When entering new situations, it's normal to feel a little uncomfortable. Some people are naturally outgoing and adapt with no trouble, but others have a harder time making conversation and feeling comfortable around strangers. Fortunately, if you're a person who struggles in new environments, you can take a few simple steps that'll make a big difference in your social life.
Try these tips to make the most of social situations so you can feel comfortable around strangers:
1. Bring a friend. A good way to be more comfortable around strangers is to have someone with you that you already know. If your friend is more outgoing, he can help you easily integrate into existing groups and conversations.
* If possible, find someone you already know who's in the group and hang with them. Odds are good that they'll talk to others and include you in the conversation.
2. Talk about things you like. A funny thing about conversation is that you never struggle to talk about things you're passionate about. Look to integrate yourself into groups that are already talking about things you like, and the event will go much more smoothly.
3. Stay away from alcohol. It can be tempting to take a drink or two to take the edge off of the pressure you feel in social situations. Unfortunately, alcohol impairs your judgment and often leads to bad decisions. You want to stay as alert and in control as possible. So pass up the drinks until you've overcome the nerves and become comfortable with your surroundings.
4. Find someone like you. One of the biggest challenges shy people face in new environments is feeling like they don't belong. It can seem daunting to fit in when your mind is telling you all the reasons you should be embarrassed. But if you look for someone like you, you can rest easy knowing that you're both nervous so you can help each other to adapt to the social pressure you both feel.
5. Find a place to sit. If you're at a house party, the couch is a great place for people to gather. You can sit down and just listen to other people talk. When you have something you want to add, you can jump in. Other times, people will notice and acknowledge you so you can feel like you're a part of the conversation.
* If there's a counter or bar, find a spot and make yourself comfortable there. You won't look out of place, and someone will likely join you for some interesting conversation.
6. Give it time. Most of the time, the anxiety you feel around new people subsides. The awkwardness you feel from the new place and unfamiliar faces will, in time, give way to interesting encounters and fascinating conversations if you give it a chance.
Thankfully, you can make the most of social situations even if you're introverted. All it takes is a willingness to leave your comfort zone in favor of the enriching experience of meeting new and interesting people.
Find someone who's just as nervous and strike up a conversation. Or find a place to sit and let the conversation come to you. The most important thing is that you overcome the fear that's inside you and realize that the effort is worth it. Soon, you'll be more at ease in social situations, gain more friends, and experience deeper relationships than you ever thought possible.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
How to Fight Boredom and Become More Motivated at Work
Having trouble finding the motivation you need to get things done at work? When you begin an exciting project, it's easy to find the motivation you need. Maintaining that level of motivation every day, however, can be a challenge. Sometimes, your work is just downright boring!
Just remember that you're not alone in your feelings. Instead of beating yourself up or giving up, take a few small steps that will boost your motivation and lead you to the success you deserve.
Take Care of Yourself
Are there any basic needs in your personal life that need to be addressed? Sometimes, your lack of motivation at work can result from a lack of sleep, proper nutrition, or conflict that drains your energy. Choose to take care of yourself, and your motivation will naturally increase in every area of your life.
For instance, if you've become accustomed to staying up late and getting little sleep, you'll drag and lack energy at work. Everyone's sleep needs are different, but the average person requires 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Make sure you get an adequate amount of rest.
Also make sure that you maintain a healthy diet. The food and drinks you put in your body have a huge impact on the way you feel. If you eat poorly at work, you'll feel lethargic. Also, a diet that's too strict can make you feel tired, hungry, and irritable.
Pay attention to your mental health. Sometimes you can't find motivation at work because your thoughts are preoccupied with something else. Get to the root of your challenges and seek the advice of friends or loved ones. Choose to nurse your body and your mind so that you're ready for the challenges of each workday.
Stay Active and Motivated
Once your basic personal needs are met, you can turn your attention to fighting the boredom. Ask yourself what you like about your job. Write down as many positive things about your job as you can think of.
Then write down the things you dislike about your job. Ask yourself, "What am I willing to do to make it the way I want it?" Focus on solutions instead of problems, and your motivation for success will quickly increase.
If you're bored because your day has become monotonous, seek opportunities to make changes to your daily routine at work. Come up with a new way of doing things. Ask about training programs or other duties you can take on to increase your value to the company and your level of interest in your job.
Another powerful approach to stamp out boredom is to seek a mentor. Learn to be the best from someone who performs your job at a high level. Anything is more fun when you're good at it. A mentor can answer specific questions about your job and help you to find the excitement in every day as well.
Know When It's Time to Make A Change
Sometimes, boredom is a signal that something's wrong. You may be in the wrong position to utilize your talents most effectively. Perhaps your employer may be able to direct you to other opportunities within the company that are better suited to your talents, abilities, and interests.
Often, taking part in other hobbies and interests that you're passionate about on the weekends can cure the boredom you experience on the weekdays. Having something you look forward to can be a powerful antidote to the daily "blahs." Pursue what makes you happy in your free time and you may find that motivation appears out of nowhere.
Most of all, realize that you deserve success. Set yourself apart from those who settle for the tedious, daily grind. Today, decide to take care of yourself, pursue your passion and make the most of every day at your job. You'll be glad you did!
Just remember that you're not alone in your feelings. Instead of beating yourself up or giving up, take a few small steps that will boost your motivation and lead you to the success you deserve.
Take Care of Yourself
Are there any basic needs in your personal life that need to be addressed? Sometimes, your lack of motivation at work can result from a lack of sleep, proper nutrition, or conflict that drains your energy. Choose to take care of yourself, and your motivation will naturally increase in every area of your life.
For instance, if you've become accustomed to staying up late and getting little sleep, you'll drag and lack energy at work. Everyone's sleep needs are different, but the average person requires 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Make sure you get an adequate amount of rest.
Also make sure that you maintain a healthy diet. The food and drinks you put in your body have a huge impact on the way you feel. If you eat poorly at work, you'll feel lethargic. Also, a diet that's too strict can make you feel tired, hungry, and irritable.
Pay attention to your mental health. Sometimes you can't find motivation at work because your thoughts are preoccupied with something else. Get to the root of your challenges and seek the advice of friends or loved ones. Choose to nurse your body and your mind so that you're ready for the challenges of each workday.
Stay Active and Motivated
Once your basic personal needs are met, you can turn your attention to fighting the boredom. Ask yourself what you like about your job. Write down as many positive things about your job as you can think of.
Then write down the things you dislike about your job. Ask yourself, "What am I willing to do to make it the way I want it?" Focus on solutions instead of problems, and your motivation for success will quickly increase.
If you're bored because your day has become monotonous, seek opportunities to make changes to your daily routine at work. Come up with a new way of doing things. Ask about training programs or other duties you can take on to increase your value to the company and your level of interest in your job.
Another powerful approach to stamp out boredom is to seek a mentor. Learn to be the best from someone who performs your job at a high level. Anything is more fun when you're good at it. A mentor can answer specific questions about your job and help you to find the excitement in every day as well.
Know When It's Time to Make A Change
Sometimes, boredom is a signal that something's wrong. You may be in the wrong position to utilize your talents most effectively. Perhaps your employer may be able to direct you to other opportunities within the company that are better suited to your talents, abilities, and interests.
Often, taking part in other hobbies and interests that you're passionate about on the weekends can cure the boredom you experience on the weekdays. Having something you look forward to can be a powerful antidote to the daily "blahs." Pursue what makes you happy in your free time and you may find that motivation appears out of nowhere.
Most of all, realize that you deserve success. Set yourself apart from those who settle for the tedious, daily grind. Today, decide to take care of yourself, pursue your passion and make the most of every day at your job. You'll be glad you did!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)