Do you find yourself worrying about what other people think and therefore second-guessing your decisions? Are you fretting over other people’s reactions to your actions or opinions?
In this post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you stop worrying about what people think of you. Learn how to use constructive criticism to your advantage. Then, simply filter out any negative judgment.
This will leave you less anxious and less overwhelmed. As a result, you will clear a path so that you can stay more focused on yourself and the best ways to live your life.
Let’s get started.
Are People’s Opinions Holding You Back?
Worrying about what others think and feel about you is a normal part of our life. We’re programmed to seek others’ approval. No, for real, it’s in our brain.
Studies show there’s a reward center that’s activated when we’re given a compliment. Even if you just sense other people’s recognition of your hard work, your brain fires up those same reward centers.
So, we feel good about ourselves when we’re accepted. Yet, we can’t always be accepted and liked by everyone at all times.
Problems can arise when we start pivoting our lifestyles to fit other people’s expectations. We give others power over our lives and how we should live it. Consequently, we lose out on being who we truly are.
After that, things can go downhill and start spiraling out of control. Being stuck in that frame of mind can be destructive to you and those around you.
Going down this unproductive path, you’ll be leaving a path of destruction in your wake. Your job may be affected, relationships might be sabotaged, and your self-esteem will most certainly take a hit.
How Can I Stop Worrying About What People Think?
Is this even possible? Ah, yes it is. You can start this process by doing some serious soul searching. Do you feel that your reality has shifted? Have you started to believe in other people’s version of who you are as opposed to the real you? This is more common than you think. Sometimes these “other people” may not have your best interest at heart. They could be posing as fake friends, who are deeply manipulative and secretly waiting for your downfall. This of course is the worst-case scenario but it could happen, especially if you are addicted to their praise.
If you find yourself in any version of this reality, then it’s time to step up and take some actionable steps. You owe it to yourself to share the real you with the world. They don’t know what they’re missing! The real you is best you. It’s the you that the world is waiting for.
4 Simple, Yet Effective, Ways To Help You Break the Vicious Cycle of What Others Think of You:
- Focus on What’s Important
Has someone said something unkind about you? Instead of letting it fester, don’t let it go to your head.
Recognize that people can be mean. That same person probably won’t remember what they said in about ten minutes. Plus, what they said reflects who they are as a person. If you think about it, it actually has very little to do with you.
In other words, their perceptions of you come from deep inside of them. And you’re not responsible for how they feel or what they think, neither can you change it. So, why waste your time fretting over something you have no control over?
Instead, focus that energy on something productive. You can learn a new skill, take up a class, or pick up an old hobby. Whatever brings you joy.
2. Highlight Your Accomplishments
We’ve all experienced difficult times in our lives; some more than others. At the same time, we’ve all accomplished something.
It doesn’t have to be grandiose or elaborate. It just has to mean something to you. Be proud of yourself and all the hard work you put in.
You can even write down these accomplishments and hang them up as a reminder and inspiration. Every time you catch a glimpse of one of your achievements, say to yourself, “I did that!” Say it over and over until your subconscious takes it in.
Another way to boost your confidence is to practice saying encouraging statements. These will help build up your self-esteem and improve the way you view yourself.
Here are a few statements to get you inspired:
- I am on the rise.
- I am worthy of all good things.
- My ideas are great.
- I’m blessed and grateful for everyone and everything in my life.
3. Train Yourself to See the Positive
Our brains are wired to see the negative. We complain, we blame others, and we dwell on autopilot. You can train your thoughts to be more positive. But not in a deluded, naive sort of way; in a healthy, productive way. As a result, you become less anxious and more resilient.
To be honest, this works if you think more objectively, especially when it comes to your weaknesses or flaws.
We all have them. Some are just better at acknowledging and improving them than others. That can be you.
Here’s a brave exercise: Write down a list of five things that bother you about yourself. Then, set some realistic goals to improve them over time and reward yourself each time you reach one of your set goals.
Make sure you start small and work at your own pace. The point is to feel good about yourself, not overwhelm or burden you.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques are becoming popular because we are realizing the importance of self-care. These techniques aim at reducing stress levels and improving your overall health. They also teach you the value of savoring the present moment.
When you focus on your today, you stop worrying about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future. These techniques can also help you to stop worrying about what people think about you.
The great thing about them is that you can do them anywhere. Whenever you start to worry, remind yourself that you could be overreacting. In all likelihood, your colleagues aren’t judging you as harshly as you think they are. Remember, people are usually way too busy thinking about themselves.
Take a few deep breaths and focus on something around you: your coffee mug, a cloud, or your nails. Anything that can steer your thoughts to the present moment will do the trick!
Suddenly, you’ll notice that your pulse is slowing down and so is your heart rate. Your anxiety will start to recede and you’ll realize you don’t care about what people think as much anymore.
10 Relaxation techniques backed by science:
- Mindful meditation
- Yoga
- Guided breathing
- Listening to calming music
- Taking a break from your phone
- Coloring
- Knitting
- Walking in nature
- Journaling
- Soaking in a hot bath
Final Thoughts:
Making a conscious effort to overcome random thoughts of what people think about you is a step in the right direction. The hard truth is that there will always be people who judge you. There may or may not be any truth to their assumptions. Likewise, there will always be people who don’t like you and there will be those who love the ground that you walk on. This is how life works. Either way, you get to choose whether or not other people’s opinions control you.
After all, you are in the driver’s seat of your life, right? Then go on and live your life!
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx
Read this next:
How to be More Authentic without Feeling Phony