Challenge negative thoughts.

Learn to recognize when negative thoughts are creeping up. Think things through logically and avoid giving into overly critical thoughts.

• For example, perhaps you get very nervous when meeting someone new. You might think that you’ll look foolish or say something to humiliate yourself.
  
  
• When this happens, stop and think it through logically. If you say “hello” to someone and ask them a few questions to get to know them, are they really going to think that's foolish? People will probably find you articulate and intelligent.
  
  
• Think about what you want to say to someone before you say it.