Stopping worrying about what other people think is a goal for many of us. Indeed, the words of others most often offend us and prevent us from moving forward. That’s why I’d like to share with you 5 exercises to help you detach yourself from what others may think.

1 – Play the mirror game, mirror to stop worrying about what others think

When we worry about what others think, we’re making a mistake. The mistake of believing that others are talking about us.

In fact, others are talking about themselves.

In other words, when others talk about you, when they think that what you’re doing, you shouldn’t be doing, in the end, they’re talking about themselves and they think that they wouldn’t do what you’re doing.

That’s why, in order to stop worrying about what other people think and to gain self-confidence, it’s essential to play the mirror, mirror game.

You know that game we used to play as kids: it’s the one who says who is.

In adulthood, it’s the same thing.

When someone thinks something of you, when someone says something about you, you say it back.

In fact, it’s a bit like a curse they’re putting on you. Send it back, without anger or resentment, but send it back anyway.

Other people don’t have to tell you how to be, not even your parents, not even your teachers.

Of course, they’ll do it anyway (laughs). Indeed, they believe it’s their role. That’s the way we’ve all been brought up. And then, sometimes there’s good in what others say, good advice to take.

But, when the fear of other people’s gaze is too present, too heavy and prevents you from being who you want to be, play the mirror game, mirror. Send back to the person what they’re telling you, because what they think of you is only a reflection of what they think of themselves. In other words, it’s none of your business and you’re free to send it back to them.

2 – Make an appointment with yourself for a magical conversation

When you start to care too much about what other people think, when words start to get in your way, it’s time to come back to yourself.

In fact, if you listen too much to others, if their words have too much impact on you, it’s because you’ve forgotten yourself.

What do you think? What do you want? What’s important to you?

Why should what other people think be more important than what you think?

So, make an appointment with yourself for 5-10 or 20 minutes. As you wish.

Isolate yourself and do this exercise.

Imagine sitting next to your best friend. Imagine that what they’re feeling, what’s happening to them, is the same as what you’re going through right now. Let the doubts, fears and hopes come to the surface. Immerse yourself in it all.

Then take a breath and do what a best friend would do: say the magic words that comfort, reassure and motivate.

What would you say to someone you love with all your heart who’s going through the same thing as you right now, who shares your doubts, fears and hopes? What would be your magic words?

Write them down somewhere.

Then read them out loud to yourself.

Why? Because, all too often, we look to others for encouragement and understanding. Because, all too often, we seek encouragement and understanding from others, who unfortunately don’t understand us.

In fact, if you know how to talk to yourself, you can stop worrying about what other people think, and gain self-confidence.

Talk to yourself. Have magical conversations, conversations that nourish and reassure you.

3 – Make an appointment with Life for a magical conversation

When we worry about what other people think, we forget one essential thing.

We’re not here on Earth to fit certain criteria set by those around us or by society.

We’re here because there’s a plan for us.

We are all unique, all different. In fact, we all have certain qualities and talents that are just waiting to be expressed in this life.

But we’re not following the right path, because we’re following the one that others draw for us, when we should be following the one that Life has planned for us.

So when the fear of others’ gaze becomes too great, it’s time to make an appointment with Life.

To do this, take 10-20 or 30 minutes and isolate yourself.

Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.

Silence your thoughts and let your fears and doubts melt away. It will take time for all that bubbling inside you to calm down. Take this time.

Then, as you calm down, ask questions.

For example: Who am I? Where am I going? What’s important to me? What am I good at? What do I want to do?

Then let the answers come to you, from deep within. Let Life express itself through you.

To stop worrying about what others think and to trust yourself is to accept that Life has a plan for you, that maybe others won’t understand it, but that’s not their role. Indeed, it’s your role to discover your own path and follow it.

4 – Renew your “equipment” to stop worrying about what others think

When we listen too much to what others say, it’s only their words that resonate in our heads and hearts.

That’s why it’s essential to get equipped.

Every day, prepare a mantra, a phrase you’ll repeat to yourself over and over again, like a song you’ll like to hum throughout the day.

Choose words that appeal to you, that comfort and motivate you.

It can even be just one word. Like, for example: confidence, strength, power, peace…

In fact, to stop worrying about what other people think and to gain self-confidence, it’s essential to choose the words that resonate with you.

That’s why you need to sort out what people say to you, preferring to choose the words you remember yourself.

In fact, don’t let others pollute you with their scepticism.

So, choose a word or a phrase to repeat to yourself so that you’re no longer afraid of the way others look at you.

5 – Finish this sentence to stop worrying about what others think

When we worry about what other people think, we forget to refocus.

In fact, we give others too much power over us, over our own thoughts and our own lives.

As if others knew better than we do what’s good for us.

So, when you feel that you’re doubting too much, that the fear of other people’s gaze is getting too strong, it’s time to finish a sentence.

A sentence that will help you regain your self-confidence, because only you know what’s good for you:

“And if I listened to myself a little more, I would…”

There are too many rules to respect, too many criteria to meet, and we get lost.

What if you took back the power over the “I must’s” and replaced them with a greater ability to listen to yourself? What if you trusted yourself to know what’s right for you?

If you want to stop worrying about what other people think, it’s time to start worrying about what you think.

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover Living in peace with others: 8 keys to harmonious relationships
Discover Stop living for others: 3 mistakes we all make

I recommend this inspiring book:

The Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani
Lakhiani introduces principles of personal transformation, guiding us to let go of societal norms and concern for the opinions of others.
This is a truly extraordinary book for opening your mind to your beliefs and the world around you. It will turn your world upside down and maybe even change it, just as it changed mine. I’ve started practicing its techniques and have already noticed an improvement in my thinking, positivity and mindfulness. I’m sure the improvements will only increase the longer I practice. This is a way of life, not a “fad diet”. If you are truly honest with yourself and really commit to it, you will succeed in changing your life.

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself