Don’t Be A Prisoner In Someone Else’s Mind

Worrying About What Others Think

Are you a worrier who constantly focuses on what other people think about you? So often I hear from friends, family, clients, coworkers, etc. who are completely consumed with everyone else’s opinions instead of being confident in their own choices. I’m guilty of it too sometimes!

However, you have no control over how somebody responds to your actions – you can only control yourself. Therefore, worrying what other people are thinking can and WILL hold you back in life. Don’t be a prisoner in someone else’s thoughts. Here are some things I like to keep in mind.

It’s Your Life, Your Dream

The most important thing to remember is that it’s not their life. It’s your life. It’s your dream. No one else knows what’s best for you. You know what’s best for you.

We all have a destiny and goals and things we’re supposed to do in our lives to share our gifts and bring value to the world. Those negative thoughts and fears are going to keep you from achieving these.

You are also not like anyone else, so to be concerned about what someone else may think about a choice you are making in your life is irrelevant. Your situation is unique to YOU and to YOU alone.

Life Is Short

I have three sons who are all currently navigating the complex world of young adulthood. I remember when they were younger and it was very evident that they were becoming self-conscious about this subject. As a parent, you want nothing more than to protect your kids from getting hurt, so I was (and still am) hopeful that they would one day outgrow this mindset.

However, I’ve come to realize that we might not ever outgrow it. I think many of us take these insecurities with us through adulthood. The advice I have given to my sons that I will share with you too is that in the end, it’s important to remember that YOU are the one who will be stuck with the end result. This is your life, and life is short, so never let someone else dictate how you should or should not live it.

You Can’t Please Everyone

There will always be some form of negativity in life. Rejection can make us stronger, though. We learn from it, we grow from it. We realize that we can’t please everyone, so we learn to focus on what’s best for US. In this sense, it’s OK to be a little selfish. This quote is my one of my favorites and pretty much sums up how to prevent yourself from being a prisoner to someone else’s thoughts…

“Sometimes, you have to do what’s best for your life, not what’s best for someone else’s.”

So keep that in mind when you’re making those life tough decisions. Break free from the chains. Happiness starts with YOU…not anyone else!