Is it possible to change from extrovert to introvert

Also known as ambiverts, extroverted introverts possess a combination of the traits found in the broad personality types of introversion and extraversion also spelled extroversion.

While introverts are energized by their own inner thoughts and feelings, extroverts are fulfilled by focusing on other people and the outside world. Extraversion is one of the components of the five-factor personality model , which also includes openness to experience , conscientiousness , agreeableness , and neuroticism —all factors thought to comprise the key frameworks of personality. Extroverts are typically described as being outgoing, fun-loving, friendly, and talkative.

In contrast, introverts are characterized as being reserved, withdrawn, and introspective with small social circles. Ambiverts, on the other hand, may exhibit behaviors common to both extroverts and introverts.

Depending on the circumstances, they might prefer to spend an evening alone or be the life of the party. They can be reserved when the situation calls for it, and gregarious when an outgoing manner is more suitable. Individuals who are moderately introverted or extroverted or who have characteristics of both personality types may be labeled ambiverts, a term that has yet to enjoy widespread popularity.

Ambiversion, however, is not a new term, and research indicates that these so-called extroverted introverts enjoy a distinct edge over people who identify mostly as introverted or extroverted. During the s, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung introduced the terms extroversion and introversion to the masses. As he researched personality types, he found another group of people. Arguing that there is no such thing as a pure extrovert or introvert, he said, "There are people who are fairly well-balanced who are just as much influenced from within as from without, or just as little.

Although psychologists have used the term ambivert for decades, it remains largely unfamiliar to the public. Thanks to popular YouTube videos , TEDx talks , and books about ambiversion , interest in the personality type has grown significantly in the 21st century.

Just how many people are ambiverts? According to Adam M. He estimates that more than half of the population are ambiverts. His research also found that the brains of extroverts react more strongly to activities that involve risks, such as gambling.

Other studies have also linked dopamine to personality, particularly to how much people enjoy new and unfamiliar experiences. Introverts, though, have fewer dopamine receptors in their brains than extroverts do. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. Oct 21, , am EDT. Oct 19, , pm EDT. Feb 4, , am EST. Nov 13, , pm EST. Oct 17, , am EDT. Jul 9, , pm EDT. Jul 9, , am EDT. Edit Story. Jul 24, , pm EDT. As an introvert, you can stretch yourself into more extroverted behaviours to achieve your goals or improve your skills.

The trick is that it will cost you more energy and finding balance will be important for you. Introversion is a preference based on who you are; you may simply feel little reward or enjoyment from many social situations, or just find them overwhelming. Shyness is based in fear; ranging from discomfort in unfamiliar situations to the fear of being negatively judged by others.

Your shyness can show up as the fear of being judged in social situations. An introvert may simply not care at all about being judged, but choose to avoid many social situations out of preference. Was a young Bill Gates worried about being socially judged and therefore coded around the clock to avoid people? Or was he driven by his interest in technology and his desire to build computers and eventually a world-class company? Shyness may stop you from voicing your ideas at work.

As an introvert, you are wired to process and think through an idea more fully before presenting it. It may just take longer for an introvert to voice that idea than an extrovert. Shyness may stop you from talking in a group situation through fear of your words being judged. As an introvert, you may prefer to let others speak their piece so you can weigh their words and add them to your own reflections on the topic.

Introverts are less open to risk-taking, which could include speaking up and socializing in the younger, developing years. A young introvert may have far fewer social interactions than a young extrovert, which will limit the development of their social skills. Competency is a huge factor in confidence, meaning an introvert could be less sure of their skills and compound any shyness already present.

Moving forward, shyness is something that can be worked on. You can reduce or eliminate shyness by improving your skills and by addressing self-esteem or confidence concerns.

Most of the people I have spoken to felt exhausted or like imposters. All of them felt happier and were more productive when they understood who they were and worked to their introvert strengths, rather than their weaknesses. Just like the need for sleep, if an introvert ignores their need for solitude and reflection, they cannot recharge their energy. Being in a sleep deprived-like state for 10 or 20 years in a career is a good recipe for burnout.

Potentially, you could act extroverted in all your uptime with the world and recharge when you have downtime. The end result? You learn more about others, which can boost empathy and your ability to offer emotional support. Introverts often have an active inner thought process, so these traits can all suggest introversion. Anyone can zone out , but turning inward may offer introverts a way to leave situations that feel chaotic or uncomfortable.

In short, it can serve as a survival mechanism, of sorts. In reality, though, it can help you cope in tense or overwhelming environments, from a loud holiday party to a long meeting with several short-tempered colleagues. Many introverts take time to think carefully before speaking, so you might have a hard time offering a quick opinion about anything.

Writing, on the other hand, allows you to consider your position thoroughly and choose just the right words to express yourself with confidence and care. Some evidence suggests introverted people might experience emotions more intensely and have trouble managing those emotions.

This greater sensitivity could help explain why many introverts develop depression. Learn more about the complex link between introversion and depression. A heightened sensitivity to emotions and other stimuli can factor into your preference for spending your time with loved ones who recognize and understand your need for space and solitude.

You want to share your energy with people you can trust not to overwhelm you, in other words. Introversion, like other aspects of personality, develops as a combination of two main factors: genes and environment.

Your genetic makeup, or traits inherited from your biological parents, plays a key role in determining where you fall on the personality continuum. The environment you grow up in also has an important impact. In short, observing how family members behave and respond in social settings can help shape your personality.

In short, extroverts get a jolt of satisfaction or energy from social interactions because of dopamine. Introverts, by contrast, might simply feel overstimulated. In another study from , researchers considered data from , participants living in 73 parts of the world.

Their results suggest a link between dopamine function and personality traits like extroversion and neuroticism — in stressful or demanding climates only. Researchers theorized this may have something to do with risk avoidance. People with a high-functioning dopamine system might pursue the reward of connection regardless of the risk involved. Those with a less functioning dopamine system, on the other hand, might feel more inclined to avoid others to increase their personal sense of safety.