Life as an introvert can be difficult and frustrating. There is nothing wrong with being introverted, especially as most people's personalities have some percentage of introvert in them. However, you may be looking for a way to become more outgoing and to really allow that hidden extrovert, buried deep within you, chance to shine.
Here are some tips from me on how to embrace the extrovert within you so you can slowly build up your confidence in social situations.

1) Do the little things
The journey to becoming more extroverted can be worrisome and terrifying so, start off small. Being extroverted doesn't have to involve giving presentations to sold out stadiums. Sometimes, doing the little things can be equally beneficial. So, try starting a conversation with someone instead of waiting for them to approach you, give a stranger a compliment instead of going home thinking, "I wish I told her how pretty she looked," ask a shop assistant where they keep their frozen peas instead of walking out empty handed. By doing the little things first, you'll be able to build up the confidence to progress one step at a time.

2) Join a group
Find people with whom you share common interests. If you're at school, join a club which takes your fancy, join a local group outside of school, or even just try joining a new friendship group. Being an introvert can feel incredibly isolating so surrounding yourself with others can help put you at ease, especially if you just find being out in the big wide world scary enough. It may be daunting at first but, once you begin connecting with people, you'll feel comfortable around them in no time.

3) Say 'yes' to more things
Instead of denying yourself of exciting opportunities and things you've always wanted to do, start saying YES! It's a three little word which holds a lot of power and can completely change the way in which you live your life. Saying 'yes' more may become addictive and could soon leave you questioning why you ever said 'no' so much.

4) Let go of fear
It is easier said than done, however, you should never let fear hold you back. Don't live your life on "But what if..." and just cease the moment, get outside and do things. Don't worry about what could happen and just allow things to actually happen. Don't over think things because, most of the time, the crazy scenarios that you create inside your head have 0% chance of happening. Just live in this very moment and tell yourself that you are worthy of doing things which make you happy. Make yourself believe that you CAN do it!

5) Fake it 'til you make it
Sometimes, faking confidence until it comes naturally can help. When you meet people for the first time, they have no idea that your heart is going ten to the dozen and just being in a social situation outside of your house scares the hell out of you. Plaster a smile on your face, start talking and become a different character. Before long, it shall be second nature.

6) Brush up on current events
If you struggle for conversation starters, keep up to date with the news and what's going on in your local area. This can prove to be a great help if things start to get awkward or there isn't any synergy between you and whoever you're talking to. Bringing up something that's currently going on in the world can help start debates and lengthy discussions, plus, it makes you look good.

7) Stay away from your phone
It can be so easy to reach for your phone and use it as a comfort blanket, we're all guilty of it. So, challenge yourself. Switch off your phone and try to engage in conversation. Don't take your phone at all if it's an option, because it can be too tempting to grab it and start scrolling through social media. This can be one of the biggest obstacles so, if you can conquer this, you can do anything!

8) Push yourself outside of your comfort zone
Those things you're absolutely terrified of doing? Do them. The more you push yourself and the more challenging you make things, the more likely you are to see changes. You'll thank yourself for it one day and may even look back wondering what you found so scary.

9) Have a handful of anecdotes
It's always handy to have a few jokes and stories at your fingertips. Not only can these act as icebreakers but they can also make conversations more light-hearted and show off your personality more, as well as allowing people to get to know you. People may be more likely to want to continue talking to you if you make conversations a tad more personal and put your own spin on things.

10) Be patient with yourself
But, at the end of the day, introvert or extrovert, you're a human being. You may not go from introvert to extrovert overnight so be patient with yourself. Give yourself time to practise because with practise comes perfection. It may seem like an impossible task but I promise it is doable and your goal is within reach. Give yourself time to unwind at the end of each day, give yourself breaks if you need to and don't push yourself too far because only you know your own boundaries.