We've all been affected at some point in our lives by something someone else said about us. Words can be hurtful and leave us feeling powerless and vulnerable. In time, people's words and perceptions of us can actually shape our own beliefs about ourselves. This can lead to fear of judgment by others and infringe on so many aspects of our lives as we navigate through relationships, jobs, social situations and even self-care. Without guidance, getting a grip on ways to overcome fear of judgment can be difficult to tackle. Here are five effective ways to conquer your fear of judgment once and for all. Be sure to implement these steps everyday for lasting results.
1. Know your own strengths and limitations
If you know what you are good at and what your setbacks are, you're less likely to be affected by what others say or think about you. Be confident in your abilities and know your own shortcomings better than anyone else. If someone has something to say about you, or they form an opinion of you based on what they think, what does that really have to do with you? If you can become truly aware of your own attributes, vulnerabilities and strengths, the impact of their judgments and impressions will be irrelevant. This is about you harnessing all of your qualities and owning them. Don't allow anyone to strip you of your individuality and character.
2. Resist letting others define you
People will always have an opinion. Understanding that they're entitled to their own thoughts is an important step in moving passed any fear of being judged. If you are highly impacted by what others think about you, it's time to take a look at your own self-esteem and confidence. I know - it's hard stuff, but trust me, once you're able to come to terms with how you genuinely feel about yourself, you can begin to work on the areas you don't feel satisfied with.
3. Be aware of your inner critic
That little voice in your head can get pretty loud. Recognizing your inner critic and any negative thoughts that creep up on you is the first step in overcoming fear, self-sabotage and self-doubt. As a Personal Success Strategist for women, I see these three patterns often and they tend to be the most prominent. Regardless of age, ethnicity, values and beliefs, each personal challenge plays a part in why so many women are held back from being their authentic selves. Knowing the role your negative thoughts play in your life is imperative to improving your beliefs about yourself. Once you get control of your thoughts and beliefs, you can begin to make shifts in your thinking to be more positive and optimistic without worrying what other people will think about you.
4. Make yourself a priority
Allowing someone else's judgment to cloud your own perception of yourself makes them a priority, and gives them power in your life. If you tend to do this, knock it off. You are the expert on your life. You know yourself better than anyone. You have to trust yourself and your abilities. Acknowledge what you are good at and don't be afraid to own up to things you're not. Let go of any urge to be perfect. That's just a set-up. Prioritize your personal needs and prevent anyone else from taking control of the way you feel about yourself.
5. Invest in yourself
Get support with the parts of your life you wish to improve on. Invest in your own personal growth and well-being. Do more of what you enjoy doing. Get that gym membership you've been slacking on, look into a therapist or personal coach, take a vacation you've been wanting to go on, get a massage, read a great personal development book - just do something. If you're not taking the necessary steps to get through your personal challenges, the road ahead may not seem so uplifting. You should be living your best life; anything else is mediocre - and you are not in this world to be mediocre.
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