So you are shy ... but then, who isn’t?
In fact, everyone is shy. It is just that some people
are good in masking what they are feeling and not let
others know that they are shy. However, too much shyness
could be detrimental to your social life.
Here are some steps to help you overcome your shyness.
These steps will allow you to come out of your shell at
your own pace and at your own will. Overcoming shyness
need not be forced upon you by anybody.
1. Know thyself
The best perspective is from the inside out when compared
to looking from the outside in. Remember, you know yourself
best.
As much as possible, be honest with yourself and find
out the reason for your shyness. For instance, are you
particularly scared on how people will react to anything
you say or do? Are you anxious with your physical appearance?
Take note that there are reasons why you react the
way you do on specific situations. Find out the reasons.
Maybe these can help you know yourself better and eventually
help you change for the better.
2. Act your way out
Act like you are confident and you will become one.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Or is it?
In the privacy of your room, you could practice behaving
like you are confident. Walk around with your chin up
and chest out.
Add a subtle swagger while you walk. Speak in a firm
manner. Though this could feel ridiculous at first,
this is one baby step to overcoming shyness.
3. Maintain eye contact
As much as possible, practice eye contact with people.
Look at them and smile at them. This could open a world
of possibilities. However, if you find this difficult,
focus your gaze on the point in between the person’s
eyes, particularly near his or her forehead.
You could also break the ice by striking up a casual
conversation about the weather or any recent events
in the news.
4. Be not afraid
There is really nothing to be scared of. Manage your
fear of rejection.
One good way to do this is to imagine the worst social
outcome in a given situation. After that imagined scenario,
it is easier to think that nothing could be worst than
that.
Try not to dwell on rejection. It happens to anyone.
Move on and learn from it, it is that easy.
5. Do not take yourself seriously
This lightens the load from self-imposed pressure, like
you have to look good, act, or be a certain way.
Try not to be too critical of yourself. So you may
not have the right dress on or your shoes are a tad
too big, who cares? Do not be bothered by these trivialities.
Life means more than your dress or shoe sizes.
Do not be too hard on yourself. Frustration happens,
feel it, and then let it go. Think positive and positive
things will come.
All in all, one of the best ways to overcome shyness
is to have good fun and don’t ever forget that!
