• Delivering A Speech? Maintain Eye Contact

    Body language is very important when delivering a speech.

    Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation?

    Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech.

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    So you already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience.

    They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span.

    How would you keep them interested with what you are saying?

    The answer is to maintain eye contact.

    This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use when
    addressing a large group of people.

    Here are some tips on how you can use this “trick” to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech:

    Once you have already started speaking and have delivered your
    introduction, take a look at your audience.

    Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking.

    Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads.

    Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye.

    This way, you would have an immediate “friend” in the audience to whom you can look at and gain confidence from.

    This will not just increase your confidence but also relax you in the course of your speech.

    Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room to
    another. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention.

    Never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on.

    If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves.

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    With this, you are instantly creating a “bond” with your audience as a
    speaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech.

    The key to delivering a great speech is to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience.

    Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech.

  • Did Your Personality Choose Your Career?

    We almost all think we are masters of our own fate. While it is true that we all make our own choices there are many things that influence what we choose. Ask yourself: Why do some people choose professions that help only themselves while others of us choose professions that help those in need?

    Health and wellness professionals all share the desire to help others. Our work is commendable and very important, but why do we choose the profession we’re in?

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    Professionals in the “caring jobs” share some unique qualities. We’re almost always creative, sensitive and nurturing. We also almost all share a willingness help others in every way possible and suffer pangs of guilt if we say “no.” Our willingness to help sometimes comes with a price. It leaves us vulnerable to burn out.
    “…some clients can be draining to even the most enthusiastic wellness professional”

    Burnout is often the result of a professional feeling overwhelmed with his or her job responsibilities. Let’s face it caring for others can be a burden. Even if you love your job facing unmotivated, clients can be draining to even the most enthusiastic wellness professional. Add to this any inside pressure from trying to make a decent living, dealing with negative attitudes of coworkers or pressure with sales commissions and you’re on the road to feeling more negative yourself.

    Caregivers tend to burn out more quickly than others because we typically put the needs of those around us first. By the time we are through dealing with the issues of our clients, families and friends we have little left for ourselves.

    So how do you deal effectively with those clients who seem to have a “seek out and destroy” personality? Simple, you learn to develop your own “repair and replenish” skills now and make them an important part of your everyday routine.

    Make it a point to be more aware of your surroundings. Try to notice the little things that bring joy to your life and take a moment to reflect on them.

    Learn to say “no” – not all the time but some time. When someone asks for another piece of your time, a little more of your energy, or is looking for you to commit to their newest project, take the time to know if it’s the right choice for you. Make it your personal policy to never give an answer that you haven’t had at least 24 hours to think about –there’s much to be said for the adage of let me sleep on it.

    Nurture yourself with a trip to the gym, a visit to a day SPA, tickets to your favorite play or concert. Even a leisurely walk can be a rejuvenating gift.
    Talk, talk and then talk some more. Find peer professionals that share similar values and goals and talk about work. Some think it’s taboo to talk about work on your days off but in reality it is important to be able to share your feelings and frustration with someone who understands how you feel and their feedback can be very helpful.

    Vacations aren’t just what other people do. You earn the time too. Take your vacation time all together or in shorter bursts. What ever works for you is fine – just take those days and forget about work for awhile.

    Sometimes a nurturing personality can open the door for our own wellness to suffer and it is up to each person to find the tools that help to keep them on track and healthy. By learning to say no, nurturing yourself, becoming more aware of your surroundings, talking to a trusted peer and taking a break when you can, you’ll be able to find a healthy balance in your professional and personal life leading to greater business success and satisfaction.

  • 10 Simple Steps to Self-Motivation and More Sales

    Every day of your life you are selling yourself, nothing happens until you’re successful at doing that.

    We’re all in the selling business whether we like it or not. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a lawyer or an accountant, a manager or a politician, an engineer or a doctor.

    We all spend a great deal of our time trying to persuade people to buy our product or service, accept our proposals or merely accept what we say.

    Before you get better at persuading or influencing other people – you need to get better at self-motivation and selling yourself.

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    Here are 10 simple steps to self-motivation:

    1 – You must believe in the product

    Selling yourself is pretty much like selling anything. Firstly, you need to believe in what you’re selling. That means believing in “you.” It’s about lots of positive self-talk and the right attitude.

    The first thing people notice about you is your attitude. If you’re like most people then you’ll suffer from lack of confidence from time to time.

    It really all comes down to how you talk to yourself. The majority of people are more likely to talk to themselves negatively than positively – this is what holds them back in life.

    It isn’t just about a positive attitude; it’s about the right attitude – the quality of your thinking.

    Successful people have a constructive and optimistic way of looking at themselves and their work. They have an attitude of calm, confident, positive self-expectation. They feel good about themselves and believe that everything they do will lead to their inevitable success.

    If you’re in a sales job or a business owner or a manager then you need to continually work on your attitude. You need to listen to that little voice inside your head. Is it saying you’re on top, going for it and confident, or is it holding you back.

    If you’re hearing – “I can’t do this or that” or “They won’t want to buy at the moment” or “We’re too expensive” then you’d better change your self-talk or change your job.

    Start to believe in yourself and don’t let things that are out with your control effect your attitude.

    Avoid criticising, condemning and complaining and start spreading a little happiness.

    Remember the saying of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company – “If you believe you can do a thing, or if you believe you can’t, in either case you’re probably right.”

    2 – The packaging must grab attention

    Like any other product we buy, the way the product is packaged and presented will influence the customer’s decision to buy.

    Everything about you needs to look good and you must dress appropriately for the occasion. And don’t think that just because your customer dresses casually, that they expect you to dress the same way.

    The style and colour of the clothes you wear, your spectacles, shoes, briefcase, watch, the pen you use, all make a statement about you.

    3 – Smile

    No need to get carried away, you don’t need a big cheesy grin, just a pleasant open face that doesn’t frighten people away.

    4 – Use names

    Use the customers name as soon as you can but don’t over do it. Business is less formal nowadays however be careful of using first names initially. Make sure your customer knows yours and remembers it. You can do the old repeat trick -“My name is Bond, James Bond” or “My name is James, James Bond”

    5 – Watch the other person

    What does their body language tell you? Are they comfortable with you or are they a bit nervous? Are they listening to you or are their eyes darting around the room. If they’re not comfortable and not listening then there’s no point telling them something important about your business.

    Far better to make some small talk and more importantly -get then to talk about themselves.

    It’s best to go on the assumption that in the first few minutes of meeting someone new, they won’t take in much of what you say. They’re too busy analysing all the visual data they’re taking in.

    6 – Listen and look like you’re listening

    Many people, particularly men, listen but don’t show that they’re listening. The other person can only go on what they see, not what’s going on inside your head. If they see a blank expression then they’ll assume you’re “out to lunch.”

    The trick is to do all the active listening things such as nodding your head, the occasional “UH-HUH” and the occasional question.

    7 – Be interested

    If you want to be INTERESTING then be INTERESTED. This really is the most important thing you can do to be successful at selling yourself.

    The majority of people are very concerned about their self-image. If they sense that you value them, that you feel that they’re important and worth listening to, then you effectively raise their self-image. If you can help people to like themselves then they’ll LOVE you.

    Don’t fall into the trap of flattering the other person, because most people will see right through you and they won’t fall for it. Just show some genuine interest in the customer and their business and they’ll be much more receptive to what you say.

    8 – Talk positively

    Don’t say – “Isn’t it a horrible day” or “Business is pretty tough at present” or any thing else that pulls the conversation down. Say things like (and only the truth) – “I like the design of this office” or “I’ve heard some good reports about your new product.”

    9 – Mirror the other person

    This doesn’t mean mimicking the other person, it just means you speaking and behaving in a manner that is similar to the customer.

    For example, if your customer speaks slowly or quietly, then you speak slowly or quietly. Remember people like people who are like themselves.

    10 – Warm and friendly

    If you look or sound stressed or aggressive then don’t be surprised if the other person gets defensive and less than willing to co-operate.

    If you look and sound warm and friendly, then you’re more likely to get a positive response.

    This isn’t about being all nicey-nicey. It’s about a pleasant open face or a warm tone over the telephone.

    Before we can get down to the process of selling our product, our service or our ideas then we need to be as sure as we can be – that the customer has bought us and that we have their full attention.

  • Five More Ways To Escape Uncomfortable Feelings of Low Self-Esteem and Poor Self-Confidence

    Many people live their entire lives without getting to the source of what originally caused their feelings of low self-esteem. Because they are unaware of how they can heal their painful past and reframe the circumstances that originally resulted in interpretations of being unworthy, unlovable, or deficient in some way, most people instead often resort to finding ways to distract themselves from the unpleasant sensations that accompany feeling inferior.

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    Instead of effectively silencing the nagging voice of past hurts, they seek out distractions to help them temporarily forget about their lacking confidence and deficient self-image. Five of the more common ways to relieve the pain of low self-esteem and poor self-confidence involve excessive attention to work, food, sports, sex, or even shopping. Like all addictions, they help to distract from but do not resolve the underlying problem and so one is still plagued by feelings that will continually require greater efforts from which to hide.

    Workaholism

    In our culture, work is usually an acceptable means of diverting our attention. Through hard work, we busy ourselves to the extent that we lack the free time needed to brood over our sorrows. Those who work excessively are often too tired to worry about a lacking social life or the pursuit of fun pastimes that they often likewise believe they do not deserve to experience. Work provides rewards such as money, recognition, and a feeling of accomplishment, all of which help to compensate for feelings of failure in other areas of life.

    It’s not that a commitment to work is bad. In fact, it is quite admirable as just one component to a well-balanced life. However, when pursued to excess, it doesn’t allow for the honoring of other equally important elements such as a commitment to family, friends, fun, recreation, personal and spiritual development, etc. An obsession with work can take its toll on health, relationships, and missed opportunities for other equally valuable pursuits.

    Moreover, when work is undertaken from the perspective that one is ‘not good enough’ in one or more aspects of their being, it can’t be fully enjoyed. Feelings of low self confidence and little self-esteem diminish one’s energy by consuming attention that could have been spent more productively in the joyful pursuit of one’s goals, rather than as a distraction from persistent negative self-talk.

    Over-Eating

    Like working excessively, an obsession with food is often a common escape from feelings of unworthiness. Eating can serve both as a distraction and a way to make ourselves feel better temporarily. We often seek from food the emotional connection that we are lacking in close, intimate relationships. Frequently, food is linked in our minds to happy times with family or friends. Perhaps we experienced food rewards from our parents or authority figures for scholastic or sports accomplishments. For many, food has become synonymous with love. And so in times of stress, fear, and loneliness, many turn to food to fill a void that only love and self-fulfillment can satisfy.

    Habitual overeating also results in being out of shape, overweight, and generally unattractive in the paradigm of Western modern-day culture. The more one eats as a substitute for missing self-love and intimacy with others, the more obese he or she is likely to become. This in turn reinforces the feeling that the heavier the person becomes, the less she fits in and the lower her self-esteem and self-confidence plummets. The greater the feelings of loneliness and not fitting in that result, the more she is likely to seek comfort in food (especially the high carbohydrate, high fat, high comfort variety). A vicious cycle is thus set in motion ensuring more weight gain and lower self-esteem.

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    Sports and Other Physical Outlets

    Some people run to overcome feelings of loneliness, boredom, depression or lacking self-worth. Some pump iron, play golf, or work out at the gym while others find their own unique way to divert their focus through exercise, hobbies, or sports. Many would argue that such a diversion is a healthy way to funnel energy into an activity that contributes to good physical health. However, like any obsession, when taken to the extreme for the purpose of diverting attention from issues in need of resolution, it can become an unhealthy means of avoiding areas in serious need of attention.

    Sex

    An obsession with sex outside of a healthy, loving relationship can likewise become a means of distraction to take the focus away from self-esteem and self-confidence issues. Whether it’s Internet porn sites, an obsession with strip clubs, or the need for frequent casual sexual encounters, all serve as an effort to numb the pain of isolation. Ironically, the greater the obsession to connect with others through meaningless sexual experiences, the greater one’s sense of isolation will likely become.

    Shopping

    Another common obsession to compensate for a low self-image is shopping. While some find temporary comfort in making themselves feel more attractive by purchasing the latest, most stylish clothes, shoes, accessories, or even cars and other expensive toys if their budget allows (and many times even if it does not!), compulsive shoppers find that the comfort they seek in material items is typically short lived. They often fool themselves into thinking that next new dress, sport coat, outfit or cologne purchase will make the difference they seek in having them feel better about themselves. Sadly, it never does. However, all too often such excessive spending sprees send the shopaholic deeper into debt. This further reinforces or worsens the failure interpretation they already possessed and continues to diminish their self-esteem and confidence level.

    There are countless other addictions that people resort to in an effort to find meaning in life when their own self-worth is lacking. Whether it is compulsive gambling, studying, puttering in the yard, decorating the house, or whatever other diversion, those who lack inner peace will not soon find it externally with a focus that seeks to cover up feelings of being unworthy or unlovable.

    Thankfully, there IS a way to reclaim one’s self-worth and restore self-esteem to a high level providing internal comfort and fulfillment. To tap into the hidden potential, get your Handwriting Analysis and discover all details that will assist you in boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence.

  • Are Some People More Prone To Panic Disorder Than Others

    Are some people more prone to panic disorder than others? Yes. Physical differences have been observed among people who are prone to panic attacks or develop panic disorders. The following are descriptions of these physical differences.

    1) Sensitivity to adrenalin and hormonal changes

    In general, people with panic disorders including agoraphobia have overactive adrenal glands and are more likely to experience an adrenaline rush or “fight or flight” response when faced with a perceived psychological threat. This makes them more susceptible to panic attacks.

    In panic disorder patients, adrenaline and a hormone called cortisol (a stress fighting hormone) are overproduced by the adrenal gland during times of prolonged stress.

    The overproduction of adrenaline and cortisol interferes with the production of serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that stabilize your mood and sense of well-being. When serotonin and dopamine levels are low, your mood becomes unstable and you are less able to cope with stress.

    In this state of chemical imbalance, you become more easily fatigued, your immune system is compromised, and you are more at risk for experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. Even after the original stressor is gone, you are likely to stay in a heightened state of anxiety.

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    2) Sensitivity to medications

    A greater sensitivity to medications, including side effects, is observed among panic disorder patients. As mentioned previously, the side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms for some medications, including anti-anxiety medications, mimic the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks. Because of this, medications prescribed to people who have panic attacks or panic disorder should be prescribed in smaller doses at first and then increased gradually as it is possible.

    3) Sensitivity to physical stimulus

    People who have panic attacks usually have a heightened sensitivity to bright lights, temperatures, sudden or harsh sounds, and other sources of physical stimulation. Physical stimulus will more easily overwhelm someone with panic disorder, create an aura of disorientation, and lead to a release of adrenaline (triggering the “fight or flight” response).

    4) Sensitivity to large amounts of sodium lactate

    Large amounts of sodium lactate in the bloodstream have been found by some researchers to cause panic attacks in people with panic disorder. Sodium lactate is produced when muscle cells convert sugar into energy. It is the basic solution in intravenous fluids given in the hospital.

    In one study, panic disorder patients experienced a dramatic increase in blood flow to the temporal lobes of the brain when given sodium lactate. The temporal lobes are the same area of the brain affected when subjects in other studies (who do not have panic disorder) are given an electric shock!

  • Having Faith In God’s Word And His Healing Power

    The Word of God cannot work without Faith. You cannot understand without Faith. Speak the word of Healing and you will be healed. Faith is certain of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. God’s word is living and active. It penetrates to driving our Body, Mind and Soul.

    Praise the Lord in the mist of the Problem.

    Ask God for his Help.

    Listen to the Lord.

    Pray for deliverance.

    Always think Positive.

    Raising the bar is getting closer to God.

    Every Season in your Life has a Purpose.

    Our Lives are determined by the Season’s.

    Go from Pain to Power.

    God cannot Heal a thing by saying it is not there.

    You must admit your Present Condition.

    Your true Beauty is in your Inner Self.

    Life and Death are in the Power of the Tongue.

    Your Mind plays an important role in your Victory.

    Nothing is to Hard for God.

    Life is Lived from the Inside Out.

    All we have is Today

    The Future is the Past that has not happen Yet.

    God is in Control of History he Work out everything for his Purpose.

    God never brings you Out without bringing you Into.

  • Awareness and Self Determination

    In the common world, people often overloaded with information and advice. It seems every corner you turn; someone is trying to tell you how to build awareness and self-determination. With all the advertisements and information is often hard to decide what you must listen to. When it comes to assessing the self however, the vast majority of people find it difficult task. This is also one of the prime reasons why most of the people disregard it as a frivolous activity with no positive outcomes.

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    Awareness and self-determination methods often present concerns that involve the processes of raising the level of consciousness and optimizing one’s potential to the best possible level. Despite of the many concerns it is crucial in today’s high-dollar world to advance in self-growth. People must learn how to control their emotions, fears, etc, to survive. Pessimistic feelings such as fear, depression, violence, and anger are spreading quickly among the municipal men like an endemic. Furthermore, the vogue fashion of pro-independence living, growing segregation amongst people continues to add to the loneliness and hostility of an urban man.

    In the face of such circumstances, it is virtually impossible for a person to maintain calmness and composure at all times. Many people due to these changes are becoming more irritated, frustrated, and confused. The vast majority of people are living life hastily working overtime and live and in chaos. Because of these complications it has left people have a little time to spend with the self.

    Inside of every one is a hidden genius. Yet because of the prevailing culture and the inclinations that drive people to materialistic pursuits, many people are undermining the power and strength of the inner self. On the other hand, a person who invests his time in building a healthy relationship with himself grows up to become more reflective, organized, and conscious of his thoughts and actions.

    Awareness and self-determination has a couple of aspects, which is highly misinterpreted, is spirituality. Mysticism is measured as a practice preferential by sages who live in remote lands or the older people. Some people also consider it stroke of luck or a media hype attention-grabber adopted by some people in order to befool the masses by promising them inner peace and contentment. The world of religious studies is misguiding and often leads people off track. In fact, it is exclusively a personal choice whether the entity wants to practice religion or not. Unquestionably, it has its own advantages and can help a person to be at calm, if adopted correctly. Typically our inner self is allied with the psychosomatic aspect of our personality.

    Sadly, the competitive world has forced people to try and outdo the other by competing fiercely. Many people embrace strong pessimistic feelings for their competitor, such as covetousness, revulsion, and maliciousness.
    Self-control is very essential for the complete self-analysis. If a person is not in control of his or her harmful emotions, he or she cannot sit back and relax the mind in order to carry out an honest analysis of the inner self, thus it will only create more heartaches for the self and the rest of the world. It requires a lot of audacity and open mindedness on the part of a person to amiably, correct the negative side through acceptance. What are more, accepting and working on it are two completely different things. An individual must be motivated and self-determined enough consciously to work at eliminating the negative qualities on a recurring basis.

    It may be shocking but all it takes is little amount of audacity, motivation, self-determination and desire to improve and set free the greater qualities hidden within each individual and then convert the self to create a self-determined professional, personal, and social life.

  • Four Questions About Leadership

    I hear four questions asked about leadership often. This article gives a short answer to each of these important questions.

    Why Does Leadership Matter?

    Parents universally hope that their children develop leadership qualities. They know that leaders are people who are effective in what they do, are respected by others, and typically rewarded for those skills in a variety of ways. It is in these formative years that, through our parents, we first see leadership as desirable and important.

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    As young people we look up to people around us that motivate and listen to us; people that seem like “real-life” heroes. We consider these people leaders.

    As we grow we begin to relate leaders to their jobs – ministers, teachers, police officers. And later Mayors, Presidents, and CEO’s . . .

    As adults all of these thoughts and experiences define why we think leaders have desirable traits and play roles we admire (and why we desire these things for our children).

    All of these experiences and thoughts help us define why leadership matters – it matters because leaders make a difference and can shape the future. It matters because leaders are valued and valuable. In everyone’s mind leadership, especially when it is good, matters.

    What is a Leader?

    A leader is a person who sees something that needs to be done, knows that they can help make it happen, and gets started.

    A leader sees opportunity and captures it.

    A leader sees a future that can be different and better, and helps others see that picture too.

    A leader knows they can’t do it alone.

    A leader is a coach.

    A leader is an encourager.

    A leader views change as their ally.

    A leader is willing to take risks today for something better tomorrow.

    A leader is a learner.

    A leader is a communicator.

    A leader is a coordinator.

    A leader is a listener.

    A leader takes a long view – letting their vision keep their daily steps on track.

    A leader is passionate.

    A leader motivates and inspires.

    A leader values results.

    A leader cares about more than results though; she cares about those who are following her lead.

    A leader makes a difference in the lives of others.

    A leader is all of these things and much more.

    Are People Born Leaders?

    Sure they are – I mean everyone is born, right?

    You might say that riddle-like answer misses the point. You say the real answer is that some people are truly born to lead.

    And I would reply that your common statement implies that others aren’t born to be leaders.

    So let’s examine that difference of opinion…

    When people describe someone as a “born leader” they typically mean that the person is motivating, a good communicator and charismatic. And it is true; some people are blessed at birth with more natural ability in these ways.

    But leaders can be great with different innate characteristics as well.

    And there is no single small skill set that defines the perfect leader or guarantees success.

    Everyone is born with a unique set of natural abilities. And all of us can develop skills and styles to complement those natural abilities.

    Who is a Leader?

    This question on the surface is the easiest question I’ve asked so far. After all, I’ve already given some examples.

    People in certain roles are leaders, whether they’ve studied for the role, like a doctor, lawyer, teacher or minister… got elected to the role, like a county councilman, mayor, Senator or President… or worked up the through the organization like a supervisor, manager, Vice President or CEO.

    You can ask most anyone the question “Who is a leader?” and those are the kinds of answers they will give you.

    They are right, of course. But they are only partially right.

    Leaders aren’t leaders because of a job title.

    Leaders are leaders because they lead.

    Which takes me back to my previous question – “Are people born leaders?” Yes they are. But it isn’t just a few that have been hand picked by our Creator or random genetics.

    We have all been picked – genetics has selected us all.

    We were all born to lead, in our own way.

    We may not be the Chairman of the Board. We may not be the person on the stage.

    We may not lead with oratory or flair.

    We may lead by compassion.

    We may lead by example.

    We all can lead.

    We all have the ability to be remarkable leaders.

    Leadership isn’t about position.

    Leadership isn’t about power.

    Leadership is about potential – your potential.

    You are a leader. Claim and believe this to be true, for it is. Stake your claim and make a difference in the world around you.

    Your opportunities for leadership are endless. The rewards are boundless.

    My answers to four questions lead to a question for you…

    Where will you lead?

  • 6 Ways To Overcome Shyness And Gain Confidence

    Are you shy? Do you have difficulty coping with people or situations? Then I have good news for you. You do not have to suffer from shyness and you should not feel insecure and fear that you are being judged with every step you take.

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    Winning the war with shyness takes practice, but is definitely well worth the effort as the result is increasing confidence and self esteem. Wake up feeling good about yourself, able to face the world with confidence and security and the knowing that no feeling of shyness can come in your way of achieving your desires.

    There are hundreds of books written on the subject of how beat shyness and gain confidence, but there are a few techniques that anyone can practice. Here are 6 suggestions of techniques on how to overcome your shyness:

    1. Every morning, as soon as you get up, get in front of a mirror and say out loud “I feel terrific! I feel terrific! I feel terrific!” Repeat this affirmation with enthusiasm at least ten times everyday until it’s ingrained into your subconscious mind. If feel a little self conscious to begin with lock yourself in the bathroom. The results will amaze you.
    2. Feel good about yourself. Look your best. Dress up more often. This gives you an extra feeling of confidence and self esteem. On its own just knowing that you look good will boost your confidence and reinforce with others that there are things about you that are worth getting to know.
    3. Take a risk at least once a day. It’s very invigorating and conquering fears by taking risks helps you grow in confidence and self esteem. Start with small risks and fears and as you overcome them move onto bigger things. There’s nothing you cannot do. Be confident in knowing that change can only help you grow, and boost your self confidence.
    4. When you are engaged in a one to one conversation, or with a larger group of people, let them know that you’re shy. This prevents them from misreading you and they are far more likely to invite you into the conversation rather than leave you just listening and wishing you could contribute.

    Many people, me included, find following a conversation in a noisy room difficult. If you are having difficulty say so and move so that you can hear. People respect honesty, and vulnerability and you will attract more honest people into your life as a result.

    1. Rejection is a fact of life that everyone experiences. It is rarely you that is being rejected. If you are rejected, for example if you ask someone for a date, remember that everyone has different likes and dislikes. You may be attracted to one type of person and not others. The same applies to other people and you are probably just not their type. That does not devalue you in any way. Accept this and know that you will get over it. Never take it personally and keep in mind that if people reject you it is because of their own likes and dislikes and not because of who you are. You are equally entitled to reject others because of your likes and dislikes.
    2. Engage in an activities that make you feel excited and good about yourself or start a hobby that gives you a feeling of relaxation. This could be anything from gardening to Tai Chi to Karate. Take some lessons, learn or master a musical instrument or take singing lessons. Do something that excites you and take a risk. Exploring things that make you feel excited is a great antidote for shyness.
  • Happy International Women’s Day