Overcome the Cognitive Deficits of Shyness: Getting Your Mind Right
For those shy people whose shyness is expressed primarily through negative thoughts about themselves, the key to overcoming their shyness is to change the way they think about themselves. Such change is more difficult than it sounds, because it is not easy to change the thoughts an individual may have had about himself or herself since early childhood. Here are six strategies for reducing the cognitive component of shyness:
1. Reduce your sense of self-consciousness: The whole world is not looking at you.
2. Focus on your social successes: Stop whipping yourself
3. Avoid overgeneralizations: It may not be your fault
4. Avoid perfectionism: Nobody's perfect
5. Learn to take rejection: No one is liked by everyone
6. Find your comfort zone: Do what fits you
Return to Tips for Overcoming Shyness