Don't Worry About What People Think

fxenakis (46)in #psychology • 7 years ago

I know it’s not easy, but not worrying about what people think can be a significant step towards freedom and peace of mind.

“Follow your heart, listen to your inner voice, stop caring about what others think.” Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Why is it so bad to worry about what other people think?

Well, the problem is that you can’t really know people think. You can only guess. And guessing always comes with uncertainty... Which leads to more guessing.

Soon enough, you won’t be able to sleep, wondering about what-ifs and why-nots, and why, maybe, someone probably doesn’t like you the way you wish they would like you. Wasting away all your energies distressed about others peoples minds is the path to insanity if you ask me.

Then, after speculating about other people’s thoughts, you start making decisions based on all that guessing. That doesn’t sound very bright! Shouldn’t you make decisions based on reality, instead of wild guessing and your fantastical psychic abilities?

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself.” Harvey Fierstein

All of this usually leads to indecision, frustration, and lots of anxiety. And for what? No one cares about you! And I mean that in the best way. All other people are just worrying about themselves, just like you.

Every single one of us is walking around with a brain full of worries and stress. No one has enough time to really, truly think about you. You are just not that special.

“Follow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness.” Allen Ginsberg

Maybe you think I’m being too mean, but not being the center of attention can free you to be yourself. If you stop worrying about what other people think, you can be free to be yourself.

This freedom comes with a significant new advantage: you are now free to know yourself. With your mind unencumbered, you can focus on what really matters to you. This doesn’t mean you’ll be selfish and narcissistic; it just means you won’t waste time with useless stuff and intrusive thoughts.