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Stop caring so much about what others think

It has become an epidemic in society: People care far too much about what others think.

Many of us base our purchasing decisions around what we think others will like. How many times have you bought an article of clothing or item for the house because you've thought it's the one people will fancy the most? Or, worse, you have people with you at the store tell you which product they prefer, and you end up going with that one.

Many people go so far as to only date men or women who receive someone else's stamp of approval - be it a friend or relative.

While it's fine to seek recommendations from other people, we mustn't get into the habit of mindlessly letting them make decisions for us. After all, we all have our own tastes and opinions. We still have a responsibility to do our own research before we commit to making an important decision -- whether it's to buy a house or get a master's degree.

Unfortunately, far too many of us take others' advice against our better judgment. For example, I have a couple of friends who were pushed by their wives into leaving their current jobs for higher paying ones, despite the fact they felt content where they were. It turned out that neither friend felt satisfied at the new job and they both wound up hitting the job market shortly after.

For all their good intentions, our friends, family members, and co-workers don't know what's best for us better than we do. Sure, they may have more experience than you in certain areas of life, but that sure doesn't make them mind readers or experts when it comes to your predilections.

If you're overly concerned with what society thinks of you -- as well as your personal choices in life -- I want you to change your thinking as of this moment! Life is too short to be so preoccupied with others' opinion of you. You've made it this far in life through your own hard work and persistence. Remember this:

  • Nobody else is going to pay your bills
  • Nobody else is thinking as much about what you think as you're thinking about them
  • Nobody else is going to the grave with you

I don't mean to come off as cynical, but there's no reason to restrain yourself to appease someone else. Live life to the fullest. Live life on your own terms. As author Henry David Thoreau once said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined."

Do you think we have a tendency to care too much about what others think of us?  Are you this way?

Please share your thoughts and, as always, check out other posts by clicking here: How to Understand People
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