Self-consciousness affects many people for a wide range of reasons. Some people are insecure about their appearance, personality, intelligence or even job status. Other people feel self-conscious only in certain situations or around specific people and groups. Whatever the reason, self-consciousness can be simply uncomfortable or completely debilitating. Self-consciousness is a psychological challenge that must be focused on from within. Although some external changes can be made to decrease this feeling, the major changes must begin in your mind.
Instructions
1. Get the facts. Self-consciousness arises, in large part, because people assume that they are receiving twice as much attention as they actually are (the "spotlight" effect). Recognizing that you are not constantly under observation may help alleviate self-conscious feelings.
2. Decrease incidences where self-consciousness occurs. Another culprit behind self-consciousness or insecurity is lack of preparation. Entering a meeting or class unprepared can easily lead to self-consciousness. Avoid this by preparing adequately for any situations where you may be tested.
3. Maintain a positive outlook. Negative thoughts affect people in many ways. Not only may they lower your feelings of self worth, but you may also receive negative responses from others, which increases feelings of self-consciousness.
4. Fight your fears. It may be difficult to face self-consciousness head on, but realizing that many of your fears are psychological can help you overcome them. In every situation where self-consciousness occurs, understand that people are not noticing as much as you think, and do something to elevate your comfort level. If you are self-conscious eating in front of others, hit the buffet for seconds. When you exceed your limitations and are not noticed--let alone ridiculed--you will begin to overcome some of your fear.
5. Look at the worst-case scenario. If all else fails, consider the worst that can happen. Chances are the worst is something like "they might laugh at me" or "people will talk behind my back." Ask yourself if it really is that bad. More importantly, does it matter so much what other people think of you? Recognizing how insignificant the worst-case scenario is makes dealing with it much easier.
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