Be Flattered - Build Your Self-Confidence

Overcome Shyness in 7 Top Ways

Do you get nervous in social situations? Are you afraid to contribute in conversation for fear of looking stupid? Do you fear approaching a girl that you like because you are stuck for words? It is true. Shyness can prevent you from getting what you want. It stops you from coming out of your shell.

Overcoming shyness is not as difficult as you may think. Not only is it easy, but the benefits of becoming more socially capable are endless. A person who appears confident is highly desired in a professional setting. He or she is guaranteed of a higher chance of success. If you are confident in yourself, it also gives others a reason to be confident in you. So what are the ways that can help you overcome shyness? Here are top 7 ways:

1. Know that You are Unique
A key step in overcoming shyness is to understand that people care what you have to say. No two individuals are the same, which means you have a completely unique perspective. When you bring this perspective to the table you provide something no one else can.

2. Practice Introductions
Stand in front of a mirror and introduce yourself. This will allow you to see what you look like when you meet someone new. When you practice, do things that you would like to see in a person you would meet. For example, stand tall and smile. Knowing what the other person sees will help you feel more in control.

3. Spend Time with Friends
Spend time talking to people who you know value you and your opinion and make you comfortable. If you can practice carrying a conversation in a comfortable setting, it will be easier to transfer your conversational skills over to a different scenario. The people who are closest to you may also be able to help you understand why you are shy and help you find solutions.

4. Take Risks
Attend events where you know you will meet new people. The more you are exposed to social situations, the more likely you are to grow comfortable with them. A casual party or dinner is a good place to practice talking to people and building confidence.

5. It's Not You - It's Them
If someone reacts offensively or appears uninterested in something you say it is likely because of an insecurity they have. A person who is comfortable with themselves has no reason to make another person feel insecure. If you feel that someone is trying to make you uncomfortable, disregard it.

6. Have a Sense of Humor
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is responding rudely to you, laugh it off. It's important not to take yourself too seriously. If they are not interested in what you have to say, who cares! Not everyone has to agree with you.

7. Remember the Benefits
It is difficult to step out of your safety zone, but the benefits are often worth the risk. If you are able to converse with people and emit confidence, you will be able to make friends and advance professionally as well. You will find that confidence is like a magnet that will attract the things you want in life.
One of the most useful skills to possess is communication. Join Toastmasters or any other social groups to help learn some public speaking. You can overcome shyness and be free of the fear and intimidation that currently inhibits your ability to make friends, have a relationship or get a promotion. Practice makes perfect! In no time, you can find yourself losing the red blush on your face and speak with great confidence!

Evelyn Lim is a life coach and a NLP practitioner. She also writes passionately on self help topics such as positive thinking, attracting abundance and becoming more happy. For a free report on How to Manifest What You Want, a 7 part email course on attracting abundance, and more tips on positive daily affirmations, please sign up to her newsletter at http://www.AttractionMindMap.com/signupform.htm.
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