Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

You probably already know by taking several personality quizzes online.

But have you ever wondered if you can change your personality?

A study shows that if you’re like most people, you have.

So, can you change your personality?

While you may not completely change your nature, you can always shape your personality according to who you want to be.

Don’t believe me?

According to a 50-year long study, it’s true that our nature and nurture in early years shape our personalities, it’s also surprisingly true that our personalities are quite flexible.

While a previous study had already confirmed that small, incremental changes in one’s personality were possible, the new study confirms that even dramatic changes in personality are possible over the lifetime.

Okay, but why does it matter?

As Jill Suttie puts it “Thinking of personality as fixed could lead us to feel like we can never grow, or to dismiss people with certain qualities we don’t like, concerned that change isn’t possible when that’s not the case.”

Bringing balance to your personality is one of the best things you can do for your personal development.

Don’t stop yourself from reaching your higher potential.

Don’t stay trapped in an identity because a personality quiz told you so.

You can shape your personality to let it help you succeed.

Why I Decided To Change Myself

I have always been an introvert.

I love alone time to recharge myself.

But my introvert nature was holding me back. I wanted to connect with people and reach my higher potential by adapting the skills of an extrovert person.

My life goals demanded more from my personality.

So here’s what I did…

I changed myself.

I became an ambivert.

Google says an ambivert is a person who has a balance of extrovert and introvert features in their personality.

How Being An Ambivert Will Give You A Slight Edge

  • Ambiverts adapt to their environment and are socially flexible
  • Ambiverts know when to talk and when to listen
  • Ambiverts are stable and even-tempered

Whether you label yourself as an “introvert” or “extrovert”, you can always work towards becoming an ambivert since it’s not completely opposite of your nature.

Identify where you lie on the spectrum of extroversion.

The more you are towards either of the sides, the more work it will take to balance your personality.

How I Became An Ambivert

At first, it wasn’t easy to change myself.

I had to take bold actions and force myself to grow.

I had to let go of my perception of who I am and opened myself to new possibilities.

I’d fake my personality to act like an extrovert in social situations. Then, I’d come home and enjoy the bliss of solitude.

After repeating it enough times, I became who I wanted to be — not who I was bound to be.

I’ve set myself free to become a better version of myself.

I can call my extrovert side whenever I want and enjoy being an introvert for the rest of the time when I’m reading, journaling, writing, thinking, meditating, learning, training, etc.

How You Can Become An Ambivert

I’m not denying that your genetics and upbringing determine your personality.

So first, embrace who you are and then look forward to who you can be.

Shape your life experiences to redirect your personality because anyone can become an ambivert.

If you want to experience your higher potential, you’ve got to get out of your comfort zone and do the things opposite of your personality.

If you’re an extrovert, force yourself to do activities in isolation which will accelerate your personal growth.

If you’re an introvert, force yourself to get into social situations and small talks so you make the most of your life and your potential.

At first, it would be awful.

You will seek every reason to go back to your comfort zone.

But once you force yourself to practice it enough times, you will thank yourself because of the growth you will see in yourself.

And that’s not all.

Research has confirmed that acting extroverted when you need to, will make you happy. And activities done alone like journaling and meditating are already well known to make you happy.

So, take full advantage of your human existence and experience the undiscovered side of you.

Your personality is not fixed.

You can be who you WANT to be:

  • A great writer
  • A great speaker
  • A great listener
  • A great leader
  • A great [FILL IN THE BLANKS]

You are limitless.

What would you choose to become?

Success is a result of daily actions…

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Originally published at DesignEpicLife.com