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- Specific advice #3: Lessons on how to overcome shyness
Specific advice #3: Lessons on how to overcome shyness
Here's why you keep sabotaging your progress
“I am too shy, I lose valuable opportunities because I do not have the courage to speak, in fact I have currently just fallen very low ,I ruined my university career because of this problem and, now I want to recover, do things well, stop being afraid to act”
I’ve already talked about this.
As starters there is no university career unless you are working a job in university.
Going to uni is not a career.
You should take your university life seriously - but you shouldn’t depend on it for fun.
Your high school life is the most fun you can have.
I’m thinking you feel angry at yourself because you’ve become a social outcast. Or should I say you think everyone doesn’t care about you in uni.
I’m not sure what you mean by university career.
But let’s start here “I do not have the courage to speak”.
Not having any courage comes from cowardice.
You are afraid of what people think or will judge you for.
So you stay quiet because it’s easier that way.
Although it’s from cowardice - it doesn’t mean you should - stay as a coward your whole life - unless you never try to change.
So why does a person lack courage?
There are many reasons:
Low self-esteem
Trauma
Effects of bullying
Easy life never been to tough situations before
Never breaking out of your shell
If you want to build courage what you need to do is simple: “Act despite feeling fear”
It means if you are afraid of talking to someone - you do it and talk to that someone.
If you are afraid of talking to the girl you like - you force yourself to talk to her.
If you are afraid of doing something - you go and do it.
No one is born courageous. What you have to do is get used to feeling fear and do it.
You will feel afraid but nonetheless you get it done.
That is how you build courage.
It’s uncomfortable but you put in the reps.
Courage is a numbers game.
The more you do what you’re afraid to do - the more courageous you become.
Evidence is key. The more you stack wins the bigger your courage.
So keep stacking them no matter how small. Every time you are afraid of doing something - remember one moment where you acted despite being afraid.
And you’ll become more confident as as result.
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“I am too shy, I lose valuable opportunities because I do not have the courage to speak
I understand what you mean.
Your mind probably create scenarios out of your head of what could’ve happen if you didn’t let fear take over.
What I can say is this :Your mind lies and amplifies your mistakes.
So you might think you just lost a life changing opportunity - but if you reason without emotions - it will not seem like a big deal.
Do not let your mind go overboard. There are many ways to get similar opportunities.
“I have currently just fallen very low”
That’s normal. You are likely in a rut having failed yourself many times.
Just try again.
Nobody said you have to quit. Don’t let your mind convince you.
“I ruined my university career because of this problem and, now I want to recover, do things well, stop being afraid to act”
I do not know what kind of university career you mean but if you mean that you are not social with your peers in university- that’s irrelevant.
If you go to uni for 4 years most people you know there you will never see again unless you proactively keep the friendship.
If that’s the case - your mind is too preoccupied with being famous in uni. Discard that thought. Popularity will not serve you. Spend your time wisely instead.
I don’t even know why would you want to be popular in university - it’s just a waste of time.
The more viable answer is getting along - being popular makes you the target of rumors and drama.
Better to avoid.
"and, now I want to recover, do things well, stop being afraid to act"
Want is not enough.
Doing is.
I already mentioned how to overcome fear at the top.
But this time I’ll tell you another problem you have.
Your self-esteem is shit.
That’s likely why you don’t trust yourself and are too afraid to act.
If you had good self-esteem - speaking up will not be a problem.
In order to recover - you have to proactively accept that you have failed.
No need to deny emotions you have.
And no need to keep beating yourself because of it.
Next time you feel afraid to do something - act despite it.
You do not have to do anything grand just do something you’re afraid to do.
Even asking people that work in public places is something people fear. You can start there.
You are also likely too caged in your own home. Go out often and socialize.
Don’t lock yourself up in home scrolling everyday for hours.
Here’s your action step:
Start greeting people you know. Good morning, good evening, good afternoon etc. Start there and small. If you are out of your home - ask directions from strangers even though you already know the way. That’s the first step. Talking to others will help discard some of your social anxieties.
Journal your mistakes and tell yourself that I forgive myself for messing up and I will do better next time. This sounds simple yet so many people don’t do it because it feels cringey. Overcome that feeling as well. Being honest with yourself is the answer.
Start stacking small wins. Talked to a person despite feeling afraid? Win. Woke up early? Win. Slept early? Win. Start stacking wins in your mind and write it down and read it everyday. You must re-create a new identity with yourself that is courageous and not afraid.
Start talking to strangers. Workout to build confidence. Learn new skills so your mind stops beating you for feeling useless. It’s very common to see people who have shit mental health also be shit at what they do. Because their mind is not clear and full of negativity. Start replacing all of these by taking action. No matter how much you plan action is what gets you results.
That’s all.
See you next time
-Noat
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