Alright, girl, let’s get real. How much of your precious time do you waste overthinking what someone might be thinking about you? Too much? Yeah, same. Whether it’s the judgmental side-eye from that one frenemy, the passive-aggressive comments from Aunt Karen, or the existential dread of posting an Instagram story and wondering who saw it, we’ve all been there.
But listen up, caring too much about what others think is the biggest confidence killer, time-waster, and fun-ruiner of all time. So let’s put an end to it, shall we? Here are four brutally honest, slightly chaotic, and 100% effective ways to stop giving a damn and start living your best life.
1. Remember: People Are Too Busy Thinking About Themselves
You know that embarrassing thing you did in 2014 that keeps you up at night? Yeah, no one else remembers it. Not because they’re heartless, but because they’re too busy cringing over their own 2014 disasters.
The Hard Truth: People are self-absorbed. Your awkward moments, bad hair days, or questionable life choices? They’re fleeting blips in someone else’s mental feed.
What To Do Instead: Every time you start spiraling about what others think, remind yourself that they’re probably worrying about what you think of them. It’s a never-ending loop of insecurity, and the only way to win is to exit the game altogether.
2. Adopt the “Main Character Energy” Mindset
Imagine your life as a movie, and you’re the star. Not the sidekick, not the background extra, you’re the main freaking character. Now ask yourself: Would the main character dim her light because some random side character in aisle five at Target judged her outfit? No, she would not.
The Hard Truth: You weren’t born to blend in. Playing small to make others comfortable is the fastest way to a life filled with regret.
What To Do Instead: Walk, talk, and make decisions like the heroine of your own epic adventure. Dramatic hair flips and empowering background music are optional (but highly encouraged).
3. Ask Yourself: Will This Matter in 5 Years?
You accidentally waved at someone who wasn’t waving at you. You said something weird in a group chat. You wore an outfit that wasn’t Instagram-approved. Will this matter in five years? Absolutely not.
The Hard Truth: Most of the things you overthink are completely irrelevant in the grand scheme of life.
What To Do Instead: Every time you start spiraling over what someone thinks, ask yourself, Will this matter in five years? If the answer is no (and it almost always is), move on. If the answer is yes, it’s probably something important, like your happiness, dreams, or relationships, so focus your energy there instead.
4. Be So Confident It Confuses People
Here’s a little secret: If you act like you don’t care, people believe you. Confidence is 90% illusion and 10% just going for it.
The Hard Truth: People respect what you project. The more unapologetically yourself you are, the less people will dare to question it.
What To Do Instead: Next time you feel self-conscious, channel the energy of someone who has never doubted themselves a day in their life. Shoulders back, chin up, and say whatever you want with the conviction of a CEO in a power suit. Watch how the world starts treating you differently.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the only person who has to live with your choices, dreams, and awkward moments is you. So why waste a single second living for other people’s opinions? They don’t pay your bills, they don’t live your life, and they certainly don’t get a say in your happiness.
So go forth, be bold, and stop giving a damn. Your future self will thank you.
Now, drop a in the comments if you’re done caring what people think!
