Sarathi. B
I IT 2
The Thought of opening up or saying something in this world seemed too much. Still, overcoming this fear and finding ways to express oneself is possible. What follows are the learnings of an introvert who took baby steps toward embracing expression and leaving behind the fear that held him captive for so long.
Understanding the fear:
Many Introverts are afraid to be themselves because the fear of being judged or rejected haunts them constantly. Introverts are usually afraid of crowds irrespective of their size and the fear of speaking up in social situations is overwhelming. It’s not just about talking; it’s about being noticed and possibly misunderstood. Since humans fear rejection from groups they want to belong to, introverts’ habit of withdrawing when uncomfortable makes it even harder for them to express themselves.
The first step: Self-awareness
Self-awareness is the first step in overcoming fear. The fear of social interaction has to be recognised and acknowledged. As soon as one realizes that their introverted tendencies are not a flaw but an innate natural part of their personality they will understand that their fear is not a sign of their weakness but it was a mere reflection of their failure to understand and acknowledge their personality.
Self-awareness helped me to become more confident and patient with myself and allowed me to focus on my strengths. Many introverts are thoughtful, and reflective, and are usually good listeners. These qualities are highly valuable and if channeled properly would benefit them in a great way.
Small Wins: Gradual Exposure:
Small steps are one of the significant ways using which you can overcome fear of any kind. You should push yourself and challenge yourself constantly but at the same time be careful not to overwhelm yourself.
- Firstly, start with one-on-one discussions rather than focusing on addressing a crowd. Such an environment would facilitate you to express yourself calmly and clearly,
- While contributing in groups start with small and brief points and as you get comfortable you can contribute more.
- Most importantly, write a lot this would help you understand and express yourself better.
Conclusion:
The struggle to overcome the fear of self-expression is a gradual process that every introverted person will have to undergo with patience. This journey will help you realize how your vulnerability has its own value and strength. Be kind to yourself and have faith in the small but significant steps that you are taking to move towards your destination. The main purpose of me writing this article is to overcome my fear of self-expression and to make you think, “If I could do it, why not you?”
