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Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of not being overly concerned with others' opinions to maintain authenticity and reduce psychological stress.

Abstract

The article "Stop thinking about what others think" addresses the common issue of people altering their behavior to please others, which often leads to a loss of self and increased stress. It argues that trying to satisfy everyone is impossible and detrimental to one's mental health. The text suggests that by constantly seeking approval, individuals create a fake social image that is shaped by external opinions rather than their true selves. The author encourages readers to focus on living in the moment and for themselves, advocating for self-acceptance and mindfulness as key strategies to overcome the fear of judgment. The article concludes by reminding readers that life is their own and that personal growth and happiness should not be sacrificed for societal expectations.

Opinions

  • Trying to please everyone is an impossible task that can lead to psychological distress.
  • By seeking approval, individuals may lose their authenticity and create a social image that is not true to themselves.
  • Society's expectations and the fear of judgment can cause people to change their behavior and lose their uniqueness.
  • Self-acceptance and mindfulness are crucial in overcoming the concern for others' opinions.
  • Living for oneself and focusing on personal development is more important than conforming to societal norms.
  • It is inevitable that some actions may disappoint others, and this should be accepted as part of living authentically.
  • The pressure to maintain a certain social image can lead to exhaustion and stress.
  • The article promotes the idea that one's life should be directed by personal desires and decisions, not by the potential thoughts and judgments of others.

Stop thinking about what others think

Do you fear the judgemental eyes? Do you change yourself based on others’ opinions? Then you need to read this.

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

We try to satisfy everyone, which is impossible. Sometimes our actions may tend to make someone disappointed and that is completely okay. By trying to please others we are forgetting to live our lives. We are being psychologically affected by trying so hard to please others. It is very important to live at the moment and for yourself.

By thinking about what others think we forget to think for ourselves. This is when we stop being ourselves and mold ourselves into someone who others want us to be. In the process of avoiding judgemental eyes, we distance ourselves from others. We stress ourselves and worry each time we do an action thinking about others’ opinions about us. By always being on guard we exhaust ourselves.

The social image we create defines us. But what happens when we create a fake social image? An image that is shaped by the opinions of others. We lose our authenticity by having a fake social image. If you want to be yourself and maintain your authenticity, you need to stop thinking about what others think.

How to stop thinking about what others think?

We are expected to act in a certain way in this society. We have grown up amongst judgemental eyes. If we don’t follow certain patterns of behavior that are acceptable by society and even slightly deviate from it, we are looked upon with judgemental eyes and commented upon. This is something we have grown up with. Most of us would have heard our parents say ‘If you do this, then people will think differently about you or they will talk and comment on you’.

We can’t always be aware of how we depict our social image. We can’t always be aware of what we are posting on Instagram or Facebook. We need to start living for ourselves instead of for society. We can’t lose our authenticity by worrying about others’ opinions.

We should take steps to start loving ourselves and to retain our authentic social image.

Everyone in this world is unique. They are shaped by their own experiences, thoughts, and beliefs. We can’t please everyone, because everyone thinks differently. Focus on yourself instead of others. And we can’t control what they think about us. People are going to keep judging you and instead of giving it attention focus on yourself.

By thinking about others’ thoughts about us, we are stressing and losing ourselves in the process. It’s not worth it. Focus on yourself and try to become a better person.

Be more aware of your surroundings and understand yourself better. Once you accept and understand yourself, others’ views about you won’t matter. Mindfulness is the best way to deal with such a situation.

This is your life. You decide what you want and go for it. Others shouldn’t stop you. Keep doing what you want and going towards what you want.

Live for yourself, not others.

Mental Health
Psychology
Stress
Stress Management
Anxiety
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