Make small changes instead of taking large leaps. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, practice making changes by taking small steps instead of large leaps. This begins with figuring out the personal factors that cause social anxiety. You can then expose yourself to these situations little by little. 

In other words, don’t just jump right in. If you’re afraid of going to the store, begin with simply driving around the parking lot. Then work your way into walking up to the door, around the store and finally making a purchase. Consider bringing a friend of family member to help you. 

Make a list of your fears, starting small and ending big.

According to Psych Central, an exposure hierarchy list can be helpful. Make a list of social anxiety triggers, listing items in order of how intense the fear is. You then work your way up the list, starting with the easiest activity and climbing your way up to the most difficult item. 

Psych Central suggests creating a list of 10 items and rating them on a scale of zero to 100. Zero would be a situation that causes no anxiety, and 100 would be a situation that causes intense anxiety. They can be as simple as asking someone you don’t know for directions. And an end result could be speaking in public through an organization like Toastmasters, a public speaking club. 

With practice, you will be able to check items off your list. Just remember that this may take time and several attempts to find the courage to face situations that you’ve itemized.