There are many persons who stand in their own way to success by their
timidity, or bashfulness.
Such people are too self-conscious, and betray their lack of
self-confidence which is regarded as an evidence of ignorance, or at
least, inability to perform the duties they aspire to impose upon
themselves.
Every man is better acquainted with himself than anybody else, but when
he relies upon the knowledge of others as superior to his own knowledge,
he loses the respect of his fellows, and finally loses his own respect
and becomes bashful in their presence.
You should cultivate courage and exhibit symptoms of self-confidence,
for by that means you show others that you are willing to “dare” and
venture a trial of your capacity.
If you are too timid and have no confidence in yourself, you must not
expect others to take you except at your own valuation.
There is, however, such a thing as being over-confident and brazen,
which is the extreme of timidity, and becomes boastfulness.
Men have a way of studying each other and judging from their own
standpoint, and if they perceive any timidity or bashfulness, they judge
against you as incompetent. On the other hand, they quickly see beneath
the surface of boasting, and reach the same opinion.
Be self-confident, and gentlemanly about it, for so you will pull
through any opportunity, besides making hosts of friends in a business
and social way.
Look a man straight in the eye, but do not try to look him down.