How to Overcome Shyness?
Shyness is like fear, but it is a fear of oneself.
Shyness could be that impenetrable wall that prevents you from reaching out to people and being yourself. Everyone has been there at one time or another – during parties, in the workplace, or even in casual conversations.
In this blog, we will be sharing tips on how to overcome shyness. Ranging from boosting your self-confidence through simple exercises to making better relation with people, you will learn simple steps that can change the way you connect with others.
Let’s start this journey together and discover the confident you!
Why Do We Feel Shy?
Why are there some people that do not perform well in public places while other people shine? There are so many reasons why people are shy, from being bullied, having negative images of oneself, personality traits that one is born with, or lacking socialization.
Shyness is something everyone has to deal with at some point – there is nothing wrong with it in and of itself. But if shyness is annoying you or limiting your life, you can do something about it.
Tips to Overcome Shyness
Shyness will not disappear by itself, but you can acclimate yourself and others with conscious effort. Here is a useful tips to overcome shyness:
Keep It to Yourself
Most times, your shyness might not be as evident to others as you think. Most people are too self-centered to notice your nervousness. Do not accentuate your shyness, and understand that any criticism you perceive is generally a reflection of your own fears rather than the views of other people. By avoiding exaggeration of your shyness, you will reduce the pressure you set for yourself.
Keep Conversations Light
In social gatherings, avoiding heavy conversation and keeping things light can help relieve the tension. Speak in a relaxed, steady tone, and if a subject comes up that makes you uncomfortable, move it toward something less threatening. Being tactful and being sensitive enough to adjust conversation to the prevailing mood can make you feel more in charge.
Change Your Tone of Voice
If you fidget or blush when you are nervous, do not let these physical cues affect your self-concept. View them as normal responses rather than signs of shyness. Remind yourself that everybody has something that makes them special, and these small quirks are just part of who you are. Keeping this in mind will help you feel more comfortable and less self-conscious.
Avoid Labels
Avoid calling yourself “shy.” Instead, consider yourself a different person and celebrate your uniqueness. Labels put a restriction on what you can feel about yourself and strengthen the negative. By emphasizing your strengths and positive qualities instead of a label, you are able to develop a healthier self-image and enhance your confidence.
Stop Self-Sabotage
It is easy to be your worst critic. Do not let self-criticism get the upper hand and distract you from being present with others. When you catch yourself being too critical, bring your attention back to the moment and the conversation. This can ground you and reduce anxiety.
Know Your Strengths
Make a list of your strengths and refer to it whenever you feel shy. This list reminds you of your strengths and accomplishments. By reminding yourself of what you are capable of, you can build confidence and remind yourself that you have qualities of worth to contribute to social interactions.
Select Friends Carefully
The individuals you hang out with can actually contribute significantly to your self-esteem and social confidence. Surround yourself with supportive, positive friends who motivate you rather than individuals who will make you feel inferior. Having people who encourage you around you can make social interaction more pleasant and make you feel more confident.
Be Observant
Notice the social dynamics that surround you. Notice how most individuals are anxious or withdraw in a social situation, just like you. Knowing you are not alone in such thoughts can make you feel more at ease and less so alone.
Accept Mistakes
We all make mistakes, and other individuals will usually not remember them as well as you might. Do not let minor mistakes or stupidity discourage you. Instead, view mistakes as chances to learn and grow. Most times, other people are more concerned with their own experiences than they are your minor mistakes.
Face Your Fears
Identify your social situation phobias and go after them in steps. Map out how to handle your fears and take little steps towards diminishing them. Public speaking, for example, would start by warming up with the mirror nearby or to a close friend. Defying your fear in a confrontation may make you stronger and lose shyness over a period of time.
Accept Yourself
Own up to being introverted if that is what suits you best. Not everyone was designed for high-energy social spaces, and that is perfectly okay. Recognize that your social needs are a part of you and can be fulfilling in their own right. Accepting who you are can bring more comfort and joy into your social life.
Name Your Worries
Identify and label the specific causes of your shyness. Having an idea of what triggers your shyness enables you to formulate steps to overcome it. Addressing the root causes of your shyness, you can come up with a strategy to reduce them and ultimately reduce overall shyness.
Conclusion
Shyness is a challenging barrier, but with these methods, you are able to start breaking its grip. By recognizing and overcoming the root of your shyness, by learning to accept yourself, and by changing your behavior bit by bit, you can improve your social experiences and raise your overall confidence. Remember, breaking free from shyness takes time, and each step you take brings you nearer to an improved social life.