Perhaps you’ve stopped doing what you want because you’re afraid of what others think of you. You feel that you must do what they expect and that you must meet their expectations, otherwise, you’ll lose their approval.

If this is the case, it’s time to start working on your self-esteem. Then, you’ll be able to do what you want freely.

“What you think about me is not going to change what I think about myself, it might change what I think about you, but that shouldn’t change what you think about yourself.”

-Dr. House-

Think about yourself, forget what others think of you

Think about yourself, about what you really like and are interested in. You must lead your life independently, you must do what you want without being affected by what others think. Your life belongs to you, as well as your actions. You have to start thinking about yourself, about what you want, and then you must do it.

However, you might feel afraid to do it because you’ve always done everything to gain the approval of others. You need to get out of that zone, move to new places, explore your full potential. You can do it.

Inspirational people

The first thing you should do is meet people with the same ambitions as you. You need to expand your circle of friends. Go to new environments and places. Go by yourself if your current friends don’t want to go with you, and soon you’ll meet new people, people with the same interests as you.

It’s extremely important that you find these links. By surrounding yourself with people who think like you, you’ll realize that you don’t feel judged. Then, you’ll start doing what you really want.

You don’t have to change your circle of friends. Your new friends will integrate into your life and you’ll also keep your genuine friends. On the other hand, those who are always ready to see the negative and question what you’re trying to do will drift away. Act according to your own criteria and your new environment will accompany and encourage you.

Only those people who support and believe in you should remain in your life. Nevertheless, there may be times when you feel alone or unaccompanied. Don’t worry, you’ll gradually adapt. You may have fewer friends, but they’ll be worth so much more.

Talk about your plans

To overcome your fear of what others think and of their non-approval, you should start talking about your plans. For instance, you might want to tell a handful of friends about your wishes and dreams. By talking to them, you’ll be able to organize your plans and ideas. You’ll feel confident in yourself and you’ll be able to embark on your new path without any fear.

Then, it’ll become easier. Because when you’re on track, sure of what you’re doing and fighting for your dreams, what others may think won’t affect you. You’ll be able to tell everyone what you’re working on and what you hope to achieve.

When others see how confident and sure of yourself you are, they won’t say anything negative or disapprove of you. Those things only happen when you’re hesitant, when, before starting something, you show fear and insecurity. However, once you’ve found your way, what others think simply won’t matter. 

Prepare for the problems you’ll face

It’s inevitable that not everything will be plain sailing, and you’ll find obstacles along your way. However, you must trust in yourself and seek the necessary strength to move forward. People in your environment often don’t understand what you do no matter how much you explain it, so ignore them.

What matters most to you is you. The only person you have to please is yourself. Think carefully about your goal and plan the path you must take to achieve your dream. No one should stop you from achieving it.

Who should you listen to? To yourself. You’ll have already managed to find people who think like you. Those who appreciate you for who you are. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, you’re the only person you should listen to. Find yourself, feel your confidence, believe that you’re going to achieve what you set out to do.

Now that you’re on your own side, many will also want to be with you. However, one of the most difficult things is in giving yourself your true value, finding your place in the world. When you find out,  everyone will see you that way. Always remember, you’re the one who decides who shares your life, so choose those people who are going to be good for you.

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