This is where the real work begins. Figuring how how to stop caring about what other people think is the ULTIMATE achievement for someone trying to strengthen their confidence, expand their self-love, embrace their authenticity, and push their vulnerability to new heights.
Not caring about what other people think is the ticket to self-acceptance.
So the question becomes…but how?
As an Enneagram 3, I struggle with this a lot. My personality is hard wired to seek validation and admiration from others. Which means I am constantly at war with myself over what *I* believe is best for me, vs. what *others* believe to be best for me.
Most days I win my battles. Some days, I don’t.
And because I simply don’t consider myself to be the top expert in this unbelievably crucial subject, I’ve decided to ask my exceptionally bright team of life coaches to help me out with some tips. Learning how to stop caring what other people think is incredibly complex – and I believe the more advice on this subject, the better.
I’m going to start with my top pointer, and then hand the mic over to these lovely ladies.
Assume You Are Correct
From here on out, when you are making a *subjective* decision for yourself and your own life – I want you to assume that whatever your gut is telling you, is correct.
Instead of trying to pick it apart and challenge your gut instinct from every angle – just assume you’re right. Always.
Because the deal is, when it comes to making decisions for yourself about your own journey – you will be correct. Every time. Even if it doesn’t work out the way you wanted it to – your gut is telling you that you need to experience something in order to understand it. Your gut is telling you this is a lesson you need to learn. Your gut is telling you this is where you need to be.
Someone else cannot give you that answer. Ever.
This is different from, say, crowdsourcing information to give the best advice or make the right call in business. For objective issues – I am all about leaning on the expertise of others (cue: this blog).
But for matters that pertain to YOU and YOU alone, you are always right. So stop second guessing yourself, and assume you are the expert across the board.
Pricilla, over to you.
You Don’t Have the BandWidth
People change their minds as often as they change their clothes. Opinions vary from day to day. My best piece of advice on how to stop caring about what other people think? Don’t try to keep up with them.
First of all, you don’t actually have the bandwidth to keep up with every new opinion that a friend or family member forms. I don’t know about you, but I change my mind on little things often. And sometimes big things. I used to hate gold jewelry. Would refuse to wear it. Even though it matched my skin tone like a dream, I still reached for silver as often as I could.
Now I’m blinging out to gold on gold on gold.
Not a big enough shift? Okay, then. Let’s step it up.
I used to hate commitment.
The idea of settling down for one human being seemed isolating and limiting. But now? The idea of committing myself to one person for a long-term affair sounds pretty magical.