How To Overcome Shyness, Social Anxiety And Build Your Self-confidence As A Model

Shyness is an awkwardness and an apprehension that some people feel while approaching or when being approached by other people. These people have a desire to be outgoing and to connect with others on a social and emotional level. However, they find this impossible because they can’t seem to handle the anxiety that comes with human interaction.

Being overcome with shyness is never good for your social growth and development as a model. Not only does it cause you to purposefully avoid social situations, it can also lead to isolation, sadness, loneliness, regret, and depression. As an aspiring model to build yourself faster you have to overcome shyness. Fortunately, there are some effective strategies to overcome shyness and social anxiety and gain confidence:

1. Act Confidently.
Confidence comes through action, learning, practice, and mastery. Learn where your shyness comes from, what are the events that makes you shy.  It may seem hard to do but go for it, and do it often. Feeling anxious is not the problem; avoiding social interactions is the problem. Eliminate avoidance and you will overcome your anxiety.

2. Engage.
Act confidently and engage yourself in some talks, like talking to strangers at bars, stores, sporting events, and the gym. If your talk seem boring and they stop talking, don't pick offense. Who cares if you get rejected? There are seven billion people on this planet. You’re not expected to like or be liked by all of them. Take some chances and put yourself out there to meet new people.

3. Try new things, even if they make you anxious. 
Join a club, a sports team, or an improv class. Pick up a new project, take on a difficult task at work, or learn a new skill. Do something to get out of your comfort zone. By practicing new & difficult activities, you are confronting your fear of the unknown and learning to handle being shy effectively.

4. Talk. 
Start practicing giving speeches or presentations and telling jokes or stories at every opportunity. Be more talkative and expressive in all areas of your life. Whether you’re at work, with friends, with strangers, or walking down the street, you can practice talking more openly. Let your voice and your ideas be heard. Confident people are not preoccupied with whether everyone is going to like what they have to say. They speak their mind because they want to share, engage, and connect with others.

5. Make yourself vulnerable. 
A fear of being judged contributes to social anxiety and shyness. The only way to overcome this fear is to make yourself vulnerable. Always stay calm under pressure. Being vulnerable requires a willingness to let others see the real you. Be proud of who you are. Being genuine and vulnerable is often the quality that others will appreciate the most about you. Avoid comparing yourself to others.

6. Practice displaying confident body language. 
Make eye contact when talking to someone. Walk with your head held high. Project your voice clearly and effectively. Shake hands. Give hugs. Stay in close proximity to others.

7. Be mindful.
Mindfulness has been defined simply as awareness. Wake up. Be present to all of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and memories in any given moment. There is no part of your experience that you have to run from, escape, or avoid. Learn to appreciate yourself and the world around you, including those “panicky” thoughts and feelings, and just notice them without judgment.

Richmond Kenneth 

When you are fully present in the moment, you will realize that social interactions are not something you need to avoid. You will perform better because you are actually paying attention to the conversation and the cues in your environment. With practice, you can continually incorporate and improve upon your social skills that you learn from the world around you, ultimately making you feel more confident.

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