Being an introvert can be really hard. The world around us seems made for extroverts only, and finding our way around can be difficult. Just figuring out how to be myself is difficult. Every year I try to come up with New Year's Resolutions that will help me be more outgoing, but this year I've realized I shouldn't be trying to completely change who I am.
A new year is always a good time for a new start, but that doesn't mean you should try to be more like everyone else. There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert, after all. However, it’s also important to push yourself out of your comfort zone sometimes. Here are some resolutions that won't only help to improve your life, but hopefully make you happier as well.
1. Be honest
First, accept who you are. Don't deny being an introvert - there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Next, stop making excuses when you don't want to do something. It's okay if you feel like skipping a party your friends invited you to, so don't make up a lie. Just be honest and you'll feel much better about it.
2. Ignore peer pressure
Introverts often feel a lot of pressure to do things they don't want to. Whether it's because they want to be more like their friends, they'd feel guilty not doing it, or they just feel like they have to; it's not a good thing. So ignore it all. Learn how to say no to things that just aren't right for you.
(Do not listen to Homer Simpson).
3. Stand up for yourself
Sometimes speaking up for yourself can be really difficult. Introverts usually hate any kind of confrontation, so we try to avoid it at all costs. But sometimes that's just not a good idea. So, learn to stand up for yourself and do what you believe is right.
4. Make alone time worth it
Sitting alone at home on a Friday night and binge-watching Shameless is super fun! But, you shouldn't always be doing that. Try to use your alone time to be productive-organize your room, write in a journal, get an essay done early, etc. (and then go back to Netflix, obviously.)
5. Say 'yes' sometimes
Working on saying 'no' to things you don't want to do is important. However, if you want to grow as a person, you also need to do the opposite. A couple times a month, or maybe once a week, you should try saying yes to something you would usually say no to. If you force yourself to do it every once in a while, you'll end up with experiences you'll be grateful for.
6. Take more time for what you love
Introverts are often very creative in a way extroverts aren't. Use that wisely, and find a new hobby (or expand on an old one.) If you devote time to doing something you really enjoy, you'll be much happier.
7. Visit somewhere new
Traveling is always a good experience. Introverts tend to like staying home more often than going out, though, so sometimes this experience is missed out on. Take the time to go on a road trip or mini-vacation either with a friend or by yourself. You'll appreciate it.
8. Say goodbye to toxic people
Sometimes we keep negative people in our lives just because we're afraid of what will happen when we lose them. Spoiler alert: getting rid of people who constantly bring you down will make you feel much better! Don't feel bad about unfriending the people who make you miserable.
9. Make a new friend
Upon starting college, I noticed that making friends is a lot harder than I thought. It's tough to put yourself out there sometimes. But if you try to just be friendly with people you haven't talked to, you'll feel more comfortable around them. Maybe you'll even meet a new best friend.
10. Don't try to be an extrovert.
Just be yourself. Like I said, there's nothing wrong with being an introvert. Some of the worlds' best people are introverts. So embrace who you are, and be proud. Make 2017 the year you stay true to yourself.
