I'm an introvert that's scared to be a leader?

The world needs balance. Both leaders and followers. Be your first-rate self rather than a second-rate wannabe.

First of all, it is really important that you accept yourself. While school and education in general has been based upon extroverts, it is extremely unfair for all the introverts, like myself, out there.

You do have adapt, however. You also have to understand that it all lies in your head. It is not genetic, the fact of you being scared of public speeches and meeting new people is all down to how you have been raised. If for some reason you desperately want to change who you are, you just have to change your attitude,

How to do it, you ask. Well, it is extremely hard, I must admit. You have to win with yourself and your own fear. Generally, practice, practice and practice. First, you might compose speeches and talk in front of a mirror. Than ask your parents or someone you know to listen to you. Than go on to a larger audience. You will feel extremely stressed and anxious. And the second time as well. And the third. Maybe even forth. But someday, sometime, it will stop.

When speaking, check out some basic tips on how to deliver your speeches. Speak clearly, try to remain calm, and you should do fine. What I found was extremely helpful, was when I thought of what I myself think when other people speak. The fact is, I don't give a ****. I don't care what that other person is saying. If he fails, I might laugh for a moment. But by the end of the lesson, I will forget. And your audience will do the same. The person who will remember the longest will be you. However, if you succeed, people will congratulate you and will listen to you will great pleasure. Remember that!

Have that same attitude when meeting new people. If you fail, oh well, it doesn't really matter, since they will forget you on the next day. If you succeed, however, you might find new friends and a new hobby.

It's all in the head, and if you really want to change, you can do it.

Good luck.

Honestly, it's best just to be yourself. But if you do want to change:

Take a Meyers-Briggs personality test. Then, Google what personality type you got, and read the Wikipedia article on it. Use this to help pin-point things to change. Also, take them one-at-a time. Try meeting new people, and get to know more people in your band and church. Also, join your Youth Group. Youth Groups tend to do lot's of extra-curricular activities. Try joining Boy/Girl Scouts. You don't necessarily need to go on trips or advance, or do requirements (although it does help), but get to know some new people.

I'm a little late on the train, but hopefully someone out there who needs to see it will.

Don't listen to the "Be yourself" ********. What if yourself is a messed up wreck due to emotional abuse and bullying? People who tell others to "be themselves," have no notion of growing as a person and infect others with this mentality. You can always be a better version of yourself.

Do not confuse being an introvert with social anxiety. Introverts prefer to be alone. That's it. That's where being an introvert stops. Introverts are not afraid of being in a leadership role, being the center of attention at a party or social situations, they just prefer not to because it is draining.

Social anxiety is a completely different thing. You can be an extrovert and have social anxiety or an introvert and have social anxiety. It's a deep rooted confidence issue based on how you perceive yourself and past experiences. Any introvert can learn how to be a leader and anyone can work on their social anxiety. Don't let who you think you are limit who you could be, that's the first step.

you have become the opposite of your dad to compensate for his over bearing out going traits. if you despise your dad and the way he is, you become the polar opposite. you probably have never had any chance to be in the lime light if he grabs it all for himself. you haven't had the chance to grow into who you are because he over shadows you. your dad is eclipsing you and stealing your thunder