10 ways to care less about other people’s opinions and cope with criticism (P-2)
It’s natural for us to want others to respect and like us, but worrying too much can disturb our mental health.
The article “10 techniques to care less about other people’s opinions and cope with criticism (P-1)” is continued in this article.
Read part 1 of this article here to get the full picture.
1. Accept people will always have opinions about you
It is pointless to avoid others passing judgment on you. It’s simply natural. Assessing other people is a part of social interaction.
So prepare yourself to hear people’s opinions.
A simple reminder is that others will always have perceptions about you, some of these will be inaccurate, and some will help you improve yourself.
2. Take back control of your feelings
People have poor opinions about you, which doesn’t translate into difficult emotions. All of them are not the same.
Try to practice mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness is a technique in which you stay in the present moment. You are aware of your feelings in the present moment. Living in the moment will help you cope with your negative thoughts and feelings.
Other mindfulness techniques include:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
3. Let go of perfection
Perfection is impossible to achieve. Judgment for failing to attain perfection is unproductive, unfair, and unhelpful.
Keep in mind that anyone who thinks badly of you after you make small mistakes considers that they have also made similar mistakes.
Making mistakes at work or in personal relationships is an essential part of your growth.
4. Develop Self-confidence
Practicing self-reflection can be a powerful tool for building a strong identity. Ask yourself difficult questions.
Who am I? Why do I care?
Developing a valuable system to provide a strong foundation on which to live your life.
People may critique your beliefs, but if they are grounded, you will consider criticism less.
Being confident in who you are and what you stand for will boost your self-esteem and your willingness to ignore haters.
5. Don’t read minds
Most people think that they have perceived others, but they still have major blind spots.
People will associate traits you have never considered.
The researchers found that the most emotionally stable people have the fewest insights into what other people think of them.
Constantly worrying about what other people think is not only stressful but also hurtful.
6. Consider the root-cause
It is natural to care about other people. However, some people’s opinions are important to you, and you respect their opinions. For instance, if a family member says your negative behavior affects the family, this opinion can be helpful for you.
7. You are your worst critic
You often believe that people judge others more harshly than we think. In reality, we are harder on ourselves than other people.
You believe that one small error will improve how others perceive us. First impressions are lasting, and that one mistake will not change the overall perception of you.
8. Find your tribe
Family members and friends who constantly judge you for your decisions are disturbing to your mental health. Knowing someone you love has a negative perception of you hurts you.
Develop relationships with people who embrace your true self and supportive people who will talk with you, even if it looks judgmental, but is crucial for improving your mental health.
9. Consider Therapy
You should talk with a therapist. It will help you cope with criticism and develop self-confidence.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy will help you change your thinking. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy that has helped many people.
CBT aims to change mindsets and behaviors by reevaluating negative thought patterns.
CBT works by identifying, tackling, and changing unhelpful behaviors so that your mindset, behaviors, and thinking improve with practice.
CBT strategies include:
- Keep track of your thoughts and review them later.
- Confronting anxiety-causing situations and learning to cope mechanisms.
- Practice problem-solving.
- Practice role-playing interaction with others.
10. Hold your judgments of others
Next time you meet a new person or a friend introduces you to someone new, hold off on making judgments about that person.
Even if the first impression is not good, give them a chance. By accepting others, you can let go of what others think about you. Accepting others will make you feel better.
This article emphasizes that it is natural for people to want others to like and respect them, but worrying too much about what others think can have negative impacts on one’s mental health. The authors recommend accepting that people will always have opinions about you, taking back control of your feelings through mindfulness techniques, letting go of the pursuit of perfection, developing self-confidence through self-reflection, not reading minds, considering the root cause of criticism, being your own worst critic, finding supportive friends and family, seeking therapy, and holding off on judgments of others. By incorporating these strategies into their lives, readers can learn to prioritize their well-being and let go of the opinions of others.
