COMBATING SHYNESS

If you are a shy person, you know how it can affect your life. There are moments and events you miss simply because you feel insecure about what you have to say. You may think that no one will want to hear your thoughts, and that perhaps you will be a burden rather than someone who might have something interesting to say. I have been rather shy my entire life, and combating shyness has been something that has lead to some of the most interesting moments in my life. The first shot is always the most painful, but the rewards are endless.

A few years ago I was confronted with the presence of my favorite singer. He was right there, and he knew me because I had recently attended a few of his shows. He was on his way into the hotel bar when he stopped to say hello and called me by name. The friend that was with me was not shy and she said she wanted to go into the bar to say hello to everyone. It took a lot for me, but I took a chance in combatting shyness and walk into that bar with her. When I went in, he saw me and smiled, and waited for me to come over to talk to him. Granted, there aren’t many performers like him, but I thank God that my friend pushed me into combatting shyness because I ended up having an amazing few hours with him, and it’s a memory I will never forget.

Combating shyness is not easy, and it often comes down to a once in a lifetime opportunity, like the one I had. I knew in my mind that I would be shaking when I went in to talk to him, but I also knew that this moment might never come again. He is such a nice person though, and even though I knew that, it didn’t make combating shyness any easier. I had to do it though, and I think perhaps he even knew it, and that is why he was so sweet and attentive to me.

If you have problems combating shyness, you have to remind yourself of what you are missing. You have to see your fears through to the end and decide if it is really as bad as you are imagining it to be. Run the scene through in your mind to the worst possible ending, and you might see that it’s not a matter of life and death. The worst that can happen often does not happen, though when combating shyness you may not see it. Give yourself a chance, and be positive. That can go a long way towards becoming a more outgoing and fun loving person.

Simple First Steps in Combating Shyness

Do certain social situations make you feel uneasy? Do you feel butterflies in the stomach due to shyness?
Does the thought of approaching a stranger or making a short speech fill you with trepidation?

Do not be unduly concerned; you are one of many whose shyness severely handicaps many facets of their lives. Having accepted this fact, it doesn't mean that you are condemned to suffer this affliction for ever. Confidence can be grown in small steps and shyness conquered by adopting certain techniques.

One of the best ways to overcome your fear interacting with other people is to first of all appreciate the fact that all people experience in one form or another certain fears and phobias which undermines their confidence in some situations. Those that exhibit confidence, themselves undoubtably suffer negetive thoughts on occasions either to their appearance or
presentation.

There is a common denominator that connects all humanbeings.
The desire to be loved and respected.
The need for friendship and human contact.
Once these factors are understood an inportant first step has been taken.
Why not take the second step and strike up a conversation with someone who is recognised to be as shy as yourself? By so doing your self confidence will increase by leaps and bounds.

Picture this scenerio, some of you have probably experienced this before. You arrive for a conference, interview or suchlike, feeling a little apprehensive. Many people are there for the same reason. You are all assembled in the same room, all strangers to each other. There is little conversation, but wait; who is that individual in the corner, seemingly making notes and looking very efficient and prepared. How do you feel? How do others feel? What is the person writing about? Should I have prepared myself better? Your self confidence takes a hit, your anxiety level increases and if you suffered from shyness before, what now?

For all you know the person who looks to be total control may well adopt this facade in order to shield his own shyness. So think about that. It takes a little practice to control your shyness and anxiety.
Shielding it is the way to go.