The Opinions Of Others
However simplistic this may sound, stop worrying about what people think of you. There is no fruit on that tree.
by Laurie Richardone
Have you ever stopped speaking up, not because you didn’t have something valuable to say, but because you were afraid of what others might think?
No one is immune to other people’s opinions, not you, me, not world-class athletes, and artists.
Society amplifies this fear through cultural norms and social expectations.
From a young age, we are taught to conform to certain standards to gain approval and avoid criticism.
As we mature, have more experiences, and do some inner work, that grip can loosen, as it has for me.
By understanding the roots of our fear of judgment and developing a strong sense of self, we can liberate ourselves from the constraints of others’ opinions. This leads to greater personal fulfillment and authentic living. It leads to a life that is meaningful to you.
One of the greatest and most prolific composers was greatly influenced by the power that fear of other’s opinions had on him. Beethoven was such a man. This genius composer suffered greatly from this social phenomenon - Fear of others’ opinions. Despite his genius, he lived for several years in abject fear of others’ opinions.
Near the apex of his career he carried a secret, he thought if revealed, would destroy his professional life. For a time, he isolated himself rather than utter three words. I AM DEAF. He started to lose his hearing in his mid-twenties. He worried that the criticism would lead to discrimination against him and exclusion from the Viennese music circles that he had toiled so long to access.
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Beethoven reached a point and decided to expose his greatest fear, and in doing so he freed himself from the paralyzing grip of people’s opinions. When he stopped worrying about what other people thought about him, he shifted from performing for the world outside of him to performing for the world inside of himself. This is when he crossed over to the path of mastery and became the composer he was meant to be.
So how do we dissolve this fear of other people’s opinions?
It involves a combination of self-awareness and consistent practice.
Here are 3 practical ways to work this:
• Challenge negative thoughts by reframing. When you catch yourself worrying about others’ opinions, ask yourself if they are based on facts or assumptions.
• Recognize your strengths and list all your achievements and positive qualities. This builds self-confidence
• Use affirmations - once we identify, and let ourselves feel where something is coming from, affirmations can be a powerful tool. I have been using affirmations for years, they have helped shift the outdated beliefs about myself.
However simplistic this may sound, stop worrying about what people think of you. There is no fruit on that tree.
Usually, we compare ourselves to others in search of a way to determine our value. We were taught that what we achieve and acquire makes us valuable in the world.
I invite you to look at some places where you might be creating from a place of fear of the opinions of others, letting outside opinions steer your ship.
Stay committed to what you think is beautiful, not someone else. And remember that what you see as imperfections is what makes you unique. People will always have their opinions about us. So, What…
Wishing you a joyful life !
If you are a curious person or cook join me on my Podcast ~ A Taste for All Seasons
Listen to the latest episode ~ Opinions Of Others
All episodes are on LaurieRichardone.com ~ or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Laurie Richardone is an inspirational seasonal chef and Certified Wellness Coach
To work with Laurie, visit LaurieRichardone.com/contact