5 Tips for Coming Out of Your Introvert Shell When You Want to Grow

One of the most difficult things for introverts to do can be coming out of your shell. It’s warm, comfortable, and safe inside. Unfortunately, your shell leaves little room for growth within its rigid confines, which is why it is necessary, on occasion, to nudge yourself outside of your shell so real growth and expanded horizons can occur. These five tips will help you by offering just the push you need to move beyond your comfort zone, so you can enjoy the rewards of doing so.

1. Volunteer

If you’re an introvert, you may expend a lot of energy worrying about how others perceive you. Volunteering helps you focus your attention on someone else. Whether it’s an individual, such as mentoring someone who needs help reading; or a group of people, like volunteering in a soup kitchen, a women’s shelter, or with an organization like Habitat for Humanity, volunteering forces you to accidentally forget your own fears for a moment while helping others address theirs (illiteracy, homelessness, violence, hunger, etc.).

2. Join a group with regular meetings scheduled.

Not only does membership in such organizations offer incredible networking opportunities to help you grow your business, it also forces you to practice meeting and talking to people outside your normal circle of friends, family, and coworkers. Introverts are often reluctant to expand their social circles however, in doing so, you may just discover an expanding group of friends and acquaintances who may someday become family.

3. Give speed dating a try.

Whether you’re looking for a love connection or not, speed dating offers you the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your small talk skills. Because introverts so often avoid situations where small talk is necessary, this is the perfect opportunity to perfect a rarely used skill. It also allows you the opportunity to wow others with your outstanding listening abilities. More importantly, you’re not forced to face the entire group at once. It’s broken into four-minute one-on-one meet and greet sessions. Perfect!

4. Host a party or charity fundraiser.

This is an opportunity to really stretch yourself while shining at the same time. Put your excellent organizational skills to work creating the perfect party for a small or medium-sized group. The planning process can give you the confidence to really go out and sparkle and shine during the main event. Plus, it is for a great cause whether you’re raising money for your favorite charity or simply pushing yourself to grow and expand as a person.

5. Take a public speaking class.

Even if you took the required public speaking class in college, there is no time like the present to rehash those rarely used skills in your repertoire. In fact, you will likely find a variety of public speaking classes available in your community for people with varying degrees of experience speaking in front of crowds. The more practice you have, the more comfortable you become. More importantly, participating in a classroom also exposes you to new people and new ideas.

Coming out of your shell doesn’t mean laying your soul bare for the world to see. It does, however, create opportunities for growth and achievement that will never be possible if you never step outside your comfort zone.