The Advantages of an Outgoing Personality
ARLIN CUNCIC
LIFE
Having an outgoing personality can work in your favor. Extroverts draw energy from external situations and become drained after spending too much time alone. If you are an extrovert, you probably are an excellent conversationalist and a fun person to be around. When the pressure is on, you can quickly make a decision.
1 Friendliness Factor
People who are outgoing like to talk through ideas and problems out loud rather than thinking about them in private. You probably ask a lot of questions and offer lots of feedback when talking to people -- both of which make you a good listener, as described in the Psych Central article, "7 Persistent Myths about Introverts and Extroverts." Your ability to draw others out with your conversational skills helps build rapport and make others comfortable and probably means you have a large social circle.
2 Quick Decisions
People who are outgoing enjoy fast-paced situations that require quick decision making, writes Dan Buettner in the Psychology Today article "Are Extroverts Happier than Introverts?" Sports, debating, student council and drama are examples of school activities at which people with an outgoing personality likely excel. If you find yourself in the middle of an argument between two friends, you may be the one to come up with a compromise that mends fences. If your brother fell off his skateboard and injured his knee, you likely sprang to action to get help. People value your ability to make split-second decisions in difficult situations.
3 Multitasking
In addition to enjoying fast-paced situations, people with outgoing personalities thrive on a varied style of work, says Buettner. You may be an expert multitasker, able to take on a variety of different projects at the same time. It probably doesn't bother you to have interruptions during your day -- in fact you likely welcome the chance to talk to friends between classes. In the workplace, an outgoing employee is a often expert at managing chaotic environments that require jumping back and forth among different tasks.
4 Thrill Seeking
Whether it is the fastest roller coaster or the highest bungee jump, the extrovert is ready to step up to the plate. Extroverts require external stimulation to release the feel-good chemical dopamine in the brain, notes Buettner, which means that they are more likely to engage in adventurous behavior. As long as your escapades don't push the limits of what is safe, your natural inclination to take chances makes you an interesting and fun friend to have around.
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