When I was younger, I was really shy for like 2 years of my life. Fast forward 19 years later and I am a 21-year-old who doesn’t even know the definition of the word shy.
We are all wired differently and some of us are the first people to spark a conversation while some of us will rather lean back and let others start the conversation, while we silently nod our head and offer the occasional smile (every now and then).
Being shy, is actually nothing to be shy about. Like I said, we are not all wired the same, but have you ever thought about perhaps challenging yourself and stepping out of your shy shell? I know this can be scary for a lot of people and that’s okay, but when we step out of our comfort zone, we surprise ourselves with how thrilling the challenge is.
I have actually met some of my best friends today by challenging them to be brave and engage with me. How does one do this though? Here are 2 quick and practical ways:
Talk to strangers
Now, I know that the number 1 rule that all parents tell their children is:
“Never talk to strangers”
And I agree. Some strangers are dangerous. However, the point I am trying to get across here is, when you are out with a friend who introduces you to new people, integrate don’t hibernate. You never know who you might meet, speaking to someone you don’t know. That person could hold a business opportunity you might have been hoping for, you could meet your soul mate, your new best friend. Anything can happen when you don’t shy away from new people and new conversations.
Actually GO OUT!
Being in the comfort of your own home is satisfying. However, being comfortable does not result in us being challenged. If all we seek is comfort we never get confident. When we actually get up and go (regardless of how shy we may feel) we create a list of endless opportunities and adventures to be experienced.
It’s not simple stepping out of your comfort zone and putting your voice and yourself out there. We do not know how people will react to us or even how people will receive us. It’s not unusual to be afraid of rejection but allowing that fear to dominate your life is no way to live.