Self Help Guide to Overcoming Shyness and Self Doubt

In your younger years would you most likely be clinging to your mom’s leg? Did you kind of bob your head behind those in front of you when the teacher was looking for a volunteer? Still doing that now?
Shyness and overpowering self-doubt are apparently very common, and they can paralyse you from moving forward in certain areas of life. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t deal with this issue that is trying to stunt you. You don’t have to be paralysed by shyness. There is every expectation that you can shine the image of the One Who created you.
From social gatherings, to business meetings, to your one-on-one relationships, if you want to break free from shyness, function better in relationships and be more comfortable when you are around people then read on. The Bible is not silent on this issue. In a world where relationships are everything, you must remember that you are set apart for the Lord and still stay true to who He has made you. Here is how to begin dealing with shyness:
It’s more of a mindset than what you do.
From someone cant really remember ever being shy but knows what it is to lack confidence as almost always the most junior elder in any setting, I’m about to open it up for you. What you are going to read is the approach of people make a difference, go after their calling and have blessed relationships.
This is a approach that if adopted will help you in many different aspects of life.
Set realistic expectations.
Everyone wants something different. One person may want to be the center of attention, whereas someone else may just want to be comfy in a business meeting or visiting friends.
As you learn this, it is important to be very clear about what God wants and what it looks like. The goal here is to get you to und...

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... the kind of vulnerability that confesses sin to one another (James 5:16).
You can be open by being honest when you are nervous, being honest about wanting to make new friends, about struggling with pride. How can you open up to people?
Be realistic about yourself
At the root of much shyness is pride. Proud that others won’t think of you as wonderfully as you want them to, pride that doesn’t want others to know that you are a sinner. Pride that doesn’t want other to think they are better than you, or look down on you. God’s word says, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment” (Romans 12:3).

If you remind yourself of the gospel. Realize that whatever you are is by God grace, it should be a humbling experience and strike at the root of much of your shyness.