I'm not confident. Can I REALLY ever change?

Answer 1

Of course you can..it takes practice but it's possible. First, you are an introvert and you can't change that. Trying to cross into the land of the extroverts will take a lot of energy (but I'm sure you already know this) so small baby steps in the beginning. Anytime you feel you can't step up and say something, make an effort just for fun and see what happens. From there, you will grow and who knows, you may be the next Bill Gates (you do know that he is an extreme introvert right?)...no worries, lots of possibilities for you out there, you just need to master the techniques and use the right tools to control any given situation. It's really a blessing in disguise. As far as putting plan into action , read every word in AK's response below.

Answer 2

YES!
I am the worlds worst introvert. I used to avoid people so I wouldn't have to talk with them. I had ZERO self esteem and even less confidence. And I was miserable in my isolation. Know the feeling? Yes, I thought so. Here's the deal... realize that only you know exactly who you are and what you know. You have gifts and abilities that extroverts need. You are a commodity!
I have slowly worked my way up in my job and each time I've been promoted or given more responsibility I have challenged myself to reach beyond my comfort zone. A few years ago I was promoted to manager of my department and I knew I had to get out of my comfortable shell, I owed it to those who had confidence in me and promoted me. So what did I do? I volunteered to present safety meetings for many weeks. Four each week, one hour each, 40 to 80 people per meeting. And I was the only guy up front. I thought I was going to die the first few times! But I knew my material ( I had created a PPT presentation) and I knew they didn't know what I had to tell them. They needed me! After the first four or five meetings I started having some fun. I relaxed and I discovered that I absolutely crave being up front in the limelight. I've repeated my presentations many, many times now by request. I can get the whole room busting a gut laughing in about ten seconds and keep it up for an hour. I walk all over the room engaging people and getting them to participate. It's amazing!
Oh sure, I still lose sleep the night before. And I still sweat like a pig while I'm "on". But it is so liberating I would never stop doing it now. The feeling when I am finished is incredible. I'm exhausted but so free I cannot explain it. And my managers ask me for advise on presentations. I got the attention of the whole management team! I didn't do it for that, I did it for me. But that one simple decision has given me the freedom I have wanted all my life. It's so much easier to do my job now and I genuinely enjoy dealing with people.
Oh I'm still an introvert. I still see the beauty in a tiny flower, I still weep at a beautiful piece of music (Andrea Bocelli especially), and I still find it hard to really open up in one-on-one discussions. But I have the confidence to know that I can do it. And not only do it, but knock their socks off!
I didn't really change I guess, I just learned to cross over into the extrovert's world. Both sides are amazing!
You are needed, you have gifts that the world is waiting for! You do!

Answer 3

Yes you can. I've very low self-esteem in the past as I was brought up in a very harsh environment whereby I was always put down by my own family members. Six years ago, I went to surf for healing websites and began to heal myself.

In the beginning you may cry alot as you've a lot of stuck and hurt emotions at the bottom of your heart. Cry if you need to, that's the way to let out your hurt emotions......

Try to subscribe : Today's Positive Thought - it will build up your self-esteem and confidence in yourself. Good luck!

Answer 4

Self esteem comes from accomplishments, not people patting you on the back. Pick a goal to work on. Break it into steps and you will see how far you can go. Carpe diem. (Seize the day!)

Answer 5

Yes you can. I was the same way, and shy as well. But now I am confident and outgoing.

Answer 6

Of course, just believe in yourself and you will gain confidence.

Answer 7

sure if you truly want to. Read books on gaining more confidence and raising your self- esteem

Answer 8

Yes you can change,Start with one thing you KNOW that you are good at until being successful is second nature,Then start believing in yourself.Think it,do it,be it!!!!

Answer 9

Yes you can i was the same but i found someone special and i'm all good

Answer 10

Yes, just slowly push your self to take more chances.