Shyness is the result of many factors, though; no factor is as potent as lack of self-esteem. To combat shyness, development of self-esteem is necessary.

Shyness and self-esteem

Shyness results out of fear of getting evaluated. An individual who is not confident about his abilities and potentials therefore searches new escape routes. People high on self esteem seldom face such a problem. The best way of dealing with shyness is by increasing one's self-esteem.

Tips on boosting self-esteem

You need to accept and appreciate yourself for who you are. Avoid comparing yourself to others at all costs. Instead focus on all your positive attributes. The feeling of being useless is a dangerous thought and should be discarded quickly. Instead, search within yourself for traces of hidden or unacknowledged potentials. Another common mistake is that of belittling yourself under the guise of modesty. Do not reject compliments by attributing them to other sources. Accept them graciously. This will boost your self-esteem and will protect you from feeling inferior or useless. Many a times shyness results out of feeling of inferiority that creates false impressions and pessimistic outlook towards oneself.

Negative self talk in face of any situation is likely to reinforce your poor opinion about yourself, thus scarring social relationship with others. Substituting positive self talk will do a great deal to mentally prepare yourself for certain events that you must have dreaded in the past. Feelings of guilt also do a great deal to shatter your self-esteem. You should therefore guard against guilt by removing all sorts of biases about yourself. Prove yourself wrong about your inabilities by engaging in certain activities you like. You can go swimming or for any other activity you like. This will enable you to form new acquaintances and meet new people. To gain maximum support for increasing your self-esteem, you can enlist the help of your friends and family who can do a great deal to nudge you in the right direction. Despite all this, if you still feel down in the dumps, then it is time to seek professional help.