We’ve all had that moment—standing in front of someone who just *feels* like they have it all together and suddenly, you’re questioning everything about yourself. Feeling intimidated by others can creep in anywhere, but here’s the thing: most of that fear? It’s in your head. You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. These simple, real-life strategies will help you stop letting intimidation run the show and start showing up as your most confident self.
1. Everyone’s Just Figuring It Out
That person who seems effortlessly confident? Believe it or not, they have doubts too. No one has it all together, no matter how it looks on the outside. When you remind yourself that everyone is navigating their own insecurities, it takes the pressure off. The next time you feel small around someone, remember: they’re probably worried about something too. You’re not as different as you think.
2. Focus on What Makes You Awesome
When you’re feeling intimidated, it’s easy to zero in on what you think you lack. Flip the script: what do you bring to the table? Maybe it’s your sense of humor, your ability to listen, or the way you make people feel comfortable. Whatever it is, own it. You have strengths that are uniquely yours, and focusing on them shifts the spotlight back where it belongs—on everything you’ve got going for you.
3. Most People Aren’t Even Thinking About You
This might sound harsh, but it’s actually freeing: people aren’t judging you as much as you think. They’re too busy worrying about themselves. That intimidating coworker or friend? Chances are, they’re not critiquing your every move—they’re wondering if their own outfit works or if they said something awkward. Let that sink in, and you’ll feel a lot lighter walking into those situations.
4. Ask a Genuine Question
Instead of staying stuck in your own head, try shifting the focus with a thoughtful question. “What’s something you’re really excited about right now?” or “How did you get into your field?” gets people talking—and makes them feel good. It also gives you a chance to connect with them on a human level beyond small talk. When you realize they’re just a person with stories and interests, they start to feel a lot less intimidating.
5. Change Your Posture, Change Your Mind
How you carry yourself affects how you feel. If you’re slouching or avoiding eye contact, you’re telling your brain (and everyone else) that you’d rather disappear. Try standing tall, shoulders back, and making steady eye contact. It might feel a little awkward at first, but your brain will start to catch on: you belong here, and you’re worth being noticed.
6. Turn Intimidation Into Curiosity
Feeling intimidated? That probably means you admire something about the person in front of you. Instead of letting that make you shrink, lean into curiosity. Ask yourself, “What is it about them that I find so impressive?” and then think about what you can learn from it. Seeing them as a source of inspiration, rather than a threat, changes everything.
7. Stop Comparing Your Bloopers to Their Highlights
You’re seeing their best moments and comparing them to the messiest parts of your life. It’s not a fair fight. That shiny person you’re intimidated by probably took a lot of trial and error to get there. Focus on your own progress instead of measuring yourself against someone else’s curated version of success. You’re doing better than you think.
8. Spend Time With People Who Make You Feel Good
If you’re constantly surrounded by people who make you feel “less-than,” it’s time to reevaluate. Spend more time with those who lift you up—friends, family, or mentors who see and appreciate your worth. When you’re regularly reminded of your value, it’s easier to carry that confidence into spaces that usually feel intimidating. The right people make all the difference.
9. Laugh at Your Own Awkwardness
Nobody’s perfect, and trying to act like you are just adds pressure. If you trip over your words or say something silly, let yourself laugh it off. Humor is disarming—for you and everyone else. It reminds you that you don’t have to get it right all the time to be worth listening to. People love authenticity more than perfection, anyway.
10. Slow Down and Breathe
When you’re nervous, it’s easy to rush your words or overthink what you’re going to say next. Slow down. Take a breath before you respond. Pausing gives you a second to collect your thoughts, and it makes you seem calm and composed—even if you’re not feeling it yet. Confidence isn’t about always having the perfect answer; it’s about being present in the moment.
11. Challenge That Inner Critic
Your inner critic loves to pipe up when you’re feeling vulnerable. “They’re so much smarter than me.” “I’ll never measure up.” Sound familiar? When those thoughts creep in, challenge them. Ask yourself, “Is this really true, or am I just being hard on myself?” Replace the self-doubt with something kinder, like “I’m learning,” or “I bring value in my own way.” Your self-talk matters more than you think.
12. Remember That It’s Just a Feeling
Intimidation isn’t a fact—it’s a feeling. It doesn’t mean the other person is better or more deserving than you. It’s just your brain’s way of reacting to uncertainty. Remind yourself that feelings aren’t permanent, and this one will pass too. The more you face those situations, the easier they’ll get. Confidence is like a muscle—it grows every time you use it.
13. Practice, Practice, Practice
Overcoming intimidation doesn’t happen overnight. Start small—talk to the coworker who intimidates you just a little, or introduce yourself to someone new at an event. Each time you push through the discomfort, you build up your confidence. It’s a process, but every step forward makes you stronger. Before you know it, the people who used to intimidate you will just feel like… people.
14. Remind Yourself Why You Belong
When intimidation strikes, take a moment to remember why you’re in the room. Whether it’s your skills, your ideas, or just your willingness to show up, you have a reason to be there. Write down your strengths or accomplishments if it helps. Keeping this reminder close can make all the difference when you’re feeling out of place. You’ve earned your spot—don’t let anyone (including yourself) convince you otherwise.
15. Pat Yourself on the Back
When you’re working on building confidence, every little victory counts. Maybe you held your ground in a conversation or approached someone you normally avoid—celebrate that. Recognizing small wins trains your brain to see progress, which boosts your confidence for the next challenge. Don’t wait for a massive breakthrough to feel proud of yourself; the small steps are what build the foundation for long-term growth.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
