Any approaches, not just girls, that is.

Look, I'm 18 years old, and I'm not exactly the kind of guy who likes to be a people's person, but when the opportunities come, I don't want to see my fears right in front of me and not being able to pull through em. When I see a girl that looks cute on the street, I want to approach her, but the brutal reality at the moment is that I just can't do it.

So, I'm here wondering - How can I take it step by step and improve my mental state of approaches/confidence and overall happiness that probably comes along with all of that?

Thanks in advance!

Edit : Slight note - People in my country - Latvia, are a lot more cold/unfriendly compared to, let's say, U.S. I'm only saying this not because I am trying to find an excuse for myself, but to give you guys a bit of a clearer view on the situation if I will be going out somewhere.. or something.