6 Ways to Stop Fearing What Everyone Thinks of You

We all want to be liked and appreciated for our many talents, our ferocious intelligence, our good nature, our sparkling personality.

But when we start to rely on what other people think of us, and we make their opinion pivotal to our success, we get into trouble. We start tailoring our lives to fit the expectations of others, and from there it's a vicious cycle.

When we give over our power to others and allow that their impressions to become how we perceived, we lose out on who we really are. The only reality we can see is how we believe others see us.

Here are 6 ways to eliminate the worry and free yourself to be yourself.

1. Remember: people will think what they'll think.

How you seem and how you actually are may be two totally different things. How many people don't look as if they can dance but they really can? Appearances are deceptive. What someone thinks of you may be (is very likely to be) totally wide of the mark. If someone forms an opinion of you based on superficialities, then it is up to them,not you, to reform those opinions based on a more objective and rational view. Leave it to them to worry about - that is, if they have an opinion at all.

2. Know your own values.

The key is having a firm understanding of what’s important to you and where you want to go. When you keep your own values and vision front-and-center, you’ll naturally put less weight on other people’s opinions.

3. Speak and live your truth.

Speak your truth even if your voice shakes. Be cordial and reasonable, of course, but don’t tread carefully on every word you say. Push your concerns of what others might think aside. Let the consequences of doing so unravel naturally. What you’ll find is that most of the time no one will be offended or irritated at all. And if they do get upset, it’s likely only because you’ve started behaving in a way that makes them feel they have less power over you.

4. Ask Yourself What Matters to You

I sometimes worry what people will think of my clothes, or my hair. The thing is, though, physical appearance really isn’t that important to me. Sure, I like to look presentable – but I’ve got virtually zero interest in fashion, and I don’t generally wear makeup.

It’s okay to have different values from the people around you. Maybe you hate cooking, even though your mom thinks you should be preparing a meal from scratch every night. Maybe you can’t stand the gym, even though your best friend works out every day.

Be clear and honest with yourself about what really matters to you. Sure, other people might judge you for not meeting up to their standards – but if you’re true to your own goals and values, then you know you’ve got your priorities right.

5. Let go of perfection.

It can be hard to shake the feeling that if you just get things right, you will be loved and admired. But this is a fruitless pursuit, not only because perfection is an illusion, but because what people think about you has more to do with them than with you.

6. Stop overthinking.

Overthinking can lead you to thinking you're being judged even when that's not the case--and even if not, it can set you down in your own way. Learn to recognize overthinking and replace it with positive thoughts.

Source:

http://www.uncommonhelp.me/articles/how-to-stop-worrying-what-other-people-think/

http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/10/06/7-ways-to-stop-fearing-what-everyone-thinks-of-you/

https://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-stop-worrying-what-other-people-think/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201610/8-ways-stop-worrying-about-what-everyone-else-thinks

http://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/how-to-stop-worrying-what-other-people-think-of-you.html