Why you should stop caring about what other people think and live life on your terms

Initially, I wasn't going to write about this topic. I began brainstorming around five to eight blog posts before deciding to pick this one. I had so many potential issues I wanted to discuss; however, I couldn't bring myself to finish at least one. As I started each one, a colossal wave of self-doubt came crashing into my mind. How will my post come across? Will people think I am weird? Will anyone be interested in what I write? Will people think I am not a good writer? Will people laugh? Those random thoughts quickly turned into beliefs and insecurities, which therefore put me off writing that particular post. I then turned off my computer; pretended that writing a blog post didn't mean much to me, and proceeded to binge-watch Brothers and Sisters.

However, on this glorious Sunday, which had just passed, I went for a drive to clear my mind, and I put on my favourite Spotify playlist. Whilst driving, I had an epiphany. Caring too much about what others think only makes your life even more challenging and unenjoyable. Why should we put others on such a pedestal? Why does it matter if someone doesn't like my work?

Unfortunately, it happens in all aspects of our lives. We only post the best picture of the thirty images we take and add a flattering filter to get the most likes to prove we are pretty and likeable. Or after a meeting, we beat ourselves up, running through every movement we made or any little thing we said - worried that our co-workers will think we aren't smart or talented enough.

We accept the status quo for what it is because everyone else around us does. We tiptoe our way through life by doing things to please others, not because it's what we believe. Eventually, our actions, appearance and lives become moulded to how others perceive us.

Growing up, it was the norm not to disclose too much about my life. "Keep things private. Don't give people a reason to talk". For a very long time, I followed this motto. I followed it because I was afraid of others talking about me and judging me. I didn't want people to think of me in the wrong way. I wanted them to feel nothing but great things.

But why should we care? Ask yourself- is caring about what other people think worth it? Why should we refrain from doing what makes us happy, saying what we want to and being our authentic selves, just because there might be people who disagree with us?

Why should I not write about what I want in fear of someone not liking it? We shouldn't let that fear prevent us from living to our full potential.

We don't need to prove that we are perfect. There are seven billion people on this planet, and the truth is that no one is perfect. We all have good and bad days. We all have bad meetings, bad hair days, bad holidays, falling out with friends and family, and the list goes on. We are all human, so why do we need to worry about the opinion of others.

So, I have decided to enlighten you with a few reasons why we should stop caring about what other people think:

You are never going to please everyone

Even Leonardo DiCaprio can't get away from his haters. There is always going to be someone who judges you or gossips about you. Not everyone on this planet is going to agree or even like you, and that is okay. The only person who you should be concerned about is yourself.

Remember, if someone gossips about you, it says more about them than it does you!

It creates unnecessary stress.

Constantly worrying about what others think can be detrimental to mental and emotional wellbeing. There are other important things to worry about, and this isn't one of them. Don't let others control you. Your life is no one else's life – remember that.

It's a form of self-sabotage.

When embarking on new projects, all that is important is yourself. You should always block out the noise around you and in your head and focus on developing yourself. If you don't, you will never progress; you will never be able to be your true self and will never be able to move forward. Look at me; I took the plunge and wrote my next blog post. Choose yourself.

You are living your life, not anyone else's life.

You are in your body. YOUR heart is pumping blood around YOUR body. Unless you live inside someone else's body, then the only thing that should be of importance is you and your feelings.

Create your values. Ask yourself questions like: Am I happy with my achievements? Am I happy in life? Am I becoming a better person? If the answers are yes, then nothing else should matter.

People who judge you often judge themselves too

I know this point sounds like what your mother would say to you when you have a bad day at school. However, it does make perfect sense. People who tend to gossip or judge others are often hurting about something in themselves. Realise that it is a reflection of them rather than you.

Those who judge you don't matter

Instead of focusing on people who judge you, focus on the people in your life who are supporting you to live your life how you would like. People who love and support you would never talk negatively behind your back. These are important people.

Before I end this post, I would like to say that you become your most authentic self when you stop caring about what others think. You can live the life you want. You attract the best type of people for you. There is a whole world out there, don't get set back by the opinions of others. Put yourself on your own pedestal. The only thing that should matter is that you are happy with yourself - embrace it.