In a world brimming with judgmental glances and the silent, yet deafening chorus of societal expectations, stepping outside the norm can feel like stepping into a cold, unforgiving sea. But what if the fear of what people will think became the stepping stone rather than the stumbling block? This article explores the liberating journey of being brave, of letting go of the constraining question, “But what will people think?” and instead, adopting the empowering statement, “Let’s find out.”
THE WEIGHT OF “WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK?”
The worry about others’ opinions is a universal human concern, deeply rooted in our evolutionary need for social acceptance. This section will delve into:
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ROOTS OF SOCIAL APPROVAL:
A brief exploration of the evolutionary psychology behind our need for social acceptance and how it can lead to a fear of trying new things.
THE MODERN-DAY AMPLIFICATION:
With the rise of social media, the spotlight effect is stronger than ever. We’ll discuss how constant visibility can make you feel perpetually evaluated and increase the fear of judgment.
THE PARADOX OF INDIVIDUALISM AND CONFORMITY:
Modern culture is a tightrope walk between the desire to stand out and the comfort of blending in. This paradox places us at a crossroads: do we dare to be different and risk criticism, or do we play it safe and stifle our true selves?
OVERCOMING THE FEAR:
The path to overcoming the fear of others’ opinions is neither straightforward nor easy, but it is undeniably rewarding. Here we’ll explore strategies for breaking free from the shackles of expectation.
EMBRACING VULNERABILITY:
Vulnerability is not a weakness; it is a superpower. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open the door to authenticity, creativity, and connection. This section will delve into the works of thinkers like Brené Brown and the transformative power of vulnerability.
THE ART OF SELF-COMPASSION:
Self-compassion is an essential ally in our journey. It teaches us to be kind to ourselves, especially when we falter. Kristin Neff’s research on self-compassion provides insights into how to cultivate it, and why it’s crucial for anyone looking to break away from societal expectations.
BUILDING RESILIENCE:
Resilience allows us to rebound from the fear of judgment. This section will discuss the skills and mindsets necessary to develop a thick skin, without losing sensitivity to constructive criticism.
LIVING BRAVELY
Once we begin to untangle ourselves from the fear of what others think, we can start truly living.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF BRAVERY:
When one person chooses bravery over conformity, it sends ripples throughout their environment. This segment will discuss how your courage can inspire others to embrace their true selves.
CULTIVATING YOUR UNIQUE PATH:
The ultimate freedom lies in creating your path. We’ll offer practical advice on how to forge your journey, regardless of the whispers or roars of disapproval.
MY STORY CHAPTER 1:
The Crossroads of Choices For the longest time, I, Michele, lived under the shadow of ‘what ifs’ and societal expectations. My life was a well-trodden path – graduate from university, climb the corporate ladder, and settle into the comfort of predictability. When the opportunity to backpack across Europe came knocking after my graduation, I hesitated. The adventurous call of the unknown was swiftly silenced by the ‘supposed to’s of life. I chose the familiar route, stepping into the corporate world with a mix of determination and unacknowledged regret.
CHAPTER 2: THE CORPORATE LADDER:
As I immersed myself in the corporate world, success and promotions came my way. But with each step up the ladder, a part of me yearned for something different, something more. The endless cycle of meetings, the ‘blue sky’ brainstorming sessions, began to drain my enthusiasm. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being trapped in a loop, a path not entirely of my own choosing.
CHAPTER 3: THE TURNING POINT:
Eight years post-graduation, a realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. I couldn’t spend another day in a job that didn’t ignite my passion. That’s when I noticed the Information Technologies department in our company. They were problem-solvers, impact-makers. Though not directly affecting people’s lives, they were contributing in a tangible, meaningful way.
CHAPTER 4: THE LEAP OF FAITH:
With a heart pounding with both fear and excitement, I approached the head of the IT department. This was more than just a conversation; it was my leap of faith. I offered to stay after hours, to learn, to grow. I pursued certifications, dedicating myself to this new path with a fervor I had not known before.
CHAPTER 5: A NEW DAWN:
The transformation was remarkable. I advanced quickly in the IT field, each day bringing a new challenge, a new learning experience. My job was no longer just a job; it became a passion, an adventure. I found myself in a career I never knew I wanted but now couldn’t imagine living without.
CHAPTER 6: THE POWER OF COURAGE:
Looking back, I often wonder, “What if I hadn’t had the courage to approach the head of IT? Where would I be today?” It’s a reminder of the power of taking chances, of stepping out of comfort zones. As the Nike slogan aptly says, “Just do it.” Those three words encapsulate the essence of my journey – a journey from fear to fulfillment, from what’s expected to what’s possible.
CONCLUSION:
The question, “But what will people think?” is as intimidating as it is ancient. Yet, it’s a question that has a different answer for each individual. By understanding the roots of this fear, employing tools to overcome it, and learning from those who have already walked the path, we can redefine what it means to live bravely. It’s not about the absence of fear but about the presence of courage. Let’s be brave—let’s dance with the unknown, and in doing so, perhaps we’ll find that what people think doesn’t shape our reality nearly as much.
