Why You Care So Much And How To Stop It
Why You Care So Much (And How To Stop It)
When you’re feeling lost it can affect every area of your life. You won’t feel motivated, won’t want to get out of your bed and may feel sad or depressed. In this video you’re going to learn different ways that will take you on the journey of self discovery.
Social Acceptance
It’s no surprise that we’re social beings, it’s a fundamental aspect of our existence. We want to be accepted and valued by others, and we tend to care about what they think of us. This is why we often seek approval from others, whether it’s from friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers. We try to control other people’s opinions about us by people pleasing because we feel like we can control how other people feel about us and the things that we do.
Belonging
Humans have a basic need to belong to a particular group or community. We identify with certain groups based on shared values, interests, or experiences. When we care about what others think of us, it may be because we want to fit in or be accepted by a particular group. When we’re by ourselves we feel like we don’t fit in. But you can’t forget that conforming to group norms and expectations can also lead to a loss of individuality and personal values.
Broken Social Systems
Social media platforms have made it easier for people to connect and share their lives with others, regardless of geographical distance. But the downside is that it’s also led to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. People often post only the highlights of their lives, creating a distorted view of reality that can make others feel like they are not measuring up. We feel like we need to constantly work hard, achieve more, and be “on” all the time. We don’t see the amount of work it took for people to get there or the fact that people could be faking what they’re posting.
But now that you have an understanding of why you care so much about what other people think, it’s time to look at some ways that you can stop.
Focus on your own values and priorities
Once you realize that we have a tendency to focus on what other people think, it’s easier to start changing your life. You need to spend time to figure out what is most important to you and what your core values and beliefs are. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself based on what others might think of you, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if they are rational and realistic or if you’re simply assuming the worst. If you want to stop caring what other people think about you, then you have to create that value and belief.
Think Bigger
When I’m going through a rough patch or getting criticism I try to think bigger. I look at my problems and compare them to the rest of the world.. which makes me realize how insignificant my problems actually are. We tend to forget how little time we actually have on this planet compared to how been around for. Every memory you’ve had, all the experiences you’ve gone through.. won’t matter.
Surround yourself with positive people
You are the average of the 5 people that you spend your time with. That could mean changing jobs, cutting people out of your life and joining groups with like-minded people. So spend time with people who support and encourage you, rather than those who are overly critical or judgmental. Positive relationships can help boost your self-esteem and provide a more balanced perspective on your life.
Celebrate your accomplishments and focus on what you’re good at, rather than dwelling on your perceived weaknesses or flaws. If you haven’t started journaling yet, it’s something that I highly recommend. Check out the Journey Within: Mindfulness Journal which gives daily prompts to help you improve your thoughts and quality of life.
When you focus on your own growth and progress, you’re less likely to be swayed by others’ opinions of you. Trust that you are capable of achieving your goals, regardless of what others may think. Remember that the only opinion that truly matters is your own.
I’d recommend checking out the book Eliminate Negative Thinking by Derick Howell which offers practical strategies and techniques for identifying and challenging negative thoughts, cultivating positive thinking habits, and developing a more optimistic mindset.
