Once a story starts to take shape, I have to let it follow its natural course, regardless of my original plansHow do you stop feeding a monster with a never-ending appetite for destruction?The process is this:1. Become AWARE.2. HALT what you are doing.3. ACT on new information.Remember this simple acronym: AHAPeople love you when you find them interesting. Overcoming shyness isn't about suddenly thinking you're great. It's more about forgetting yourself and focusing outward.Making your out-breath longer than your in-breath. Extending the out-breath begins to relax body and mind very quickly. Once you feel more relaxed, you instantly feel more sociable.Rehearse being confident. Mentally rehearsing being more outgoing and relaxed has amazing results. Lie down somewhere comfortable, focus on breathing deeply and slowly, and imagine watching yourself in the upcoming social situation looking relaxed, comfortable, and even talkative. You'll be amazed how this 'self-hypnotic' preparation will affect the way you actually feel when you get there.Each time we face a fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing. ~UnknownPlace your attention on others.Think about how gosh darn great you are. Everyone has some special gift or trait to offer to the world. It may sound corny, but it's true. Think about what you know, what you can do, and what you have accomplished, rather than fixating on how you look, sound, or dress. Keep in mind that everyone, even the "beautiful people," has something about themselves or their life that they don't like. There's no particular reason why your "problem" should make you shy while their "problem" doesn't make them shy.When you concentrate on this, you'll realize you have plenty to offer any group or situation. Your resources and skills are needed to improve any issue, conversation, or circumstance. Knowing this, you'll feel more inclined to speak up.