How to Overcome Shyness?

What makes you feel shy? This is the first thing you need to ask yourself!
Many people are struggling to overcome shyness – and I’m one of them. Below are some great ideas to manage shyness – which I need to work with.

• Smile often so people will think of you as more approachable, and you will do better socially.

• Build your self confidence and make new friends. Initiate conversation with a simple starter, such as, "That's a nice bag, where did you get it?" or "It's really nice outside, don't you think?" Most people are good-natured and will be welcoming to your advances. People often indicate that they are interested in conversing by starting this way, so learn to take the bait when it arises, and try to say as much in response as possible.

• Give yourself lots of time to talk. Speaking slowly gives you more time to think about what to say, as well as often adding weight to your words.

• Just be human, start speaking your mind, and don't care about what people think about you. At least they're thinking about you.

• The more you compare yourself to others, you will feel that you are not able to measure up and the more intimidated you will feel, which will make you shyer.

• Try not to over obsess on what everyone thinks about you. Nobody really cares and people do like fun and exciting people. That makes this world more exciting. Just follow the rules at the basic level, such as dress nicely when you are going to a funeral or such.

• Think about what you know, what you can do, and what you have accomplished, rather than fixating on how you look, sound, or dress. Keep in mind that everyone, even the "beautiful people", has something about themselves or their life that they don't like. There's no particular reason why your "problem" should make you shy while their "problem" doesn't make them shy.

• Remember that shyness is an emotion, not a permanent personality trait! You have the power to change your feelings of shyness and act in a bolder manner, though it takes time, effort and the desire to change. Keep working at it. It may take you time to feel more comfortable, don't get discouraged.

• As time passes, you'll notice that you've actually beaten a bit of that shyness. Think of it as a motivation to keep on!