How to Overcome Shyness and Enjoy Socializing

Tap to Read ➤ Priya Johnson

We’re all wired differently and some of us take longer to open up. While there’s nothing wrong with being quieter, shyness can often prove to be a stumbling block, preventing us from achieving our true potential.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “The way you overcome shyness is to become so wrapped up in something, that you forget to be afraid.” - Claudia Lady Bird Johnson

Start Simple, Start Small

Don’t pressurize yourself to become all chatty in a week or month or even a year. Start with small 5-minute conversation goals and move on from there.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Sometimes just a little compliment can make someone’s entire day.” - Unknown

Make Compliments Your Ally

While talking to someone, genuinely compliment them for something you liked about them. Simple compliments help you and also put the opposite party at ease.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities.” - Unknown

Learn New Skills

Signing up for a variety of workshops will not only inspire you, but will also help you interact with people you haven’t met before.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Shyness is nice, but shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life that you’d like to.” - Steven Morrisey

Count Your Strengths

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Instead of focussing on what you’re not good at, focus on your strengths. This will increase your confidence levels.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “To make a difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care.” - Mandy Hale

Show You Care

There are more than enough selfish and boisterous people out there. What the world needs is people who genuinely care for others. Lend a helping hand.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Don’t wait for other people to be loving, giving, compassionate, grateful, forgiving, generous, or friendly… lead the way !” - Steve Maraboli

Keep up with Current Affairs

Watch the news and read as much as possible. Current affairs are great ice-breakers and keep the conversation going, when you don’t want to get too personal.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Sometimes our thoughts are backed with so much insecurity, that they create the lies we believe.” - Unknown

Conscious Effort

Even the most seemingly confident people struggle with insecurities. Make a conscious effort to put yourself out there and strike a conversation.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Right now, someone you haven’t met is out there wondering what it would be like to meet someone like you.” - Unknown

Meet Like-Minded People

If you enjoy a sport or hobby, join a club where you interact with people who have similar interests. The common interest will give you a platform to bond over with greater ease.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Every new friend is a new adventure… The start of new memories.” - Patrick Lindsay

Enjoy Socializing

Socializing shouldn’t be something we have to do, it should be something you want to do. Enjoy the process of meeting new people, learning about their backgrounds and conversing with them.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “Shyness has a strange element of narcissism, a belief that how we look, how we perform, is truly important to other people.” - Andre Dubus

Learn to Walk Away

Socializing doesn’t mean you force yourself to be around obnoxious personalities. Choose who you want to be around and walk away from people with negative and critical people.

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. “You’re in charge of you, don’t be shy. Take the reins.” - Unknown