Shyness can be a real problem, especially in social situations, where it can block you from demonstrating your full potential. It can heighten your self consciousness, and make you doubt every little thing about you. Here are some tips to help you overcome this:

Trial and error. Millions of people are affected by shyness across the globe. There is not one 'cure' for them all. Therefore, you have to rely on being flexible and trying different things that can perhaps help you overcome it. This, along with a desire to resolve it, is enough to get you in the right direction.

Conversation is key. To overcome your shyness, you need to improve your conversation skills. If you can talk smoothly, and stay focused, you have won half the battle already. Practice what you would say and have topics of conversation in the back of your mind ready to be explored.

Start the conversation. Following up on the last point, you need to be the person that initiates the conversations. It is a great way to get your feet wet, and jump right into the mix of things, thus a good way to overcome your shyness directly at the beginning. Anything can be a conversation starter, such as the weather, sports, the news, etc.

If too big a problem, talk about it. If you have a serious problem with shyness, and you completely freeze and become quiet when in such a situation, a good way to overcome this would be to discuss your shyness openly. Remember this as a 'way out' in the back of your head. If you freeze and got nothing to say, talk about your shyness. Most people are understanding about shyness, and may even relate to it. It is a good ice breaker, and a clever way to overcome it.

Reward system. Reward yourself each time you make progress and successful go through a situation where your shyness is tested. This will provide you with the proper motivation to keep going, and never give up.