When I was a child, I actually was very hyperactive - I
would talk to everyone and anyone.
When I started grade 3 I was teased a lot and it continued
until high school.
I always had self-confidence issues and when I started
getting teased it just got worse – they were telling me the same things that
negative little voice was telling me.
Instead of sticking up for myself, I just kept quiet and
took in all of the bad things they were saying.
As I got older it became harder to talk to people, I felt
awkward and everything that came out of my mouth just sounded terrible, I would
be hard on myself later… “You shouldn’t have said this… you shouldn’t have said
that...”
I would dread events where I would have to meet new people
or mingle with friends because it was just awkward and I would have anxiety
leading up to the day.
A few years ago I had reached a point in my life where I
wanted to stop worrying what others might think.
My shyness, like a lot of other shy people, included the fear
of meeting new people, lack of self-confidence and self-consciousness.
I’m still shy at first but it is easier to join in on the
conversation.
I'd like to share with you some of the tips and techniques that
have helped me overcome my shyness.
Focus Outward
Overcoming shyness isn't about suddenly thinking you're so great.
It's more about forgetting yourself and focusing outward.
Shy people can often feel they have 'nothing important to
say'.
If you are at a party with strangers, try to connect how
everyone knows each other.
Ask questions and show genuine curiosity.
You can ask questions such as: "How do you know Julie?"
(Julie is throwing the party) or: "How long have you known Julie?" “What
type of work do you do?” “How long have you lived in (your city)?”
This gives you something to talk about and it gives other
people a chance to talk about themselves.
I try to have my go-to list of questions to ask in order to
start a conversation and start feeling more comfortable in my surroundings.
Prepare Properly
Practice preparing topics of conversation, if you have an
idea of the type of people that are going to be at a gathering, then do a
little homework.
If many of them are golf enthusiasts, for example: Google
the local golf club, find out more about the topic and prepare a few questions
to ask about it.
If you feel shy at work, look out for interesting news items
over the weekend and bring them into conversation on Monday.
Get into the habit of remembering what people have told you
and referring back to it as future conversation starters.
"Hey Josh, last
time I remember you were saying you wanted to see that movie? I saw last night and
thought it was great!" or "Julia, you were telling me that your
daughter loves this band, I heard they are coming to town next week..."
Send the Right Signals
Shy people are often misdiagnosed as unfriendly, aloof, or
'stuck up'.
Shyness can make us look unapproachable.
Research has found that we find people who smile and look directly
at us more attractive and people are more likely to strike up conversations with
strangers if they are smiling.
Another benefit is that smiling even when you don't feel
like it actually makes you feel better – which can lead to real smiling. :)
Focus on Other People
If you see someone who also seems a little shy or anxious,
approach them to help them feel more relaxed, by focusing on putting other
people at their ease, you'll find that you feel much more comfortable.
Learn to Manage Anxiety
Shyness is really a type of social anxiety.
If you are feeling anxious before an event or get together,
here are some tips to make you feel more relaxed:
- Rehearse being confident
Mentally rehearsing being more outgoing and relaxed has
amazing results.
Before the outing, lay down somewhere comfortable, focus on
breathing deeply and slowly, and imagine watching yourself in the upcoming
social situation looking relaxed, comfortable, and even talkative. You'll be
amazed how this 'self-hypnotic' preparation will affect the way you actually
feel when you get there.
- Long Deep Breaths
Extending the out-breath begins to relax body and mind very
quickly. Once you feel more relaxed, you instantly feel more sociable.
Be More Social
Start putting yourself in as many social situations as
possible.
We build fear around what we avoid; so by purposely seeking
out situations which would have made you feel shy, you can begin to kick that
shyness out of your life.
Take Small Steps
Try to make progress in small steps.
You can do one of these tips one at a time or try a few all
at once.
You won’t become the social butterfly overnight but this will
give you something new to learn every time, and you can proudly keep track of your
progress.
Keep doing things like having conversations with new people
and seeking out opportunities to connect with others.
Overcoming shyness is a process but it can open up whole new
dimensions in your life.
Suffering from shyness shouldn't keep you from the success
you are seeking.
I hope these tips will help you overcome your shyness.
~Jennifer
