10 Ways to Stop Being Shy [How Many Have You Tried?]

Being shy can literally ruin your life if you let it. The good news is that you can easily get rid of your “shy gene” with some simple and easy techniques we are going to discuss here right now.

Don’t let being shy hold you back anymore!

So get ready because, here we go! 10 ways to stop being shy. Write them done. How many have you tried?

Number One! Examine the cause of your shyness.

The causes of shyness vary, it can be from genetics, learned behaviors, parenting styles, or unique social experiences. 

Understanding the reasons for shyness and social anxiety are crucial when attempting to overcome them. 

This is important! If you can understand why you are shy, you can take the proper steps to overcome your shyness and having a great life where nothing holds you back.

Number Two! Write it down on paper! 

Grab a pen and write down the situations where you feel the most shy. Is it when you are at work, at a party or does it depend on the topic of the conversation? 

Creating a list of situations where you feel the most uncomfortable is a great starting point to discovering the root cause of your shyness. 

Engaging in small talk is one of the most common catalysts for shy behavior. Writing down the specific topics and social circumstances in which small talk makes you nervous will help. 

Then work on writing down ways of overcoming your anxious feelings.

Number Three! Create a plan and practice!

Planning for the social situation you are walking into whether it be a party, class lecture, or even going to the grocery store can be extremely useful to beat your shyness before it even happens.

If you are attending a party, it will help to go over in your mind, the common interactions that are likely to occur before having to frantically deal with them in the moment.

Number Four! Smile and make eye contact!

Practicing gestures like smiling and making eye contact might seem nerve wracking at first, but they will eventually become a learned behavior and you won’t think twice about doing it. 

These two gestures are common practices in social interactions and mastering them will make you feel confident and calm when facing others.

Number Five! Try new things to overcome your anxiety!

Sometimes it is helpful to face your anxiety and shyness head-on by trying out new things even when they make you uncomfortable. 

If you tend to avoid large social gatherings because you are intimidated by the social interactions, try attending one. 

Oftentimes, you build up fear in your head much more than you need to and actually going to a social gathering can bring you back to reality. You will probably enjoy it once you get there!

Number Six! Practice body language. Give hugs and shake hands.

There are other types of body language that you should practice daily to better understand your own preferred methods. 

For example, giving hugs and shaking hands are common ways to greet someone but it takes practice to know when it is appropriate to do so. 

Do these things with people you trust first. You can also imagine yourself doing them in certain scenarios. This will be very beneficial when you encounter real interaction with people.

Number Seven! Practice confidence within yourself.

It might seem silly, but some of the best practices in confidence happen in front of the mirror. 

Before you go to an event where your shyness might precede you, look yourself in the mirror and voice 3 things you love about yourself in that moment. 

Saying these traits to yourself will help manifest them when you are around others and will build your confidence immensely.

Number Eight! Choose relationships that build you up, not tear you down.

Sometimes shyness is a product of bad social interactions. Choosing your friends wisely is extremely important to building self confidence. 

The people around you largely influence your own self image. 

When choosing friends, choose people who support you no matter what and who will be there for you in your time of need.

Big Number Nine! Go to events and go early!

Going to events is a great way to overcome being shy. 

If you are nervous about the atmosphere of the event you are attending, arrive early to get a sense of how people are composing themselves.

Look at what they are wearing and the level of formality they portray. 

You also have the advantage of meeting more people and establishing yourself as a member of the group if you arrive early.

Number Ten! Wow, already! That was fast! Observe how others navigate social situations.

Don’t compare yourself to others in a negative light. Just review how others are interacting, what their common gestures are, and what topics they are bringing up.

You can later use these topics and gestures yourself. 

Observe how people are greeting each other, their level of formality in how they speak, and how they react to other peoples’ comments.

Bonus tip!

If you think you are shy guess what? Nobody knows what you are thinking and unless they already know you then they have no idea you might be shy! So don’t tell them! Be who you want to be. 

Let’s review! Ten ways to stop being shy.

1. Figure out why you are shy.
2. Write down the reasons for your shyness on paper.
3. Create a plan and practice overcoming your shy gene.
4. Smile and make eye contact when you meet people.
5. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
6. Study and visualize body language.
7. Practice confidence within yourself.
8. Choose the people you associate with wisely!
9. Go to as many events as possible and go early!
10. Observe and learn from how others handle social situations.

And your bonus tip…No one knows you are shy except for you! So don’t tell them!

And because you read all the way until the end here is a super powerful technique that literally will change your life for the better in every way.

Make yourself do something each day that makes you feel uncomfortable. 

This one is huge and can dramatically change your life for the better all by itself. Getting your mind to not dread doing something that makes you feel uncomfortable is a proven secret to success.

Thanks for reading! Please comment below and let us know how you deal with being shy. You will be helping others!

If you want to learn more about how to not be shy and have a healthier and happier life check out all the posts on our website www.JoyofToday.com.

Go have fun and hope you have a wonderful day!