[thejaredhooper]

A more appropriate name would be "An introvert's guide to being extroverted".

I like the idea of using your actual name for usernames, but that could lead to some unnecessary risk if you don't practice proper password security.

The meetups aren't a bad idea, but telling people to "talk to someone" is a bad idea. How about "Listen to someone"? That's much better, especially for introverts.

You're preaching as an extrovert to introverts. Associating yourself with your work, thinking through it, positively engaging those who criticize it while remaining calm - those are ways to get noticed as an introvert. Incorporating what you hear from others - that's how you get noticed. Talking to people and talking, talking, talking... that's how you get noticed for the wrong reasons.

[32bitkid]

I had the same first reaction; being an intense introvert. To that part of me – the part that has dealt with depression my whole life – it sounded just like the advice I think all people who deal with clinical depression get: "Just be happy! Problem solved!" "Sad? Cheer up! Thats what I do!"

However, on the opposite side, sometimes you do just have to grit your teeth and get started.

Anecdotally, a few years ago I was in a outdoor shopping center and noticed a boxing gym tucked away behind some other store-fronts. And in that moment, I said "fuck it, I'm going to learn to box". I wasn't particularly in shape, nor is "fighting" really in my social demeanor; I'm kinda of a pacifist. It was awkward, difficult, and at times painful. But it was also intensely rewarding, and I ended up training for the next 3 years and even competed in some amateur events.

Sometimes, it does help to just take a dive.

But I think there is a subtle difference that a lot of people overlook when it comes to introversion. Some people are introverted because they fear failure and lack confidence. Other people are introverted, not because of social incompetence, but because they just don't enjoy superficial - and i don't mean that in a condescending way, but to highlight the difference between 'acquaintance' and 'friend' - connections with other human beings and such interactions are inherently draining, not invigorating.

This is probably good advice for the former, not so much for the latter.

All that said, I honestly do wish the OP the best of luck in their 52 week challenge, and I hope that it helps them improve whatever they feel they need to personally improve. More power to you!

[studiofellow]

From my perspective, this article is not suggesting people try to be someone else.

It reminds me of the popular book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking‎"

In that book, the author suggest that introverts fake extroversion in short bursts.

As an introvert myself, this is something I've done for a decade. It's tiring but pays off. Sometimes we introverts miss out on great opportunities because we don't stretch our comfort zone.

I think this article is good advice on small ways for introverts to put themselves out there and "fake extroversion".

[thejaredhooper]

"The author suggests that introverts fake extroversion" is still convincing someone to be an extrovert.

[eropple]

I do pretty much the same thing he does. I don't like playing the game and schmoozing, I do because it's better for me long-term. I build systems and write code that can back up the talk, because that's not optional--but if all I did was write code, it doesn't matter how good it is. Nobody would engage with it in the first place to have feedback to incorporate.

This is a social profession. Humans come first. Actual code quality is probably fifth. People who listen, valuable though they often are, are not the ones who get noticed--for any reason, good or bad.