How do you get over the fear of putting yourself out there?

Question

I love to write, but I never really thought about doing this as a job before until I recently got laid off. The problem is, I'm kind of a private guy, so the thought of having to go "public" with not only my writing, but with my persona scares me.

Is there anyone else out there in the same boat. How have you overcome your fear (maybe we should call it reservations?) where you now are out there and in the public eye?