Tips on Personality Improvement

Introduction to Personality Improvement

      Everyone is different and has good and bad qualities. But what makes a person prominent and leading in the society is his/her personality. You cannot define personality

as right or wrong. However, at times, when a person’s personality is assessed and

acclaimed, it enhances his/her image in the society.

      You have identified your personality as an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert and you

know the qualities that you possess. But, at times, you may feel that you have the

capability to perform better than the way you are performing at present. A very common

question that may arise in your mind is, how do I improve myself to perform better and

thus become more acceptable and efficient? By working on your good qualities, you can

improve your personality.

Development of Personality Type

          Personality can be developed according to one’s need. It is always better to have a good

mix of different types of personalities. A person who is willing to adjust his/her personality

based on the requirements is usually accepted by everyone and is regarded as a dynamic person. For example, there is no need for an introvert to be always an introvert.He/she can acquire some of the best characteristics of an extrovert, thus making him/her flexible. You should make the most out of opportunities to equip yourself with the right skills and personality.

         You will learn how despite being an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert, you can develop your personality type.

        As you already know, extroverts are people who are outgoing, confident, and generally

seek excitement. They tend to enjoy human interactions and are enthusiastic and talkative. They enjoy attending large social gatherings, such as parties, community activities, public demonstrations, and business or political groups. When given a chance, an extrovert will prefer talking with someone rather than sitting alone and thinking.

        There may be certain situations when an extrovert needs to adapt himself/herself as an

introvert. With an extrovert personality, it is an added advantage if you have the good

qualities of an introvert personality. If you are an extrovert, then to grasp the good

qualities of an introvert, you can:

• Sit quietly for one hour each day, for concentrated reflection.
• Learn active listening techniques.
• Make notes in meetings and important discussions.
• Keep the focus on the other person when communicating.
• Learn the relaxation response, or try transcendental meditation or pranayama.
• Take a long walk alone in the park, beach, or woods, and contemplate nature.

        It is not a bad quality to have an extrovert personality. However, there may arise certain

situations, when it is required by an extrovert to be an active listener rather than an active speaker. For example, while attending a seminar or a meeting, it is more essential for an extrovert to be an active listener. He/she can speak his/her viewpoints when given a chance to speak.

        As you have already learned, introverts are people who are reserved, less outgoing, and

less sociable. However, do not consider introverts as asocial. They just tend to have smaller circles of friends and are less likely to thrive on making new social contacts.

       It is not advisable for an introvert to be always introverted. He/she should try to adapt

himself /herself to the good qualities of an extrovert, depending on the circumstances.

If you are an introvert, then to grasp the good qualities of an extrovert, you can:

• Attend assertive communication training classes.
• Join a discussion group in which everyone has to talk about what is on their minds.
• Ask yourself, did I miss out any point in the conversation.
• Introduce yourself and interact actively with others at parties, get-togethers or conferences.
• Attend role playing seminars and programs on effective presentation skills or public speaking skills.
• Refer to the following link to know more on the development of personality types:
• http://www.personalitypage.com/development.html

Refer to the following link to know more on how to convert an introvert to an extrovert:

• http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/09/how-to-go-from-introvert-to-extrovert/

Refer to the following link to know about the advantages of being an extrovert:

• http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Develop-an-Exciting-Personality-to-Attract-

People---Learn-How-to-do-Wonders-with-no-Effort&id=879943

 " Helping Others "

           Most of the times, an individual is led by the society, which includes parents, brothers,

sisters, relatives, friends, neighbours, and strangers. Often they are influenced by this society, either positively or negatively. However, if a person knows how to handle other people and can act accordingly, he/she has an edge over others and can lead them in their way. In the present context, it will be useful if you understand the personality of

others and help them in improving their personality type.

           You have learned the various characteristics of different types of personality, such as an extrovert, an introvert, and an ambivert. Now you will learn how you can help others

develop or enhance their personality.

           Being an introvert, you can help an extrovert to develop the skills possessed by an

introvert by asking him/her to perform the following tasks:-

• Ask more questions to yourself and fewer questions to others. Find the answers to these questions immediately, without delay.

• Try to be an active listener, in combination with an active speaker.

Being an extrovert, you can help an introvert to develop the skills possessed by an

extrovert by asking him/her perform the following tasks:

• Ask questions to others and try to elaborate their answers with explanations.
• Try to be an active speaker, in combination with an active listener.
• Try to interact with more people at social gathering and parties.

" Relating and Responding to Others  "

              Besides helping others to develop their personality type, you should also try to relate and respond to them according to their personality types. For example, you should try to

relate to an individual with an extrovert personality type according to his/her type. If the person you are communicating with is an extrovert, then you should -:

• Listen attentively to what is he/she saying.
• Be actively responsive to his/her queries.
• Be energetic and enthusiastic during the discussion.
• Support his/her need to communicate.

If the person you are communicating with is an introvert, then you should-:

• Relate to him/her one to one.
• Value his/her need for privacy.
• Ask questions to involve him/her in the discussion.
• Give him/her time to change focus and should not pressurise him/her for instant
• responses.

Tools for Personality Improvement

" To improve your personality effectively, you can ":-

1)  Follow definite techniques.

2) Perform Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis.

3) Perform Personal Quality Initiative (PQI).
4) Read and follow Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.