Many people think shyness must be your natural programming, and so can’t be helped. While it is natural, there are plenty of things you can do to help yourself overcome shyness, and even some famous celebrities started out shy! Here are my top ten ways to overcome shyness...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

1. Understand Shyness...

Understand Shyness... Everyone has a different trigger. What makes you shy? Is it people, being out of your depth, self consciousness? Once you know what makes you shy, it’s much easier to face it!

2. Learn to Fight Self Consciousness...

img.allw.mn
Self consciousness is usually a major issue for shy people, even those who are often triggered by something else. Recognize that the world is busy, and most people are far too concerned with themselves to look at you. Use your self consciousness to become self aware, an amazing skill.

Image: Flickr.com

3. Find Your Strengths...

img.allw.mn

Everyone has strengths, and discovering these can make us feel really good about ourselves. Find something you are good at, from cooking to running, and focus on doing it well. This will boost your self esteem.

Image: Flickr.com

4. Like Yourself...

Like Yourself... Learn to appreciate yourself, and what you are good at. Write a list of your good points, do things that you enjoy, and learn to love yourself. Again, this will boost self esteem, and prevent you feeling worthless or worse, feel like hiding.

Sunshine and blue skies bring positivity and joy and it's important for every woman to take full advantage of it. Even when stuck indoors, it's still possible to enjoy some good vibes. Check out these unique tips on how to make the most of the weather right at your home. Let's celebrate every beautiful day, no matter where we are.

5. Don’t Conform...

img.allw.mn
Trying to be like everyone else is exhausting, and not worth the time. Now that you know what makes you amazing, appreciate that everyone is different, and give up trying to conform. So you’re not a social butterfly, who cares? You’ve got everything you need!

Image: Flickr.com

6. Look at Others...

Look at Others... Instead of thinking about yourself and how shy you feel in social situations, look at other people. Notice how they conduct themselves, and what they say. They might be feeling just as shy as you, but hiding it well.

7. Breathe...

Breathe... Practise a breathing exercise to keep you calm. Take deep breathes with your eyes shut, concentrating on inhaling and exhaling. This will calm you down, and keep you feeling assertive without being shy.

8. Run!

Run! Anxiety is stored up, making stressful situations even worse. Try running, or yoga, to release the blocked anxiety through movement.

9. Visualisation

Visualisation Visualize yourself as a confident person, one who deals with their shyness. Close your eyes, sit somewhere relaxing, and imagine yourself as the person you’d like to be. How do you feel? Get your senses involved to make it as real as possible, and use this visualization as a guide.

10. Affirmation

Words have a huge impact on our lives. Tell yourself that you can overcome shyness, and that you are capable, confident and happy. This positive affirmation will reinforce positive thinking, and make you feel confident.

Shyness can be hard to overcome, but practice these tips and soon you’ll be feeling confident and in control, wherever you are. If you really struggle with your shyness, try talking to your doctor, who may be able to arrange medication or therapies for you which are proven to help. Have you got a tip on overcoming shyness? Please share it with me!

Top Photo Credit: Flickr.com

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Farhanah
2009-12-30T01:08:28.000Z
I always feel like everyone is looking at me, judging and talking about me behind my back. Talking about insecurity, huh? But now, I'm trying to be more positive and just relax. Unfortunately we can't control other people, we can't tell them to stop looking at us and stuff. Just don't think much about it. Keywords: Go out there and just relax. I know it's easier said than done but we should at least try.
Amy
2009-12-30T23:14:59.000Z
Ahh I used to be like that. I was as insecure as can be. I still am a bit but I try to over come it. I always thought that people were talking, looking laughing about me. And not in a good way. sometimes I didn't say anything for the whole day because I was afraid I'd say something stupid. =( I'm a work in progress.
Fatima
2009-12-29T20:25:25.000Z
I think I said before in another comment I am extremely shy. I still haven't figured out what makes me so shy though. I think I like myself enough. I do realize that people are too busy with their own concern to waste their time pondering about me. Still I can't help it. Just few seconds ago I was wondering I should go to the New years party with a lot of people or hang out with my sister at home. I always feel insecure. Few days ago a super cute guy was flirting with me and all I could do was laugh. I didn't want to say the wrong thing.
Rose
2009-12-29T19:45:06.000Z
These are some great tips!! I don't suffer from shyness, actually i'm quite opposite of shy, but i have many friends that are very shy. Some just because their parents are, and some because they've lost brothers or parents. I'll be sure to have them take a look at these!! Thanks for the great post (:
Emilie
2010-05-18T05:55:33.000Z
This article wrongly confuses shyness with insecurity. Introversion and extroversion are just personality traits, and one isn't better than the other. Introversion isn't a sickness, it doesn't need to be cured.
Tetz
2010-01-11T00:37:41.000Z
I find it really hard to overcome my insecurity and shyness. And the worst thing about it is that I don't really know what should I talk about when I'm with someone, whoever he/she is. I think I got dumber with time and can't even remember what I used to talk about with my peeps.