moment to reflect on them.
If you find it hard to recognize when you step out of your comfort zone, try making a list of ways you want to do so. Start by setting goals for each month, then break them down weekly, and eventually daily. Celebrate your successes and learn from any setbacks.
Remember, everyone has a unique journey that can inspire others facing similar challenges. One day, you'll be able to share your experiences and guide someone who also wants to make positive changes.
Your question is wonderful. I understand the challenges of being introverted both personally and professionally. To grow more extroverted, try to focus on moments when you are not introverted. For example, asking this question shows that you are open, willing to learn, and ready to grow. We often overlook these small successes until we take a moment to reflect on them.
If you find it hard to recognize when you step out of your comfort zone, try making a list of ways you want to do so. Start by setting goals for each month, then break them down weekly, and eventually daily. Celebrate your successes and learn from any setbacks.
Remember, everyone has a unique journey that can inspire others facing similar challenges. One day, you'll be able to share your experiences and guide someone who also wants to make positive changes.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2574
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you would like to make a change.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Be open minded and confident. It is important to have the right mindset first
2. Join some communication classes. It can help you to learn some skills to communicate with others
3. More actively join the class discussion and interact more with friends
4. Join some volunteers activities. You can deal with different people
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Be open minded and confident. It is important to have the right mindset first
2. Join some communication classes. It can help you to learn some skills to communicate with others
3. More actively join the class discussion and interact more with friends
4. Join some volunteers activities. You can deal with different people
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Jyothi Srinivas
5
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Jyothi’s Answer
Becoming less introverted and more confident starts with small, consistent steps rather than trying to change your personality completely. Confidence grows when you gradually step outside your comfort zone. Simple actions like starting small conversations, sharing your ideas in discussions, and practicing speaking up can help build confidence over time.
It is also important to focus on your strengths and the skills you already have. When you spend time developing your knowledge and abilities, your self-confidence naturally increases. Improving body language, maintaining eye contact, and speaking clearly can also make a big difference.
Most importantly, avoid comparing yourself with others. Everyone grows at their own pace. Confidence develops when you accept yourself, keep learning, and continue taking small steps forward.
It is also important to focus on your strengths and the skills you already have. When you spend time developing your knowledge and abilities, your self-confidence naturally increases. Improving body language, maintaining eye contact, and speaking clearly can also make a big difference.
Most importantly, avoid comparing yourself with others. Everyone grows at their own pace. Confidence develops when you accept yourself, keep learning, and continue taking small steps forward.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Being an introvert is perfectly okay. Being quiet or reserved doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. Many people who seem confident now once felt awkward too. Confidence is something you build over time, not something you either have or don't.
Try starting small in social situations instead of changing everything at once. Simple things like asking someone about their day, joining a club you like, or speaking up in class can make social interactions feel more normal. The more you practice, the less scary it becomes.
Focus on being yourself instead of worrying about what others might think. Most people are too busy thinking about themselves to notice little awkward moments. Confidence grows when you realize you can handle these moments and keep moving forward. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to grow. It makes a big difference.
Try starting small in social situations instead of changing everything at once. Simple things like asking someone about their day, joining a club you like, or speaking up in class can make social interactions feel more normal. The more you practice, the less scary it becomes.
Focus on being yourself instead of worrying about what others might think. Most people are too busy thinking about themselves to notice little awkward moments. Confidence grows when you realize you can handle these moments and keep moving forward. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to grow. It makes a big difference.
Ali R
3
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Ali’s Answer
Hi Imee,
It’s great to see that you’re working on your own journey toward personal growth. Being an introvert has its own strengths, just as being an extrovert does. Confidence develops over time through experience.
Take time to get to know yourself—what you enjoy, as well as what you don’t. As you become more self-assured, your confidence will begin to grow naturally. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can also help build confidence. For example, working in customer service may feel intimidating at first, but interacting with others gradually becomes part of your routine.
You might also consider joining small group activities that interest you, such as a book club. This can help you improve your social skills while enjoying something you love.
Above all, be easy on yourself. I hope this helps!
It’s great to see that you’re working on your own journey toward personal growth. Being an introvert has its own strengths, just as being an extrovert does. Confidence develops over time through experience.
Take time to get to know yourself—what you enjoy, as well as what you don’t. As you become more self-assured, your confidence will begin to grow naturally. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can also help build confidence. For example, working in customer service may feel intimidating at first, but interacting with others gradually becomes part of your routine.
You might also consider joining small group activities that interest you, such as a book club. This can help you improve your social skills while enjoying something you love.
Above all, be easy on yourself. I hope this helps!
Morgan Adams
Healthcare Administration
60
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Hi! Becoming more confident and less introverted takes practice and patience, but it’s definitely possible. Start by setting small social goals, like saying hello to someone new, joining a club, or speaking up in class. Focus on positive self-talk and remind yourself of your strengths. It also helps to practice social skills in low-pressure situations and gradually challenge yourself to bigger interactions. Over time, these small steps build confidence, and you’ll start feeling more comfortable expressing yourself around others.