which a person criticizes you about a particular dimension probably depends on whether 
that person believes that particular domain is important. Although some people may 
criticize you for appearing nervous, it’s likely that most people couldn’t care less. If you 
assume others are focusing only on those dimensions in which you judge yourself to be 
inferior, you will continue to feel anxious and fearful around other people.
Because your natural tendency may be to focus on those areas in which you feel you 
don’t measure up to others, it may take some practice to recognize dimensions in which 
you excel or in which you are similar to most other people. As a start, it may be helpful 
to list some of your strengths in the space provided below.
Areas of Strength
Seeing Yourself as Others Do
One powerful method for challenging the overly harsh standards that you may hold 
for yourself is to try to see anxiety-provoking situations through another person’s per -
spective. What if the tables were turned and a close friend came to you for advice and