JAJT
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FASTLANE INSIDER
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Growing up I was very, very introverted. It's still my "go to" response, truthfully. Despite "getting past it" I still have to kick myself in the a$$ now and then when I find myself writing an email when I know full well a phone call is the right option.
Bottom Line: Practice. Lots of it.
Think up a question or comment to ask anyone you meet - grocery store clerks, people in the elevator, new co-workers you bump into in the hall at work, whatever. Start up conversations. You have to say "F*ck it, let's do it" a LOT when you get that gut-wrenching feeling.
Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Fake it until you make it.
Right now I'm a professional salesperson, have been for 10+ years. It was literally the worst career choice I could have made for my personality type, but ended up being the best for my personal and professional development needs. I went from someone afraid to pick up the phone to someone who approaches strangers at parties and dives right into meaningful conversations. You CAN make the transition, but there is no quick-fix here - you are talking about a psychological transition that goes against everything you've done for your entire life up to this point. It takes practice and time. The more practice, the less time needed.
FORCE YOURSELF out of it. I forget who posted the quote recently (and I'm likely butchering it) but "Everything you want is on the other side of uncomfortable".
Bottom Line: Practice. Lots of it.
Think up a question or comment to ask anyone you meet - grocery store clerks, people in the elevator, new co-workers you bump into in the hall at work, whatever. Start up conversations. You have to say "F*ck it, let's do it" a LOT when you get that gut-wrenching feeling.
Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Fake it until you make it.
Right now I'm a professional salesperson, have been for 10+ years. It was literally the worst career choice I could have made for my personality type, but ended up being the best for my personal and professional development needs. I went from someone afraid to pick up the phone to someone who approaches strangers at parties and dives right into meaningful conversations. You CAN make the transition, but there is no quick-fix here - you are talking about a psychological transition that goes against everything you've done for your entire life up to this point. It takes practice and time. The more practice, the less time needed.
FORCE YOURSELF out of it. I forget who posted the quote recently (and I'm likely butchering it) but "Everything you want is on the other side of uncomfortable".