A few thoughts on the topic of intimidation that are easy to put on paper and not so easy to put into action. 

Many things in life are intimidating, especially new things and new people. In college, there are lots of new things and lots of new people. The feeling of intimidation is more uncomfortable than just plain fear, jealousy, or uncertainty. When intimidated, you feel uncertain about yourself, afraid of how you relate to something or someone else, and maybe even jealous of another person’s position or security. So here’s the simple solution: don’t be intimidated anymore. 

Obviously, this is easier said than done, but when you really break down and pull apart the thing that is intimidating you, it makes a difference. When I look at times when someone intimidates me, I like to remind myself that we are all people. It’s a simple concept that is often forgotten. Everyone older than you was once your age, making the same mistakes, and is surely making plenty of old person mistakes, right now. Everyone in a higher position than you had to work his or her way up, the same way you will. Anyone who seems problem-free, most likely is not. They are people just like you.     

I have a theory that people who are truly worthy of being intimidating to others, are not aware that they are intimidating. People are often intimidated by people who seem to have a certain amount of security or confidence, and people who have this aren’t focused on what other people are thinking of them. They aren’t interacting with you thinking, “Man, I’m really intimidating this dude right now. He probably feels so incomparable -- go me!” If they are thinking this, they are actually super lame and you shouldn’t be intimidated by them at all -- maybe just pity them a little. When you find that you are comparing yourself to someone thinking they totally have the upper hand on you, stop, because they probably aren’t even noticing like you are. If they are, still stop because they are pretty uncool.    

Next time you’re intimidated at a job interview, remember the interviewer once had to interview for their job and they also have to go to dinner tonight with their crazy in-laws who make them totally nervous. Boom -- humanized. Next time you are intimidated by a girl you think is so flawless and confident, remember she has her own things she is self-conscious about, she is totally jealous of your hair, and probably drools in her sleep just like you. Humanized.     

Unfortunately, conquering all intimidating situations from your life is probably impossible. So here’s a fun idea: next time one of these times arises, think of it as a super cool game where you get to test out your own security. Personal development games with yourself? Ain’t nothing better. 

P.S. I’m about to go to an interview, right now, and I’m not even intimidated.  Okay, maybe just a little -- I’m only human.