5 Tips To Free Yourself From Other’s Opinions
As women, we pride ourselves on being independent and fearless, claiming that we are unaffected by the opinions of others. However, the truth is that the weight of these opinions can be crushing, especially when we stand out as the only woman or person of color in a professional setting. The desire for validation and acceptance goes beyond just our careers; it also reflects in our personal lives. It's time to challenge ourselves to break free from these expectations and societal pressures. Striving for our fullest potential means embracing our own worth and capabilities despite external judgments. It means standing tall and confident in our uniqueness, refusing to be hindered by the opinions of others.
Below are 5 tips to allow yourself the freedom to live your best life, free from external validation:
Express Gratitude and Praise Daily
Start each day by jotting down three things you're grateful for. Then, acknowledge one thing about yourself that makes you proud. Review these notes whenever you feel self-doubt or negativity, and witness the positive impact it has on your life.
Find Empowerment Through Speaking Up
As a black woman, I used to think that staying silent made me more approachable and easy-going. Instead, it only made me appear docile and timid. I often held back from speaking up, fearing judgment, but this resulted in others receiving credit and opportunities. I realized that worrying about others' opinions silenced me and undermined my confidence. However, with practice, I found my voice, and speaking up became easier.
Choose Your Own Path
It's impossible to prevent people from expressing their opinions, but we can control how we respond to them. My husband and I faced a flood of advice when planning our wedding, which made it challenging to make decisions. We finally found freedom in deciding to focus on our own vision and disregard outside opinions. While our loved ones meant well, we had to tune out the noise to create the best day for us. This lesson applies to life as well. Although those closest to us offer opinions out of love, it's vital to remain secure in ourselves and not let outside views lead to self-doubt. Trust in yourself and resist internalizing the myriad opinions of others.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to others is detrimental. Everyone has their own journey, with unique sacrifices and challenges. Rather than fixating on others, focus on your path. Despite social media and reality TV's influence, remember that you are unique, special, and destined for a different journey in God's plan.
Accept That You Are A Work In Progress
It's important to acknowledge that you care about people's opinions. Denying this reality makes it more challenging to change and embrace intentional freedom.
To truly free ourselves from other's opinions, we must create a new narrative, one where our self-worth is not tied to the validation of others. We should define our success, find joy in our achievements, and revel in our individuality. By doing so, we not only empower ourselves but also pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future.
Let's live boldly, unapologetically, and authentically, setting an example for those who come after us and breaking down barriers in our pursuit of fulfillment and success. It's time to live beyond expectations and embrace our full potential, free from the confines of external opinions.
