9 Simple Resolutions Introverts Can Make In 2015

From one introvert to another.

First of all, know there's nothing inherently wrong with being introverted.

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You don't have to fundamentally change who you are. That's not the purpose of New Year's resolutions. But it is helpful to branch out, try new things, and expand your worldview through communicating with other people. So don't feel guilty. Feel inspired.

1. Say yes.

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Challenge yourself to say yes to something new at least once a week, be it a night out or a book club or, I don't know, Ultimate Scrabble. It's way easier to say no, but if you never leave your comfort zone, you might miss out on activities and people you'll end up really loving.

2. Make small talk big.

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Small talk sucks. We know this. But, used wisely, the right questions can lead to bigger, more worthwhile discussions with interesting people who inspire and challenge you. Take that first step by asking people about themselves and seeing which questions make them light up.

3. Shake the flake.

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This is a tough one. There's no feeling quite like canceling on plans and making a date with your couch and Netflix and seven grilled cheese sandwiches. But resist the siren call. Tell yourself that you can lounge by yourself any night, but you can't replicate the cocktail of friends, food, gossip, drinks, old inside jokes, and new memories that are made by going out with others.

4. Make alone time valuable.

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While it's true that home is where the Netflix heart is, being alone doesn't have to mean staying on the couch. Make your time alone work for you. Schedule some time each week to work on a project you love, some time to read, some time to treat yourself to a trip or special outing. And some time to do nothing at all. Ah!

5. Lean into the awkward.

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It's even tougher to socialize when you're worried about making the right impression or accidentally doing the wrong thing. Acknowledge it! Take that pressure off your plate and scatter it around. Pretty much none of us truly knows what we're doing, anyway.

6. Know your limits.

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Going out every night or making it a point to have lunch with other people every day is taxing. You don't have to surround yourself with people all the time anyway. If you're going out after work, it's OK to eat lunch on your own. If you went out on Friday night, stay in on Saturday. Balance!

7. Be direct.

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As an introvert, it can be hard to speak out and share your thoughts. Do it anyway. Especially if you're in a work setting. Ask for what you want. Ask for help. Inquire about leads and projects. You can't make steps towards achieving what you want if no one else knows what you're working toward.

8. Twist your thoughts.

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Sometimes, preferring to be alone can be seen as "not liking other people," even though that isn't true. If you ever feel yourself buying into that, twist your self-defeating thoughts around. "I hate people" <<< "I prefer being alone" and "I hate parties" <<< "I like low-key activities."

9. Be alone, together.

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Find your people. Socializing doesn't have to mean acting like an extrovert. You can do quiet activities together, too.

Like wearing horse masks and smacking each other with them.