Shyness is one of those awkward things. It can rear its head at the worst possible times and stop you getting ahead in life. Here are 5 tips on how to overcome shyness or at least reduce the effect it has on your life.

1. Play to your strengths

We all have strengths and weaknesses. Quite often our shyness is just a way of covering up for a weakness we have. The weakness can be real or imaginary - it doesn't matter so long as that's what our mind currently believes. Concentrate on your strengths and, if possible, carry that feeling of "I can do it" through into other areas of your life.

2. Learn to relax

Sometimes our shyness can be because we tense up inside. We worry about what's going to happen. And that worry is almost always worse than what really happens. But by the time we realize that, it's too late. Learning to relax and take things as they come is a good way to overcome your shyness.

3. Think ahead

Practice the scenario that causes you to become shy. Run it through in your head. But this time, instead of coming over all shy and self conscious, see yourself being closer to a normal human being. In your mental rehearsal, see yourself being OK rather than shy. Maybe not totally outward going - that is probably too much of a leap at first - but at least not curled up in your shell, mentally hunting for a rock to crawl under. Then act out your rehearsal when the time comes - at the very least you won't be as worried as you'll have played over the idea in your head until you've become comfortable with it.

4. Don't try to be perfect

No-one is perfect. The only reason actors appear to be is because they have tens or hundreds of "takes" until they get it right. And even then their errors can be covered up in post production. Instead, get as close as you can to being at least "good enough" and don't spend hours panicking because you're not perfect. Nor is anyone else, despite what they try to get you to believe!

5. Write down your successes

Keep a journal near your bed and write down your successes - no matter how small - at the end of each day. This will help to boost your self esteem and reduce the amount of shyness you're experiencing. It's a great way to overcome shyness without giving your mind too much time to analyze things.

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