Overcoming shyness and social anxiety are real issues. Even more so now that we’re in a global pandemic that has forced us to be homebound, to work from home, do school from home and has striped us of our social interactions. But regardless of the setbacks of 2020 that have trickled into 2021, you too can find solutions to build confidence and reach a point of social awareness and interaction.
Here are Five simple steps to start the process:
1. Daily Affirmations
Affirmations are short and easy sentences you can repeat every day to build the foundation for overcoming introversion. Start by constructing your sentences in the present tense, with conversational language and no more than 3-5 words.
Evidently, simple sentences can be memorized without complexities. For example, “I’m confident, I’m successful, I can speak to anyone, I’m a leader” and feel free to personalize your affirmations.
Remember, your internal dialogue will determine how you feel about yourself.
2. Join a Virtual Networking Group
Despite your timidity, you can socialize and get acclimated to meeting new people and fostering new relationships without feeling judged and put under a microscope.
Notably, now you can network from the comfort of your home and why not? You can connect to conversations in your local area and the world over and this can be a game changer in your life!
Let’s face it, overcoming any challenge will force you to put yourself out there!
3. Highlight your Strengths
Shyness and social anxiety are highlighted in our lives when we or others focus on them. Labeling, as revealed by many parents of young ones can be detrimental and this leads often to an ongoing internal label.
For instance, I’ve seen so many parents say, “he doesn’t speak often” or “she’s just shy” or “his brother’s the confident one”. Children are impressionable and those children become self conscious, hesitant and nervous adults because we’ve done a good job convincing them of those labels!
Unquestionably, you’re here to make positive changes so highlight your strengths in your interactions.
Maybe you’re reserved, but you tell great jokes. Use that to your advantage in conversation. Or perhaps you have a beautiful smile, then smile and make eye contact frequently.
4. Plan For Positive Interactions
Envision how your ideal interactions will go. Think carefully about topics to discuss; perhaps current events could be noted or things you’re passionate about.
Which hobbies, interests or endeavors drive you? And which do you feel comfortable discussing?
Planning for positive interactions are a two part effort; preparedness meets positive expected outcome. Not only should you plan your interactions, but also train your mind to think positively about your interactions.
Stop believing the limiting beliefs you told yourself or told to you by others. Decide that your interactions will go well as planned and if they don’t, that’s ok. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
5. Explore Curiosity In Learning About Others
It was the psychologist Alfred Adler that said, “It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has the greatest difficulties of all”. Take the spotlight off yourself and focus it on others.
It’ll give you a mental break, furthermore, you’ll have perspective on others. Find out what inspires them, what they like and importantly, who they are. People love to talk about themselves so use that to your advantage.
Getting out of your shell is a continuous effort and it will not be an easy feat. I recognize that you want to change and grow and that’s why you’re here and you can!
To sum everything up, write out and repeat your daily affirmations, Join a networking group, show up to interactions with your strengths, plan for your interactions to be positive and learn more about people.
Show that you care about their interests and shine the spot light on them while you learn and develop the confidence you’ve always desired.
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