Worried About What People Think?
You try not to let it bother you. You try to put it out of your mind. You try to be your own person. But still you find yourself getting stuck, worried about what other people think of you and too often preoccupied with how you measure up.
It can feel pretty daunting. It can be downright paralyzing! It is one of those nagging and problematic mindset challenges that we all face at different times and to different degrees.
But take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Also remember, the older we get the less we tend to worry about what others think, so at least you have something really great to look forward to!
As you become more accepting and comfortable with yourself, your confidence will swell. You will easily fend off unwelcome words. Most doubts or second guessing will naturally fade away.
But here are some additional things you may keep in mind so you can more easily liberate yourself from any negative thoughts or opinions projected by others.
Remember They're Worried Too
When you walk into a room filled with people, you might be worried about what people think about your appearance. In truth, they are largely worried about how they’ll be perceived by you.
Groupthink Can Be Dangerous
Don’t let anyone steal your voice or diminish your value and contribution to the conversation. That’s what cowards or bullies do in order to control or manipulate you. Think for yourself. It’s better to be wrong than to be controlled by groupthink.
Self-Representation Generates Respect
Everyone knows it takes courage to be in the minority. They may not see it the way you do, but they will respect you for swimming upstream. Those that matter will respect you for being honest and forthright. Most people would like to have the courage to speak their mind when they’re in the minority. Because they feel internally that they lack bravery, they’ll admire it in you.
Even more important than generating respect from others, you will gain self-respect. I don’t think you can put a price on that one.
Judgmental People Matter Less
Smart people are interested in the opinions of other people. They’re always learning.
Judgmental people tend to be self righteous and believe they are right. Even when they know they’re wrong after a period of time, they would rather be consistent in their wrongness and their ill-conceived and constructed narrative than be grateful for the wisdom received that could alter their viewpoint or change their mind.
Differences Make The World Interesting
We live in a world of blended cultures, religions, races, politics and vastly differing viewpoints.
Tolerance, openness and attempting to embrace this wonderful opportunity to learn is what keeps things interesting and marks our forward progress as both humans and as humanity.
We are lucky enough to live in a place that allows you to speak your mind freely.
Take advantage of that. Bask in it. Envelope it and embody it.
Fortune Favors The Bold
To speak freely and openly is not necessary for a friendship or relationship to exist but it makes for much richer and worthwhile connections.
As John Lennon once wrote, “ Being honest might not get you a lot of friends, but it will always get you the right ones.”
So, once you find your voice or it finds you, never ever let it be silenced or subdued by anyone or anything. The Romans left us with “Fortune Favors the Bold.” – “Fortis…Fortuna…Adiuvat”
This is most evident when it comes to owning your truth. Don’t be worried about what people think of your opinions or your penchant for remaining truthful, perhaps even indelicately blunt as a spoon or sharp as a knife, whatever circumstance and company may dictate. Because fortune will smile upon you in many ways for it but most of all it will make sure you and your self-respect remain lifelong companions.
Lisa Ryan
Relationship Expert – Infidelity Specialist – Personal Development Coach
Loves the big blue sea, homely dogs, the unvarnished truth, and making people feel better.
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