I am often asked: can introverts become extroverts?
To answer this question, let’s take into consideration three aspects: reality, perception, and time.
Reality
Carl Jung—the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology—proposed and developed the concepts of the extraverted and the introverted personality type. He described extroverts as preferring to engage with the outside world of objects, sensory perception, and action. And introverts as being thoughtful and insightful, more focused on the internal world of reflection.
Since he first introduced the introversion-extraversion as a spectrum, several scientists discovered that introverts’ brains work differently. They have thicker gray matter compared to extroverts, and longer response to stimuli (since they also process the information through the long term memory). In people who are strongly extroverted, gray matter was consistently thinner. Introverts showed more activity in the frontal lobes, where analysis and rational thought take place.
In her book Quiet, Susan Cain mentioned scientific studies that conclude that we are born this way: either on the left or right side of the extraversion-introversion spectrum.
Since the brains of introverts and extroverts are wired differently, they have many complementary traits.
Introverts, for example, prefer time alone or in nature to recharge. While extroverts get energy by interacting with others.
Introverts are process-oriented, while extroverts focus mainly on the present moment.
And there’s a lengthy list of complementary traits of introversion and extraversion. I’ve mentioned about 24 such pairs in this video.
Life circumstances, the environment we grow up in or surrounds us, influence us. We learn new skills and behaviours to help us survive and thrive in these environments. However, the initial preferences (our innate traits) do not disappear.
So, do introverts become extroverts?
No. However, in certain situations, people can perceive them as extroverts.
Because we can build or improve any skill we want—even if it’s not an inborn trait—and use it when needed.
To give you an example: in 2008, I decided to design and deliver workshops—although I had no prior public speaking experience. Since what pushed me was a meaningful cause—to help more people at once using my knowledge and the coaching techniques I learned—I found the courage to put myself “out there.”
I did it in steps, though, to build gradually my public speaking skills. The first workshop was for a group of friends, the second for an organization that didn’t have many clients and allowed me to design and deliver the workshop “my way.” Meaning, to talk about topics I was really interested in and facilitate the workshop using techniques that work well for introverts like me. For example: set up the chairs in a circle (so I don’t feel overwhelmed by everyone facing me), give them exercises to work in small groups (so I have time to “breath”), encourage them to share their insights (so they feel included and I get ideas what else I can share), etc.
However, using our learned skills too much—without honouring enough our innate personality traits—can lead to burnout, or other mental or physical issues. While being authentic leads to building a more fulfilling life.
In my case, although I came to enjoy doing workshops and presentations, I experienced burnout in 2016. Doing too many workshops without enough time in between (to recharge) messed up my metabolism. My body and mind couldn’t handle anymore. That was also a heads-up call! I needed to pay more attention to my introversion needs. Which I did, and a more fulfilling and enjoyable journey started since.
Coming back to the tangible realities: there is enough compelling evidence about the differences between the introverts and extroverts’ brains. Although the way we’re perceived by others—and even how we perceive ourselves—can sometimes tell a different story. This brings us to the realm of perception.
Perception
People often perceive introverts who lead highly interactive workshops or do presentations from a stage as extroverts. I certainly heard this from many participants at my workshops. Does that mean those introverts are now extroverts?
No. They’re still introverts who “take on” an extroverted behaviour in that specific situation. They still need a lot of time to recharge after such interactions.
When you notice two people engaged in a lively conversation, do you automatically assume they’re both extroverts?
You might be wrong. Introverts don’t shy away from 1-on-1 conversations if they’re interested in the topic discussed or they’re comfortable with that person. They could also be quite funny and animated.
Introverts are social, but differently—as Mimi Emmanuel mentioned in her interview captured in my book Quiet Lessons for the Introvert’s Soul (which comes with a list of 100+ introvert strengths).
So, do introverts become extroverts?
No. Although some might perceive them as extroverts in certain situations—especially those who don’t know how to recognize an introvert.
Not all introverts are shy. When introverts are uncomfortable in a situation, others might perceive them as shy. Although introversion and shyness are not the same.
It could happen to extroverts as well. For example, extroverts who learned how to meditate and find it beneficial will incorporate meditation time into their lives. Does this make them introverts?
No. However, others could perceive them as introverts because they engage in a practice that encourages self-reflection.
Though our actions and behaviours might sometimes defy the usual stereotypes, there’s also a temporal aspect to consider. Have our inborn traits and learned skills evolved over time? Do our past experiences and the skills we develop affect our natural inclinations? Let’s delve into the dimension of time.
Time
When it comes to “labelling” someone as introvert or extrovert, many don’t consider the temporal aspect. Which is important.
Why? Because when we see an adult behaving in a certain way, we cannot know if it’s because of an inborn personality trait or a skill learned in time.
With practice, any learned skill can become second nature. Which makes it even harder to recognize it, especially if we learned the skill from a young age.
At Introverts Academy, we talk about the Introverts’ Hero Journey. And there’s a similar one for extroverts.
What do we mean by that?
We’re born on one side of the introversion-extraversion spectrum. However, various life circumstances and experiences take us out of the comfort zone—where the learning occurs. This comes with building new skills that initially we’re not comfortable with. Continuing to practice, we become more comfortable in using them. So, in time, we get closer to the middle area of the spectrum.
We call this a transformation, the Hero Journey. Which can have an intentional part as well—if you focus on a goal that resonates with you, identify what’s missing and work toward building that path.
Some people call Ambiversion the middle area of the spectrum—the tendency to display characteristics of introversion and extraversion in approximately equal degrees. That tendency doesn’t erase the inborn preferences, though. While someone can function as an ambivert, relying mainly on the learned skills makes the person less authentic and feeling that something is missing. While combining the learned skills with inborn preferences and talents leads to a more meaningful professional and personal life.
So, can introverts become extroverts?
No. In time, many introverts and extroverts can learn to function better in the world … getting them to the “ambivert” zone.
They might perceive themselves as ambiverts, or others will.
However, functioning all the time in the non-natural part of the spectrum becomes frustrating. And it can affect both the body and mind, with long-term implications. So, as we gather experiences and hone various skills over time, it’s essential to remember one crucial thing.
While an introvert can develop extroverted skills, their core identity remains intact.
Similar to how a tiger might enjoy swimming but is not suddenly a fish.
As the world becomes more interconnected and demanding, the real victory lies not in becoming something we’re not, but in understanding ourselves better and adapting without losing our essence.
That’s where true growth and authenticity lie.
Now back to you
Considering our exploration of the introversion-extraversion spectrum, I’m curious to hear from you:
- Have you ever felt a shift in your position on this spectrum because of life experiences or deliberate efforts?
- Do you believe in the possibility of crossing over entirely, or do you see it as a dance between innate traits and situational behaviours?
I invite you to share your thoughts and personal stories in the comments below.
Let’s deepen this conversation and learn from it.
Gabriela Casineanu, MSc, MBA, MBTI® certified
Founder/Principal
Introverts Academy