I’d be curious to see how people would describe me. Would it be more extroverted or introverted? I know there are times when I fall into both categories but if I had to guess, I’d prefer to keep to myself and just observe others.

Over the last couple of years, I have been going out of my way to break that reclusive mold within myself. I have been trying to get more speaking engagements, getting in front of the camera to record episodes of the Banktastic Burst, and speaking up in certain situations where I would before say nothing (Ex. managing employees, disagree with someones opinion, or when someone I don’t know does something unacceptable in public). It even falls into situations with meeting new people, I sometimes tend to just fall back. Why is this? Well…

THOSE SITUATIONS MAKE ME NERVOUS OR SCARED!

However, despite the fear that I have in those situations I can definitely tell you, reclusive ones, it does get better. My speaking engagements are getting easier every time and the more comfortable I get the better my presentations get. (Hell, I’m getting paid now to do them!) The same is true being in front of the camera. It just takes time and again, I don’t feel like I’m there yet but it is getting better each and every episode.

Earlier on, I was so afraid of what others thought about what I was doing or saying and would talk myself out of engaging in anything or with anyone. What did I come to learn? People are inherently kind and good and are generally willing to help. After I came to realize that (might seem obvious to you) and made the first step, people will help you as much as they can. Doors have opened up for me that I would’ve never dream. I’ve been asked to talk at numerous events in the banking industry but even in areas I didn’t expect. For example, I was asked to lecture at a local university this past semester and another university as already contacted me to talk next year. Just because I asked.

I write this to give some hope to all the wannabe-extroverts out there that ‘exposing myself’ is working and hopefully by just saying something, sending that email, writing on that Facebook wall, connecting through LinkedIN, or commenting on that blog post you will find doors open for you as well. So get out there and expose yourself to anyone and everyone you can!

Note: Not responsible for the people that take this post in the wrong context. You could go to jail.

Update

I went and took a introvert/extrovert test just after writing this post, and looky here:

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