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This list of 10 best new year’s resolutions for introverts won’t tell you to “fake extroversion ’till you make it” or “be more social”. Get ready to live a happier & more fulfilled life as the introvert you are.
1. Say “yes” to solitude and “no” to feeling guilty about it
You said “no” again to another work outing. Now, you can’t help but feel like you’re a bad coworker.
You decide to stay at your friend’s party for a full hour even though your social battery runs out in 30 minutes. When you get home, you wonder if your friends are annoyed you left early.
If this sounds like you, then you need to start saying “yes” to solitude and “no” to feeling guilty about it.
You’re not selfish for taking care of yourself. You’re not anti-social for needing solitude to thrive.
Go into the New Year protecting your energy & choosing to prioritize your needs as an introvert.
- Related: Embrace Being An Introvert
2. Incorporate meditation into your daily routine
Meditation is a great habit for anyone to start, but it can bring a great advantage into an introvert’s life.
Just 10 minutes of meditation after work or a social event can keep an introvert from burnout. It’s especially helpful if you’ve been around toxic people.
I love to meditate before a big presentation or networking event so I can be on my A-game. Crowds of people easily overwhelm me. Meditation helps me reset, so I can focus on putting my best foot forward.
3. Stop acting like a flake
Your extroverted best friend always calls to hang out, but you don’t know how to let them down nicely. Instead, you tell them you can hang out–only to cancel later & say you got sick.
Does this sound like you? If so, you may unintentionally be acting like a flake.
Flake
(Urban Dictionary)
n. An unreliable person; someone who agrees to do something, but never follows through.
Keep in mind that when you agree to hang out with a friend, you’re basically promising your time and effort. They get excited to see you and schedule their plans around your hangout. By the time you call them to cancel, they’re probably ready and waiting to see you.
Be honest with your friends from the start. Yes, you may still end up letting them down, but at least you didn’t get their hopes up. If they’re good friends, they should understand.
4. Help your friends & family understand introversion
You don’t need to know everything about introversion to teach your friends & family about it.
This is all you need to know: solitude gives you energy, socializing drains you.
Help them understand that socializing drains you even when you’re happy. Let them know that you enjoy being around them, but you need alone time to recharge. Use this year to help them understand you.
5. Stop being a ghost
Haven’t answered a text from months ago? I’m guilty of it, too.
Let’s make an effort to turn those months into days of leaving your friend on “read”. If you’re not amazing at answering messages, schedule some time once a week to reach out to your loved ones or check your messages.
Life pulls you in so many directions. It’s okay if you don’t answer messages immediately. Just remember to check in with your friends & family to remind them how important they are to you.
6. Focus on your introvert strengths
For introverts living in an extroverted society, it’s easy to focus on acting like an extrovert. If your previous new year’s resolutions included “Become a better speaker” or “Learn how to be more quick-witted”, then this one’s for you.
Are you better at writing instead of speaking? Focus on building upon your PowerPoint skills so you can feel more confident while presenting.
Do you have great attention to detail? Work towards strengthening your concentration & mental stamina with meditation.
Focusing on your introvert strengths might have been the key to success all along.
7. Build deeper connections
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
— Brené Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
Make new year’s resolutions like “Be more social” or “Go to more networking events” a thing of the past.
What’s the point of meeting more people if you’re uninterested in constant small talk & conversations that barely touch the surface?
This year: Be more vulnerable. Ask for help without expecting anything back. Tend to your current relationships. Listen without giving advice.
Take your relationships to the next level, and only make room for people in your life that want to grow with you.
8. Find your quiet influence
You don’t need to be an expert to have influence. Your story is important even if you’re not an open book.
Donate. Be a mindful consumer. Volunteer. Join a committee. Become a mentor.
There are so many ways you can impact others without being in the spotlight or telling your life story. You can make a difference just as
9. Join an online fitness community
Does going to the gym make you feel uncomfortable? You don’t always have to get out of your comfort zone in the name of personal growth.
If you’re an introvert, chances are you connect better with others online than in-person. There are tons of online fitness communities you can join that cater to your interests & needs.
No commute. No awkward interactions. Just get your exercise in for the day without the extra effort. You can even find them for free on
10. Practice daily gratitude
Introverts are known for being over-thinkers. Unfortunately, rumination is often a never-ending cycle of negative thoughts.
This year, break free from negativity. Practice daily gratitude to remind yourself WHY you deserve to be a happy & proud introvert.
Start and/or end the day with writing down 3 things you’re grateful for.
You’ll begin to see the abundance you already have and stop needing more to feel happy.
If you liked this post on best new year’s resolutions, check out these related posts:
- Time Management Tips for Introverts: Self-Care
- Embrace Being An Introvert – 5 Ways to Let Go of Guilt That Does Not Serve You
- How to Not Be A Pushover: A Guide for Introverts
Absolutely LOVE this post, Alexis. So many good ideas here that I need to put into play next year! I’m super guilty of acting like a flake, so I’ll definitely be working on being upfront with friends and telling them if I just need alone time or don’t need feel up to going out instead of getting their hopes up. Happy new year babe!
xx
annabelle | http://www.mixed-hues.com
Author
So glad you found this post helpful!! I totally feel ya. I used to do it all the time but started to make an effort to be more honest upfront! It’s not easy, especially with friends that like to guilt trip lol! But I find it’s strengthened most of my relationships so far 🙂 Happy new year love!
Excellent tips! Meditation is such a great way to relax after a long day or to start a brand new day! I just did yoga with Adrienne this morning after reading a post on your blog. I already knew her, but reading about her on your blog reminded me to go back to it, so thank you. 🙂