Over the last several weeks, we’ve learned how to embrace introversion by tackling different personality traits that some people mistake for personality flaws.

Before I talk about my favorite tips for embracing introversion, I want to drive home the point that there is nothing wrong with anyone that can’t be tweaked. Some of us are born with certain personality traits that make interacting with others easier, while some of us have to work on those skills.

As a child, I barely spoke. People wondered if something was wrong with me. When I first came to America, and my English skills were horrible, I kept my mouth shut. Even today, in new social situations, I find it more comfortable to hang back and survey the scene before jumping into it.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to be a little more social or well-received.

For each of the last three blogs, I offered five or six tips per week on how to evolve your mindset from the one you have to the one you would like to achieve. This week, I’d like to review by sharing, again, the three most important tips for how to do it.

The Key to Being A Successful Introvert

1. Watch for Overstimulation 

Most introverts report getting exhausted in certain situations that involve extroversion around them, even if they are not participating. Noisy environments, group meetings, social occasions, and visits to the gym are just a handful of experiences that can sap your strength. You can’t avoid them completely, but being able to manage them will keep you at your introverted best.

Why this is important.

If you’re going to attempt the tips that I provide, you need to be at your physical, mental, and emotional best. If you’re getting exhausted, you’re not at your best. When you feel the crush of overstimulation coming on, hang back, gather yourself, then re-enter the situation refreshed.

The Key to Being Perceived As Smart

2. Be Positive

People care if you’re smart far less than they care if you’re positive. Displaying an upbeat attitude and maintaining optimism, even in the face of negativity and challenges, will go a long way toward drawing people to you. It is much like that old saying: "It’s nice to be important but important to be nice. " The world is already full of smart people nobody wants to be around, but people will be more open to noticing how smart you are if you have an upbeat attitude. So, be that positive, smart person others want to meet.

Why this is important.

I think the combination of positive and smart is best. When you have a problem to tackle, do it with a positive attitude, and use your smarts to find a solution. Even if you get things wrong, put your best foot and best face forward. If people see you trying your best and asking for help when challenges arise, you won’t have to worry about being perceived as smart.

The Key to Being Well-Liked

3. Treat Others with Respect 

While you may feel like you get the cold shoulder from those around you, don’t send it back in their direction. Treat the people around you the way that you wish to be treated. If you find yourself exhibiting the same behavior they do, stop. The solution may simply be a matter of someone extending the olive branch. Be that person.

Why this is important.

I think being respected is even more important than being well-liked. People tend to like others who have the same interests and beliefs as they do. When you can have differing interests and beliefs but still be seen as a quality person, you’ve really accomplished something. This starts with respecting people no matter how different they may be.