Caring less about what others think, establishing true confidence
Caring too much about what other people think has been a real challenge for me at times and it has taken a lot of work on myself and sometimes still does to be at peace with what other people’s perception of myself might be but I can tell you one thing- The moments when you are truly free of giving a damn of what anyone thinks and are brave enough to be the most authentic version of yourself are the best and worth putting the work in for.
CRITICISM IS INEVITABLE
No matter what it is you set out to do, whether it is wildly following your passions, finally landing your dream job or choosing to live in an alternative way- you are bound to get some kind of criticism along the way. And you know what is the only way to avoid criticism altogether? To do nothing-And chances are you'll still get some criticism for not doing anything then.
And now it needs to be mentioned that there is such a thing as positive, constructive criticism that is worth listening to but beyond that there is a point where you simply should let go of caring too much about what others think.
HOW TO CARE LESS
1. Not everyone is going to like you
“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches.”
-Dita Von Teese
It is important that you come to realise that no matter how great, how creative, how wonderful, how successful you are, there will always be some people out there that won't like you. For no specific reason. And that's ok.
I find this an extremely important fact to accept because it means that the right people will like me and resonate with me and that is all that matters.
2. Don't focus on what you can't change
You simply have no power over and can't change other people's opinions of yourself.
I have fallen into the trap before of having found out that a specific person wasn't too fond of me and then tried to "prove to them" that I am actually this great person and tried to convince them to see all these great qualities within me - Please never do this. Not only does this scream desperation and makes you even less attractive to the other person but also is a clear sign of your own deep insecurity and lack of love for yourself.
Instead, try to let go of what you can't change and focus on what you can change.
Focus on becoming the best version of yourself and the right people will like you.
3. Stop comparing yourself
The more you compare yourself to others, the more you will feel like you have to "fit in" or be at the same stage in life, have the same level of success or seemingly "perfect" situation someone else has. Remember that everyone is on their own unique journey and that there is many different ways to live. There is no competition, the only thing that matters is that you are happy and pursuing the things that truly resonate with you.
4. Surround yourself with the right people
Surround yourself with people that make you feel good about yourself, make you feel safe and with whom you can truly be yourself and express yourself. Not caring about what other's think about you is harder if you have overly judgmental friends you don't feel comfortable with. True friends are people who accept you exactly for who you are.
5. We are our own worst critic.
Remember that many of us often are our own worst critic and that most of the time others are less judgmental than you are on yourself. Remember that while you are judging yourself, someone out there may be admiring you for your courage of following your passions and trying to achieve your dreams.
I hope that you have been able to take away a few of these tips on how to care less about what others think.
Remember that other people’s opinions about you really isn’t any of your business and you will experience a lot more peace and happiness if you learn to not care too much.
