We’ve all been there – you’re in class and you don’t understand the work, but you’re too shy to speak up. Someone else puts up their hand and asks the same simple question that you felt way too embarrassed to ask, and suddenly everyone is agreeing that they need help too. Or perhaps you’ve been out with friends and you’ve spotted your crush. All you want to do is go over and have a conversation with him, but you just can’t muster up the courage. When another girl starts chatting to him, you notice how friendly and easygoing he is, and you think, “I could have done it!”

Here are three simple steps to help you overcome your shyness, speak up and be that brave person you want to be!

1. Act confident. Appearances can be deceiving, so even if you’re not feeling at all confident inside, if you look and act a certain way on the outside, you’ll be amazed at how much it helps you change your mindset.

2. Don’t worry so much. Life is full of hard knocks and if you do ask a silly question or lose a friend over something you disagreed on, or embarrass yourself in front of your crush, you have to just pick yourself up and carry on. It will only make you a stronger person.

3. Believe in yourself. Even if you’re too shy to be the one to speak up, you know what you’re doing, so start trusting in your skills and intelligence. The more you believe in yourself, the more confidence you’ll have.

Now go ahead and try these tips and you’ll soon start to feel more confident, on the inside and the outside!