What if you cared less about what others think?
If you cared less about what others might think of you, what would you do?
Will you tell your boss that you are ready to lead and want more people responsibilities?
Will you voice out your ideas that felt “not good enough” in your head?
Will you say “no” to a night out with colleagues because you’re tired and just want to unwind with a good Netflix episode?
Will you tell your manager that you want to stay in the same assignment for stability purpose even though you are a top talent, because you want to spend more time with your two toddlers?
Will you start giving more honest feedback to your team or even your manager? Will you reach out to that person that you really admire and ask her to be your mentor?
Will you go back to school?
Will you start your passion project on the side even though it has no significant financial return?
What is possible for you if you let go of the baggage of what others might think of you?
Really, pause and take a deep breath in now.
Hold it for a few seconds.
Fully exhale, let your shoulders drop, and let go of what others might think of you.
How does it feel?
Does it feel lighter? More expansive?
Do this a few rounds if you want to.
So, so much of our potential is being limited by how much we care about what others think of us.
You hold back, judging yourself on whether you are saying the “right” things, doing the “right” things, and in the end, guess what?
You don’t speak up, you don’t take action and you grow resentful.
Whenever you want to do something, different judges come up.
It may be the voices of your parents.
It may be the voices of your ex-boss.
It may be the voices of your friends.
It may be the voices of “everyone else”.
They are all telling you reasons why you shouldn’t do certain things, how it may be silly or inappropriate.
Now, underneath those “should” or “shouldn’t”, there’s your inner voice who knows.
You feel confused because you are muddling your voice with voices from many other people.
When you let go of what others think of you, and give yourself full permission to ask:
What do I deeply long for in my work?
What do I deeply long for in my life?
What comes up to you?
What will you start doing?
What will you stop doing?
Also, if you are concerned about what others are thinking about you, honestly, they are NOT thinking about you.
Most people, just like you, are too busy thinking about themselves.
They are also thinking about how others are thinking about them.
Free yourself from this burden and start to let your inner desire and fire guide you.
If you feel like raising your hand in townhall to pose a question, do it.
If you have an idea at work that you think is decent, share it.
You have a choice to live in a way that deeply resonates with you and your values; or live in a way that often tip-toe around others, being overly careful of what to say, when to say, and what to do.
Choose to be bold. Choose to trust yourself,
I know, it’s easier said than done. It’s not impossible though.
A big part of my coaching work is supporting you to believe in yourself and care less about what others think, unleashing your potential. On March 5th 8pm, I am running a workshop on 3 tools to thrive beyond self-doubt and overthinking.
Register now! Limited spots available.
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