I’m probably the last person that should be giving any advice on this topic. But being know as the “shy girl” the first half of my life and now trying to make it in the entertainment industry where shyness can pull you back, I decided I’d give some advice through my experiences over the years.
このトピックについて語るなんて百年速いかもしれない。でも、人生の前半「内気な子」として知られていて、今ではモデル業界で仕事をしている私だからこそできるアドバイスがあるかもしれません。
I don’t exaggerate when I say I was the shiest girl around. In kindergarten, I was so shy I stood against the wall alone during recess because I didn’t know how to make friends. I never raised my hand in class, and I also never took compliments well. In middle school, I was never confident to ask my crush out, afraid of rejection. All throughout middle school and high school, I’d be shaking with nerves before a presentation in front of my class or a piano performance, worrying I’d make a huge mistake and embarrass myself. I was careful about trying new things, new looks because I cared and feared what the people around me thought of me.
子供の頃、一番シャイな女の子だったことは大げさではありません。幼稚園のとき、内気すぎて友達もできず、休み時間の間はずっと壁際に立っていたことがあります。授業中は手を挙げることがほとんどなく、褒められても素直に「ありがとう」を言うこともできませんでした。中学の時、好きな子にふられるのが恐くて、告白することができませんでした。中学と高校の間は、クラスの前で発表する時は緊張で震えてたし、ピアノのリサイタルやコンクールの時ももっと緊張していたのははっきり覚えてます。失敗することが恐かったのでしょう。新しいことにチャレンジすることはめったになく、なにごともおそるおそるでした。人の目をひどく気にしていたのです。
Much of this changed for me after during my last year in university – I was finishing up my Bachelor’s degree in piano performance by preparing my senior recital, and at the same time I started modeling in hopes of overcoming my shy personality. Completing my most important recital of my piano career was a huge confidence boost, as well as practicing my modeling with countless photo shoots and gradually changing my style and look. The shy girl was slowly but surely crawling out of her shell, wanting to experience new things and challenge herself in as many ways possible. With that said, here are a few tips on overcoming shyness and feeling more confident in your own skin.
ですが、大学生活の後半あたりから変化しつつありました。モデル活動を始め、大学最後のシニアリサイタルのため、練習に励んでいました。大学で一番大事なリサイタルを終え、それが大きな自信に変わりました。そして、沢山の作品撮りでモデルの練習をし、色んなルックをトライしていたので、外見にもちょっとずつ変化がありました。内気なサマンサはゆっくりでしたが、徐々に色んなことにチャレンジしながら、甲羅から抜けようとしていました。そこで、私からもっと自信を持てるようになるには何をすれば良いか、アドバイスをしたいです。
- Travel. Putting yourself in a completely different location is simply eye-opening. I did something completely out of the ordinary for someone like me and moved to Japan with no concrete plans except to chase my dreams. Doing so forced me to overcome many obstacles I would have never been able to had I still stayed in the comfort of my home in California. I’m not saying you have to move to a different country. Traveling somewhere new, whether it’s one state over, will change your life in more ways than one.
- Change your look. Trying a new makeup technique, a new trend, or changing your hairstyle can be a huge confidence booster. Over the last 5 years, I’ve tried several different hairstyles, and I continue to experiment with makeup as well as fashion. I increasingly receive more compliments, which I make sure to accept graciously. Apps such as Pinterest are great tools for finding inspiration if you’re unsure of what kind of look you’d like to try next.
- Love yourself. Because if you don’t love yourself, how can you exude confidence? This is probably the hardest but the most important part. Trying new activities and figuring what you’re good at or what makes you happy are keys to accepting yourself as you are. For me, modeling, blogging, singing, DJing – all of these activities have given me the confidence I otherwise would not have gained.
- 旅に出よう。行ったことのない場所に行ってみることによって、今まで見たことのないことを目にしたり、知ったりすることができる良い経験になります。私は、夢を叶えるために思い切ってカリフォルニアから日本に移住し、沢山のハードルを乗り越え、沢山のことを学ぶことができました。違う国に引っ越せとは言いませんが、ちょっとした旅に出るだけで人生が変わるかもしれません。
- ルックを変えよう。新しいメイク術、着たことのない服、もしくは新しいヘアスタイルをトライしてみてはいかがでしょうか。ここ数年、色んなヘアスタイルに挑戦したり、メイクやファッションで実験したりしてみた結果、自分の自信に繋がったと思います。褒められる時も、感謝の気持ちをキチンと伝えるように心がけています。Pinterestみたいなアプリでインスピレーションになるものを見つけて、チャレンジしてみて下さい。
- 自分を好きになれ。だって自分を好きにならなければ、どうやって自信に繋がるのでしょうか？ここが一番難しくて一番重要です。新しいことにチャレンジしてみて、自分が本当に好きなことを探すことによって、自分を受け入れることができると思います。私はモデル、ブログ、歌とDJなどによって、大切な自信へと繋がったと思っています。
I hope this post helped someone even in the slightest. Confidence will open doors and change your life in ways you never imagined. Good luck!
この記事が誰かのためになれたら、すごく嬉しいです。自信は扉を開いてくれいます。人生を変えてくれます。Good luck!
H&M x KENZO sweater and cap, SLY jeans, Dr. Marten boots, Choke Me Jewelry choker
Photos by Wang Pang Bau
46 comments
Sheila Joy
Aw, we should have been shy friends together in school! Traveling is a true statement, first year of college I moved 4 hours from home to a big city and it definitely helped me evolve into “living on my own.” But yes, loving yourself first is the most important step! x
http://www.insearchofsheila.com
Mariann Yip
I love this post and your pictures! I think traveling definitely helps with confidence. I also think self love is huge 🙂 thank you for sharing babes!
Jo
I honestly would never have thought you were shy because you exude so much confidence in your photos! I love these shots, by the way. They’re bold, confident and so much fun. Really great tips on building one’s confidence. Loving yourself is so important!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
stylefrontier
such a great tips and this is a very nice photoshoot
xoxo
style frontier
ArielleDannique
Such a pretty look babe!!
LOVE IT!
With Love ArielleDannique
A Very Sweet Blog
Sam, it took me years to overcome my shyness as well. These are excellent tips & advice. You look fabulous in these photos.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Gina Diaz
I love this styling so artsy and beautiful! thanks for sharing your personal experience and tips sweetie. Xx, Gina
http://www.artsyrunway.com
Open Kloset
Hey Love, your Photos are always so perfect:)
Loved your Post, very interesting and well your Look just Amazing:) Green looks soo good on you:)
Love Kisses
Open Kloset By Karina
New:http://openklosetfashion.blogspot.pt/2016/12/wasabi-running-sushi-wok-restaurant.html?m=1#more
Jennifer
This was such an inspiring post. I agree with all of the tips to becoming more confidence, especially tip #2. 🙂
Darlene
This is so true! We need to love ourself more than anything else before we love anything. Great words and how cute you look in that kenzo-h&m wear
x
Darlene
diana
I feel like I was reading my story haha, I have something similar! used to be super shy!
http://www.queenhorsfall.com/
Christine Kong
I love this post! I am all about being confident in yourself hence, my reason for starting my own blog. Especially having two girls of my own and wanting them to be sure of themselves and love themselves enough to hold their head high, this post completely reasonates with me. You are a beautiful soul inside and out and I love these tips. Also love this Kenzo x HM sweater – it totally suits your style. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Jenn Hanft
Omg I would have never guessed you to be a shy person. It’s so funny because usually the ones who find themselves in creative positions like bloggers, youtubers, and so forth are the most shy people out there! I’m actually a shy person myself and I’ve slowly built up my confidence from getting out there, blogging, and just opening my perspective to others. I’m so glad you were able to come out of your shell and share this with us! I lovvvveeee this funky, bold outfit hehe. It screams confidence.
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
gracie
You are so adorable in anything you put on, but this is too cute ! SO fun & whimsical. Definitely shows your playful side & screams confidence. Great tips too ! Love the whole look !
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Helen Chik
Such a beautiful post love – I am in the same boat as you when it comes to shyness though a lot of people don’t think so. I am still deathly afraid of getting up in front of crowds and speaking but am working on overcoming that. I definitely agree that travel is a great way to grow yourself as a person and traveling ALONE is even better!
Helen xx
https://ch1k.com/summer-roadtrip-to-ocean-farm
Jenelle
Travel is such a good way to improve your confidence! For sure!
Doing anything that you really love, is so great to improve your personal strength. Such a cool shoot!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
francesca
i love that you did a post on this. its so so important. without confidence you can’t get anywhere! love it girl
francesca
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
Yuena Li
LOVED the stripes. Definitely something only you can pull off!! 😀 <3
With love,
Yuena
http://youtube.com/simplyyue
Linh Dao
I love this post! I didn’t think you would be a shy person! Your posts are amazing and super cute! I love this top! It is so much fun and you are rocking it!
Linh
http://xcapewithlinh.com/my-first-vlog/
Noma
Lovely post! I was also a shy child espeially at school but growing up has changed that a lot. You’re photos are impeccable and I’d have never thought of you as shy in fact, you look very confident. 🙂
XoXo Noma
Lady Goldapple
What you’re saying is so true. Confidence does so much, it lifts you up. Love love love the sweater from Kenzo
Charissa
http://www.ladygoldapple.com
Candace Hampton
I can totally relate to this post! I was shy all the way up until college when I took this communications course that FORCED me to to interact and not be. Now I’m like the loudest and least shy person in the room. You can’t keep me quiet haha!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Jen
I agree confidence is everything! I hope your recital went well and I really love the fun animal print!!
Stephanie
This was so helpful for me to read. Sometimes I become under the assumption that every girl in the blogging world is just full of confidence and they’re social butterflies with zero anxiety, except for me! It’s nice to hear how someone else felt similarly to me but also overcame their fears to conquer their dreams. I’m working towards that goal for sure! Thank you for sharing your story and your tips. And girl, these pics are dynamite. That last one is my favorite photo of you ever!!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Miki
Love the sweater – I have the same one! 🙂 I love that you took such a bold move and moved to Japan! Great tips. Loving yourself and challenging who you are is a great way to come out that shell.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Michelle
Wow you’ve certainly come out of your shell! I love your style and your confidence. When I feel shy I just fake it till I make it and nobody is the wiser 🙂
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/
Bernice
I too was a really shy person. That’s so interesting that you used modelling and piano to combat your fears and become the incredible woman you are now xx any footage of your recital?
http://bunnybernice.com
Yasmin
Hearing your story is so refreshing. I just assumed from all the cool places you go, the fun style you have, and the modeling that you have been confident from the get go. But your example shows that confidence can be achieved, even by the shyest people, with determination.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Atsuna Matsui
That’s so great that you’ve come a long way to becoming more confident. I’m actually super shy as well and it was really in college, where I learned to socialize and come out of my shell. I’m still a huge introvert, but I love who I am now and know who I am.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Sharon Wu
What a beautiful post babe, and you’ve got the perfect pictures to accompany your tips!! The confidence really radiates! xoxo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
Josie
No one can tell by your pictures that you’re shy dear! You have definitely put so much effort in this and I love all your tips especially the last one “love yourself”!
Surprisingly I’m also a shy one especially in an environment I’m not familiar with! Blogging and going to events and having to network also helped me to not be afraid to speak up etc ….
You’re an amazing bold and beautiful lady and that you should be proud of !
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
marcy
LOVE this post babe and totally related to you. I use to be the one that hide from people hahahaha I was so shy or scared of what they think of me. Over the year I got over what people think and start doing things for my self. Definitely travel is a number one related with other culture in the world help you a lot specially if you travel alone. Thanks for sharing!!
xo
Marcy
Kusum
I would have never thought of you as someone who is shy, your pictures exude so much confidence babe! Great points to overcome our inhibitions. Love that cute sweater babe, its such a fun color.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Lena
Those are great tips Samantha, especially with love oneself. I think in essence we can’t find true happiness in others until we love ourselves first, and work on bettering ourselves in the process. Thanks for the words of encouragement. I was very shy too all through college, and blogging has really allowed me to (slowly but surely) walk out of my shell. Btw great eye makeup! What liner do you use? It’s so spot-on! 🙂
Xo~ Lena
http://www.thewanderliste.com
Rachel Vogt
Oh this outfit is way too cute and fun. Love all of your shots too.
xoxo,
Rachel
Sofia
I LOVE these shots of you, you look so cute!! Personally I would probably never wear this colorful clothing pieces but your are too cute in anything you wear
yuka
this is so cute Samantha! I would have never thought of you as a shy kid in school! you radiate with confidence!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Kit
I recently traveled to Japan, too. I can relate with how traveling can boost your confidence because with me, I felt so overwhelmed with the difference of customs. By the end of the trip, I felt that I gained a whole new perspective and sense of self. Love this post! xx
Kit | THINGS SHE LOVES
Joan
I always enjoy reading your blog. The photos look so much fun!!
Thanks for the advice 🙂
http://www.swaagcaat.com/
Jordan Chapman
I love how you opened up in this post and you seem super confident!! I definitely will say that Travel helps a bunch!!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
isidora
your advises are very good and I like how yu style your look!
like your hair!
maybe we can follow each other? I follow you 🙂
http://highheelpoodl.blogspot.rs
Vivian
Love this post so much, Samantha! I was also a shy person when I was a kid. I never dared to raise my hand in the class either! So I can totally relate to what you have said! You have some useful tips here especially number 3! That can definitely help you to overcome shyness. Love your look btw! That sweater is so cute! xo, Vivian
http://www.viviantse.net
Camille
I can definitely relate this to my blog post as well xx
Rachel
Cute outfit! Beautiful look!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Cece Lam
thank you so much for sharing!! these are some amazing tips <3
http://www.cecelam.com/2016/12/velvet-winter.html
samira
this look is so so cool babe! rocking it!!
xo, Samira
http://www.leathertolunch.com