How to stop giving a f*ck about other folks’ opinions is one of the best, yet hardest things we can ever attempt to do in life. Why? People are everywhere and they all have an opinion. Once more, social media has given folks the green light to open their mouths and voice their opinions about any and everything. Society has conditioned us to care about other folks’ opinions and tailor our behavior accordingly. In some circles, conformity is even financially rewarded. However, most times, conforming to other folks’ opinions and living our best lives don’t often align. So, how do you stop giving a f*ck about other folks’ opinions? Here are five steps to help:
I am Who God Says I am (and so are you)
One of the biggest game changers, for me, in regards to other folks’ opinions was to see myself the way God sees me. As a believer, I rely on what my Creator says about me. God says that I’m made in His image and that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. When you know the truth, it sets you free. So, whose opinion should I focus on – my Creator’s opinion or that of a random stranger? I don’t know about you, but I’ll take the opinion of the Infinite any day. If God says you’re good, why would you give a f*ck about anyone else’s opinion?
Self-Love is the Best Love
Self-love is so important. When you don’t love yourself, you leave yourself open to people pleasing to gain other folks’ validation and acceptance because you haven’t validated or accepted yourself. You end up seeking from others what you lack on the inside, to try to fill you up. In a society that preys on our insecurities and teaches us to hate ourselves, self-love is a revolutionary act. So how do you boost your self-love? Speak positive affirmations to yourself, daily. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself how fine you are. Remind yourself daily that you’re one in a million. When you truly love yourself, you’ll find yourself giving fewer and fewer f*cks about other folks’ opinions.
What’s it Worth?
Mrs. Caroline Rowe, a woman from my old church, once said something so profound that it has stuck with me for decades. She said, “What you think about me can’t buy me a hamburger.” Think about that. You can’t even buy a White Castle hamburger with someone’s opinion so what is it really worth? When you realize other folks’ opinions hold zero value, you’ll stop giving a f*ck about them.
Remember, You Got Options
Just like folks have opinions, you’ve got options. You don’t have to tolerate other folks’ foolishness. Often time, as women, we’re conditioned to want to be liked. Sometimes we find ourselves trying to alter our behavior and ourselves, to get people to like us. Well guess what, no matter what you do or how you behave, somebody, somewhere, isn’t going to like you. Instead of trying to twist yourself up like a pretzel to please other people, be yourself, find your tribe and forget the rest.
Their Opinions are None of Your Business
What other folks think about you is none of your business, so mind the business that pays you. When we focus on other folks’ opinions, somewhere, something that we should be doing is being left undone. Focus that energy and attention on the people and things that add value to your life.
What ways have you found to stop giving a f*ck about other folks’ opinions? Drop your comments below.