When you stop and reflect on the people in your life, who do you tend to gravitate towards when you need to discuss something of importance?
What are a few of their predominant characteristics?
Why are these people so approachable?
Having worked with both individuals and teams, I often find that approachability is one of the most powerful skills that anyone can possess.
From having a quiet confidence, to lighting up a room with a big, warm smile, approachability can take many forms.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, you have an opportunity to become more approachable.
In order to do so, it becomes critical to learn how you best work with your energy throughout your days.
For me…..I enjoy having time to myself and find that this is when I do my best thinking – these tend to be characteristics of an introvert.
On the flip side, I can also be very social; however, know that I need alone time in order to be effective and approachable when I step into social situations.
I’ve also learned that I’m sensitive to my environment and can pick up on other people’s energies pretty quickly. If I’m not careful about it, I can take on their energies and get run down in the process.
When this happens, it becomes essential that I practice self-care by either taking a nap, going to a yoga class, meditating, surfing – doing something that creates alone time and gives me an opportunity to connect to myself.
Perhaps you have similar characteristics to me….perhaps not….
Perhaps too much alone time can create a sense of isolation for you – you tend to function best when you’re surrounded by people.
The act of being surrounded by people is what gives you energy, and the collective energy of these people is what rejuvenates you. These are the characteristics of an extrovert.
Learning what situations work best for you, and how you fit best into them, becomes a critical component to managing your own self-care.
And, when you choose to take care of yourself first, you’re able to show up for and be in service to others.
Essentially, you become more approachable, regardless of whether you have the characteristics of an introvert or extrovert.
For some people, becoming more approachable takes more work than others. Either way, I encourage you to use this upcoming week as an experiment – take notice of how you move through the week.
Do you tend to get rejuvenated with alone time, or do you feel energized by social situations and being surrounded by others?
Here’s are the characteristics of introverts and extroverts characteristics along with 5 ways you can practice self care for each.
INTROVERT:
Characteristics:
- Energized by alone time
- Private
- Keeps to self
- Quiet
- Deliberate
- Internally aware
- Fewer friends
- Prefer smaller groups
- Independent
- Not socially inclined
- Enjoys solitude
Self-Care:
- Read a book
- Walk outside with good music
- Journal
- Get in nature by yourself
- Take a nap
EXTROVERT
Characteristics:
- Gregarious
- Assertive
- Talkative
- Social/Outgoing
- Likes groups, parties, etc.
- Energized by interaction
- Expressive & enthusiastic
- Volunteers personal information
- Distractible
- Has many friends
- Easy to approach
Self-Care:
- Collaborate on a project
- Write letter to a friend
- Throw a party
- Compliment others
- Engage in spiritual practice with others
You may find that you have strong characteristics of one, or contain a little bit of both; hopefully this list is helpful for you and gives you some guidance on how to further develop your own approachability skills.
