WEEK 7: Overcoming social anxiety

Working as a Pocketnest intern week 7:July 27th-August 2nd:

    I have always been somewhat "shy" growing up. My face would get red when someone called my name, I was always afraid to raise my hand when I knew the answer, and I avoided phone calls. This is something I try to get over, and I've always tried to push my limits and do things out of my comfort zone. For example, I would perform in talent shows even though I knew I wasn't great at singing. I wanted to feel "normal". I would try and go up to people I somewhat knew and start a small conversation. These internal challenges helped me become less shy, but I still feel socially anxious at times. 

    Over the past years, I have felt more confident and comfortable with myself, but I still get crazy butterflies in my stomach when I am in the spotlight, and nervous when I talk to new people. Every week I question myself "how will I ever be successful  in life, when it's so hard for me to talk to people?", "How do I become more social without making a fool out of myself?", and "what can I do differently to help myself feel comfortable?" 

    This internship was a challenge I set for myself, and I am so happy I was accepted into this wonderful opportunity. I am still trying to figure out what I want to do in the future, and what type of job would be the best fit for me. I think getting out of my comfort zone often is the best way to overcome these challenges. Many of the questions I would ask myself, were answered. 

1. "how will I ever be successful  in life, when it's so hard for me to talk to people?"

It is okay to be nervous and to feel shy around new people, it is completely normal. Being yourself and genuinely authentic is far more important in my opinion. Many introverts and quiet individuals are successful, and there is definitely opportunities for people like me in the real world.

2."How do I become more social without making a fool out of myself?"

  Overthinking is a common behavior that many of us participate in daily. Some people might not relate to this question, but I do know that many of us overthink our actions, and it could lead into negative thinking. Practicing how to communicate with people and building up confidence are great ways to get out of negative self reflecting. The only reason why you may think you're making a fool out of yourself is because you are overthinking the social situation too much. 

3."what can I do differently to help myself feel comfortable?" 

For me, I feel most comfortable at home. I love being in my room listening to music and feel it's the best place for me to express all emotions. I feel in social settings, it is harder to feel 100% comfortable. Some ways to feel more comfortable in social settings is to observe, listen, and build up your self esteem.