I used to be a shy, anxious kid in school. I would just keep my focus on studies, my work and not socialise a lot with the other kids as I thought they would judge and dislike me. The truth was I could not open up to be myself in front of people because of the social anxiety at a very young age of twelve. Today, I am the opposite of how I used to be as a child. How did I become the extroverted, approachable person I am today?
It all started with the identification and awareness of the problem, which was my social anxiety. I decided this is not how I want to live my life. I need to be myself to be able to really be happy and at peace with myself. I challenged myself to break my thought patterns, question my own beliefs and think critically about the same. I realised that changing your own false beliefs and notions is the most challenging and most essential activity you can do for your personal growth. A leap of faith is all you need to take. You cannot fly until you take that first step and just trust yourself and the process. Today, I believe my greatest strength is my ability to easily connect and have a conversation with people. I have been born and brought up in Mumbai. Yet I stayed and worked in Pondicherry for 10 months. I could deal with the cultural shift and adapt myself well to the new environment because of my ability to connect with people and being comfortable in my own skin.
I believe passion and commitment is essential in any decision you make. It is important to keep questioning your own beliefs. It is important to learn, unlearn and relearn continuously to achieve your true potential. A fear is the greatest opportunity for growth and improvement. Hence, never trust your fears. They do not know your strengths. The challenges you overcome can become your biggest strengths.
