How to Not Care What Others Think of You

Why do we care so much what others think of us?

The answer lies in our search for validation and our need to belong somewhere where we are accepted.

Ever since humans lived in tribes and hunted in groups they needed to belong to the tribe to be safe. The exiles faced the challenge of survival.

In modern times tribes have been replaced by social groups and the criteria are more lifestyle oriented. We get stressed if our image doesn’t keep up with the image projected on social media, if we don't dress in what fashion dictates, if we reject or accept views and situations that are socially acceptable, all to be liked.

So we worry about what others will think about what we do, what we wear, what we say. And instead of trying to get along with ourselves, we get caught up in the wrong things.

How can you change that?

• Lean in. Recognize what's important to you, your strengths and values. When you know who you are, the opinion of others has little impact on your life.
• Stay real. Speak up for what you believe in and what derives from your values. Embrace your authenticity. Accept your imperfections but don't rest on your laurels. Acknowledge your weaknesses and work to turn them into strengths.
• Keep supportive people close to you. Positive people who are accepting and appreciative play an important role in not caring what others think.
• Ask yourself about your conclusions. When you jump to the conclusion that others are talking about you or criticizing you behind your back, ask yourself how much it matters to you and whether what you think they are saying is true. Remember that it is their truth, not yours.
• Set healthy boundaries. Setting healthy boundaries is important for your mental health as it shows respect for your needs. You don't have to put up with situations that bother you because no situation fixes itself. Setting boundaries without guilt boosts self-esteem and leads to balance.
• Strengthen your self-confidence. Set achievable goals and achieve them, recall past difficulties and how you managed to overcome them. These will strengthen your belief in yourself and as you progress along the path of personal development your confidence will grow. Don't be discouraged by failures. Look into what was wrong and what you can learn from it so that you can do better next time.
• Stay focused on your happiness. Look for happiness in the small joys of life. Acknowledge anything big or small that you accomplish and don't be too quick to criticize yourself for what you didn't accomplish. Stay on the path of personal growth, be understanding and appreciate your blessings.
• Strengthen your self-care. Include activities in your daily routine that enhance your mental, physical and spiritual health. Listen to your needs, take care of your body and mind, spend time with loved ones, get out in nature even if it's the nearby park, start new hobbies and habits.
• Engage only in what you can control. Push away guilt from things that happened through no fault of your own. Accept that you can't control everything, but you can control your own growth and self-improvement.
• Think positive. Don't rush to see the negatives first or jump to the conclusion that nothing will go right. Keep a positive approach and see how it changes your approach to life.

Defeat the anxiety of insecurity through empowering yourself. Reach out to people who can help you boost your self-esteem. Soon you won't have second thoughts if your choices, words or actions are approved by others.

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