If you struggle with constantly feeling intimidated when you’re around other people, I want to show you how to overcome intimidation. Yes, it’s possible!
Raise your hand if you struggle with feeling intimidated!
I’m right there with you friend.
I remember the first time I went to a conference by myself. I was so excited to be there, but when I turned the corner and heard the chatter from all of people I was immediately intimidated.
When my son was a toddler I took him to our local Discovery Center. As we pulled into the parking lot I spotted a huge yellow bus. My mind immediately went to how many chaperones would be there with all of the kids that were on the bus. (Should I admit that I wanted to turn around and leave, but I couldn’t?!)
Then there was the time that I went to a women’s event at our church. There were a ton of greeters to welcome me as I came in, but all I felt were the eyes staring at me.
Why do I feel intimidated by others?
Feeling intimidated can come from many different factors. Here are 10 reasons why you might feel intimidated:
- Lack of confidence in yourself, your abilities or your appearance.
- Perceiving others as more knowledgeable or experienced than you are.
- Fear of failure or making a mistake in front of others.
- Pressure to meet high expectations or standards.
- Negatively comparing yourself to others.
- Feeling socially inadequate or out of place in a group.
- Reflecting on past instances of criticism or rejection.
- Being in an unfamiliar environment.
- Facing a situation that feels overwhelming.
- Pressure to meet the high expectations or standards of others.
It’s so very important to recognize your feelings and address them constructively, whether through self-reflection, seeking support from others, or developing strategies to build confidence and resilience.
When I learned how to overcome intimidation it helped me not feel so overwhelmed as I faced awkward situations.
Here’s what I do when I feel intimidated. I know these tips can help you too!
4 Helpful Tips To Learn How To Overcome Intimidation
1. Look at the situation from a different perspective.
When you start to feel intimidated, take a minute to stop, pause, and try to view the situation from a different perspective.
In my situation above, the chaperones with all of the kids weren’t making me feel intimidated. In fact, they likely weren’t even giving me a second thought because they were too busy watching their kids or talking amongst themselves.
Remind yourself that people aren’t necessarily staring at you when you walk into a room. They’re looking at the movement of someone entering a room.
Here’s what I mean.
When someone walks into a room, do you naturally look around?
Do you glance over at whoever walks into the room?
Once you see what the movement is, do you give them a second thought?
It’s most likely that you don’t!
Someone glancing over because they sense movement doesn’t mean that they are judging you or thinking negative thoughts about you. Keep this in mind the next time you enter a room and feel intimidated about people looking at you.
2. Realize that the people might be intimidated too.
As I get older, I’m learning that we all struggle with something.
Whether we worry about our weight, appearance, relationships, or self-confidence – there are tons of reasons why a person could be struggling.
It’s highly likely that the person that makes you feel intimidated might just be intimidated by YOU.
The truth is, it’s easy to put on a facade when we’re around the people. We can never be sure how another person is feeling, so keep in mind that they might be feeling intimidated too.
3. Find a buddy!
If you’re headed to an event, grab a buddy to go with you. Having a friend can be helpful because you’ll have someone to hang out and talk to.
If you’re at an event by yourself, look for someone who’s alone. Start a conversation with them and see if you click. You never know, they just might end up being a new friend.
5 easy conversation starters with strangers when you’re feeling intimidated.
- Comment on the surroundings: “This place is really lovely, have you been here before?”
- Ask for assistance or information: “Excuse me, could you help me find [something specific]?”
- Compliment them: “Your [item of clothing, accessory, etc.] is so cute. Where did you get it?”
- Ask about the event: “Have you attended this event before? How did you like it?”
- Make a situational observation: “This line seems to be moving slowly, huh? Do you think it’s always like this?”
When approaching someone always be friendly and genuinely interested in their response. If there’s a lull in the conversation and you want to continue chatting ask another question about them.
4. As you overcome intimidation, know that you are enough!
No matter the situation you find yourself in where you’re feeling intimidated, remember that you are enough. Yes, even though you may not feel like it.
God created you just the way you are with your unique personality. So just be yourself!
You have something to offer the world.
You don’t enjoy being around everyone you come in contact, so keep in mind that not everyone will enjoy being around you.
You are enough, friend. Believe it!
Facing intimidation with courage and resilience can help you grow as a person. Believe in yourself and remember that you are enough!
If this was helpful in learning how to overcome intimidation, you might also like:
- Do you battle with insecurity? Unlock the secrets to help you overcome insecure feelings.
- Looking for a great read? Check out Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado.
- Are you feeling lost in your friendships? Learn what to do when friends don’t understand you.
- Let these truths from God’s Word help you know what to do when you feel ugly, unloved and unwanted.
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