TAKE THESE 5 STEPS TO BREAK FREE FROM SHYNESS

 I want you to picture yourself in a room full of people and everyone seems to be socializing and having a great time except for you. You are just standing at one side alone, missing the opportunities to meet people and talk with them just because you can't bring yourself to strike up a conversation. That is the condition of so many people in the society. It is called shyness.

Shyness causes you to keep others at a distance and avoid social situations. Shy people have trouble making new friends, speaking in the public and having a busy social life. To break free from this bondage, here are five steps to take:

1.  Explore what you are good at: If your shyness is getting in the way of your success, then you will be missing out on new opportunities in life. When you always play it safe and never pursue your strengths, you will stunt your personal growth and keep yourself imprisoned in your own body. Exploring your strengths will make you more confident with trying new things. 

2. Stop thinking that everyone is looking at you. Stop thinking that people are paying attention to every move you make. Your shyness may try to convince you that everyone notices your moves or your mistakes but that's not true. People are busy with their own activities and don't have that time to focus solely on you. It is a cognitive bias, that inner voice is lying to you.

3. Stop avoiding social situations: Sometimes, we can be our own worst enemies. Skipping out on social events might feel safer than trying your best to make friends and failing but the downside is more harmful and damaging. You will be stifled, lonely and depressed at the corner of your room.

You will be missing out opportunities and your goal will be held stagnant. You will be  seeing other people excelling in what you know you can do better than them simply because they go out, connect with people and meet opportunities but you will remain stagnant. Avoidance is not the answer, you have to find a way to connect with others. 

4. Surround yourself with supportive people: Support from a friend or a group of friends you trust can help you feel more comfortable in social events. It's true you can't bring someone to everywhere you go but the idea here is that you will feel ready to face those situations alone. Ask a friend, family member or roommate to come along the next time you attend a social gathering, whether a ceremony, party or just a shopping trip.

Their presence will offer you enough support to have an easier time navigating interactions without stumbling over your words or forgetting what you wanted to say.

5. Welcome setbacks: Having a setback of any kind is not the end of your journey. One bad social interaction does not mean the next will be bad. It does not imply that you are incapable of one day becoming more comfortable in social settings. It is easy to be disappointed in yourself, but remember that it's a gradual process, you won't get it right away.

Moving forward with these tips in mind, you will completely be free from shyness.