How to Overcome Shyness pt 2

Shyness can be a crippling condition. It's so extreme for some people that they avoid social situations altogether. Shy children tend to grow into shy adults. The vast majority of us need to have contact with other humans, either socially or in a work context. Overcoming shyness is difficult but not impossible.

I used to be pretty shy and lacking in confidence. I did discover a strategy that helped me in overcoming shyness. When I met someone new, I made a conscious effort to ask them about themselves. I found that I forgot about my shyness when I was taking an interest in someone else. The other person of course, is pleased that someone appears to like them, and a new friendship would sometimes be a happy by product of overcoming shyness.

Ideas to Overcome Shyness.

Some people try the old idea of imagining the other person in their underwear. Personally, I've never found that to be particularly helpful in overcoming shyness. Also, what if they are just wearing their underwear? What do you do then?!! The worse situation for shyness to rear its head is in the workplace. At least you can have a few Dutch courage drinks at a party. Dealing with colleagues on a one to one basis is not too bad, but being in a big meeting can be a nightmare. You dread when it's your time to speak. Sometimes, humor can break the ice and give you a lift. Overcoming shyness could be a matter of cracking a joke, putting everyone and yourself at ease.

If you find yourself in a romantic scenario, the last thing you want to be is shy. I've always felt sorry for men. They are the ones who have to pluck up courage to ask someone for a date, and risk rejection. If men didn't find a way of overcoming shyness, the population would have died out long ago. My tip to men is to be yourselves. Don't put on a phony French accent or try ironic chat up lines. That sends women running for the hills. In fact, women find a little bit of reticence in a man to be quite endearing. Don't overdue that either. It's all a question of balance.

In the end, whatever situation you are in, shyness won't actually kill you. It isn't going to bring on the end of the world. Of course, you want to be confident and overcoming shyness is a worthwhile goal. Just don't stress about it, that will lead to more shyness and you'll be caught up in a vicious circle. Take a deep breath, remember you're as good as anyone else, and be nice to yourself.

One of the best methods for overcoming shyness and social anxiety is Self Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy, the main benefit of self hypnosis is that you can gain confidence in the comfort of your own home. (see links below)

Article by J.D. Dawkin an independent writer for Healthy Help Files on Confidence issues.

Shyness and Self Confidence Links....