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Four limiting beliefs I had to break to overcome social fear
I’d always seen myself as shy. I often felt like an outsider. I didn’t speak up in class.
I was criticised for this by others, but most of all, I chastised myself. Hard.
Beating myself up about being ‘weird’ and ‘shy’ and ‘too quiet’ took its toll on my mental wellbeing. It wasn’t until later in high school that I developed what could be described as ‘social anxiety.’
It was a catch-22. My nervousness to speak up made me more anxious, and it became a cycle of self-consciousness. This continued into my twenties.
It wasn’t until I started taking a more analytical look at some of my stories about who I was that things began to shift.
I have since given workshops and spoken worldwide. I also run a coaching practice speaking to international clients, helping many with their anxiety.
Seeing that my suffering was caused — not by other people and circumstances — but rather my own mind, was life-changing.
By challenging my own thinking through questioning its legitimacy, I was able to see myself for who I really was.
I really was making everything up.
The more I questioned these beliefs, the more my true confidence came through.
