How to Go From Shy to Confident

The confidence problem

Lack of self-confidence is one of the common problems facing our society today. Even people who appear confident may inwardly be battling with self-confidence issues. Shyness can be a real obstacle for anyone trying to get ahead in certain areas of life.

Lack of self-confidence can hamper success with job interviews or doing presentations at work or school etc. Without humble yet reasonable confidence in your own abilities, you cannot be successful in life. I personally have also battled with this issue.

During my teens, this problem was at its height and persisted into adulthood. I have since learned how to overcome extreme shyness and lack of self-confidence. For me, the only thing that helped was Biblical faith principles.

The root of the problem

Shyness, when it is broken down is actually fear. And fear is the opposite of faith. Fear comes straight from the pit of hell. God does not deal in fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 states “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”.

We need only read our Bibles and count how many times God says, “Fear not’ to understand that our God does not want us to fear. To counteract fear, faith needs to be applied. And how do we get faith?

According to the Bible, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). Thus, we have to read, study and hear the Word of God, and let the scriptures sink deep into our hearts and minds so that it can change the way we think.

Then our actions will come into alignment with God’s Word. According to Dr. Norman Vincent Peale in his book “The Power of Positive thinking”, the greatest secret to eliminating an inferiority complex, shyness and self-doubt is to fill your mind to overflowing with faith. That way there’s no room for the negative junk. Bottom line to remember is “Faith over fear”

Power through the Word of God

One of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible for overcoming inferiority thoughts and self-doubt is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I have personally used this scripture many a time, and let me tell you it works! Repeat this verse whenever a negative thought about yourself or your abilities comes into your mind to cancel out the negative thought.

Do it as many times as is needed. Before long you will start to change your inner dialogue and once your inner dialogue changes so too your actions will change and eventually your life will change for the better.

Another strategy for eliminating thoughts of self-doubt and insecurity is to visualize that God is actually with you in your daily life, that he is your companion and helper.

This idea is very powerful in developing self-confidence when applied. Practice visualizing His presence as you go about your daily life. God is always with us and we need not fear. He loves us and does not want us to fear. If we can get a hold of God’s love for us it would absolutely change everything in our lives!