How to Conquer Shyness

All of us are shy at some time or another, but if shyness has limited you to the point every aspect of your life is affected, when it has become a prison you cannot escape from, the time has come to do something about it.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is not easy. In fact, it is one of the most difficult things you will ever do, but if you don't start right now, you will be relegated to the role of spectator in the play called life.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Reprogram your computer. Start your day with positive declarations. Every morning before heading out, declare out loud words of victory over your life, like "I am blessed with seeds of greatness, I am equipped, I am well able, I am likable, I am sociable, I attract new friends into my life, I am not fearful, I am strong, I am brave, and everything I need to conquer this shyness is within me." Hold a vision of yourself interacting with others, having great conversations, enjoying the company of people. What you concentrate on will take a life of its own.

2. Smile. A simple gesture but a tremendous ice breaker. Make a habit of smiling to others whether you are on the bus, at the grocery store, at work, at school, everywhere you go, light up the room with your smile. Most people will return your smile and if they don't, do not dwell on it. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

3. Do not wait to feel like starting a conversation. Do it now. This is the moment to shake the old and welcome the new. Start a conversation with people. Begin small, with people you know by sight, like the neighbor you have always wanted to know better but were too afraid to talk to, your usual cashier at the grocery store, the waitress at your favorite restaurant. Hold your head up high, look at the person right in the eye, smile at them and ask them how they are. People like someone who is concerned about others. If you are afraid to talk too much about yourself, ask them questions about themselves. Most people love to talk about themselves. Remember, you only have a 50 percent responsibility to hold your end of the conversation, the other 50 percent falls on the other person's shoulders.

4. Get involved in the community. Volunteer. Join a church, a gym or a dance class. Look for people with similar interests as yours.

Tips & Warnings

• Accept yourself as you are. Do not long to be like someone else, it will only frustrate you. Be the original God made you to be and not a cheap imitation of another person.
• Celebrate your accomplishments, however small. The small steps are the ones that lead to victory.
• If someone doesn't want to be your friend, wish them well and move on. 10 percent of the population won't like you, no matter what you do. Realize they are the ones with the problem and do not take their rejection of you personally.
• Never forget you are a masterpiece. You are a living, breathing miracle. Do not allow anyone to convince you otherwise. The world needs you, your unique aroma, your blend of nature, eternity and talents.
• Don't give up. When you are tempted to throw the towel, remember all things worth something take time. Be constant.