The Cost of Shyness & Self-Doubt

You ever look back at a moment and think, Wow, I really fumbled that one? Maybe it was a dream job you didn’t apply for, a person you never approached, or an idea you kept locked in your head because... what if they laughed? What if you weren’t good enough? What if? What if? What if? 😩 

Shyness is the mind’s way of protecting us from judgment, but let’s be real, it’s also a huge opportunity thief. It convinces us that staying quiet is safer than speaking up and that blending in is better than standing out. But here’s the truth: opportunities don’t knock on doors that are too afraid to open.

Think about it, how many love stories never started because someone was “too shy” to send that text? How many dreams got delayed because someone didn’t believe in themselves enough to just try? Shyness feels safe, but courage is what makes life exciting. Opportunities thrive on presence, boldness, and a little bit of “screw it, let’s do it.”

So, stop letting "what ifs" hold you back. Start with one brave step today; who knows what door you’ll open next?

Every time we take a step, no matter how small, to conquer self-doubt, we move closer to unlocking doors we never thought possible. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present. The next time that quiet voice in your head says, “Stay hidden,” tell it you’re too busy discovering new possibilities. Because, in the end, you’ll look back and laugh at the doors you once feared. Turns out, they were always open.

Oluwademilade from MANI