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Worry Too Much About What Other People Think?

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Worry Too Much About What Other People Think?

On November 5, 2021, Posted by , In Emotional Health,Personal Development,Self-acceptance, With Comments Off on Worry Too Much About What Other People Think?
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Do you constantly worry about what people think and how they will react to your decisions? Are you overly concerned about earning or losing their approval? Do you catch yourself pleasing people too much?

If you want a happier life and healthier relationships, stop worrying about what people think of you. Ignore unwarranted, negative criticism. Instead, identify constructive criticism and learn how to use it to your advantage. Don’t allow the opinions of others to derail you; stay focused on your happiness and goals to unlock your best life. 

People’s Opinions Holding You Back?

Seeking the approval of others is common and natural. According to Studies, the reward center of our brain is triggered when someone compliments us. Being approved of and accepted makes us feel good about ourselves. 

But, will we always be liked and accepted? No. So does it make any sense to live our lives to satisfy people’s expectations? 

We give away our power when we live to please others, and we lose who we are in the process too. 

How To Stop Worrying About What People Think

Who are you, and who do you want to become? Are you living your life or someone else’s? Who is the real you?  

You owe it to yourself to share the real you with the world. 

  • Focus on What’s Important

When someone says something critical or unkind about you, remember: It says more about who they are as a person than it does about you. Look, if there’s a kernel of truth to something they said, grow and learn from it. 

However, their perception of you is mingled with their self-perception. In general, how they see you stems from how they see themselves. You’re not responsible for how they feel or what they think. So, don’t waste your time worrying about something that isn’t real or true.

Focus your energy on something productive. Learn a new skill, pursue a hobby, improve your health, work to create your best life. 

  • Instead of wasting your energy on what people think, invest your energy in these worthy pursuits instead: 
    • Enjoy time with friends and family
    • Smile at a stranger and send them kind thoughts
    • Hold the door for someone
    • Hang out with people who encourage and see the best in you
    • Volunteer for a worthy cause that inspires you
    • Spend time in nature on a sunny day 
    • Treat yourself to a nice dinner or new experience just because you want to and are worth it 

  • Remember AND Celebrate Your Accomplishments
  • Things don’t always go “right,” but you’ve had more success than failure. It’s human nature to focus on what went wrong. You could’ve had 99 successes, but you tend to dwell on that one failure.  

    Instead, remember to celebrate your accomplishments. It doesn’t have to be a major win, either. It just has to be something that matters to you, like completing a project, beating a deadline, preparing a home-cooked meal, or saving $60 this week by packing lunches every day. You should be proud of yourself and your hard work.

    Boost your self-confidence and self-esteem with affirmations like these:  

    • My self-confidence is growing stronger each day.
    • I am worthy of love and happiness.
    • I am deserving of success.
    • I am always in control of my thoughts and reactions.
    • I am creative and have great ideas. 
    • I am blessed, and I am grateful for the people in my life.

  • Condition Yourself to See the Positive
  • Because of our weaknesses and flaws, it’s easy to blame ourselves when things go wrong. We are our own worst enemy when we should strive to be our own best friend.

    Start by listing two or three things that you would like to improve about yourself. Next, set realistic goals to change them, and reward yourself each time you achieve a goal. The point is to take charge of your life and start feeling good about yourself.

    Techniques to Relax and Reduce Stress

    Taking time to relax and reduce stress helps you enjoy the moment, so life doesn’t pass you by. Plus, it boosts overall health. 

    Practicing self-care helps you stay focused on today. You will worry less about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow. Also, you will worry much less about what people think about you too. 

    Whenever you start to worry or feel anxious, remind yourself there’s a strong chance you might be overreacting. Chances are, the situation isn’t as bad as you imagine, or your colleagues aren’t judging you as harshly as you think they are.

    Some of the most effective relaxation and stress reduction techniques include prayer and meditation, gratitude journaling, spending time with family and friends, participating in a community of faith, aromatherapy, lighting candles, physical activity, playing soothing music, and deep breathing.

    Practicing slow, deep breathing is one of the easiest and most effective techniques to relax and ease stress; you can do it practically everywhere. Take a few deep breaths and focus on something you can see right now in the real world, like a cloud, or a candle, or even your hand on your heart – anything that pulls your thoughts into the present moment will work.

    Slow, deep breathing slows your heart rate and calms your nervous system. You will feel a greater sense of peace and confidence and won’t care as much about what people think anymore.

    There’s nothing wrong with having an open mind and considering people’s thoughts and opinions. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept or agree with them. It’s time to stop worrying less about what other people think so you can unlock your best life and relationships. 

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