How do you face your timidity?

Until today, I am also still having problems with timidity just like you. However, I remember an advice by a close friend of mine concerning timidity. She said that timidity can be alleviated if you think of the consequences of the timidity itself. For example, in your speech contest, what is the consequences of taking part and not taking part? If you take part, you can improve your English, increase your experience and perhaps even make some friends (with other competitors). However, if you withdraw like what you did, you're missing out on a great opportunity to learn and you're getting nothing in return. If you weigh the pros and cons of what you did, it is obvious that taking the step of courage is the better thing to do. One important aspect in facing timidity too is not to think about winning too much. Like when you saw many students who were better than you in English, you were afraid and refuse to attend the competition. If you think in a bigger picture, you should be able to overcome timidity.