Make a habit out of doing this daily and it will help you become less self-conscious and more present with others.
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Alright, let’s talk about something that can help you be less self-conscious and more fully present with others. It’s something people really appreciate as well.
There’s this acting teacher, Sanford Meisner, who came up with a technique to help actors be more present on stage. But here’s the kicker: his method isn’t just for actors—it’s for life. It’s about being in the moment, fully engaged, and it can totally change how you interact with the world.
So, here’s a little exercise you can try, even if you don’t have someone to practice with right now. When you’re around others, pay close attention to what others say and repeat it back to them, just switch the “I” to “you”. But make sure you don’t miss a single word when you challenge yourself. Let’s say someone tells you “I went shopping today”. Instead of thinking about what you’ll say next or being in your head thinking about yourself, just repeat it back exactly the same, “You went shopping today?”
Now, here’s the secret sauce: pay attention to the emotion behind their words. Are they excited, frustrated, happy? You can mirror the emotion in your response as well. So, if they’re excited about shopping, you might say, “You went shopping today!” with a smile.
By focusing on the other person like this, you shift your attention away from yourself. You’re not worrying about how you come across or what they think of you—you’re just there, fully present with them. And people love that. They feel heard, understood, seen, and valued.
Plus, it’s like a superpower. You start picking up on subtle cues—like the emotion behind a door slamming or the tone of a voice—and it helps you navigate social situations with more ease and better intuition.
So give it a try, and see how it changes your interactions. You might be surprised at how much more connected you can be with others and your environment. Alright, catch you in the next video!
