How much time do you spend focusing on what people think of you? Maybe you find yourself replaying a coworker’s criticism or feeling uneasy because a family member doesn’t approve of your choices. You might not realize that you have prioritized people’s opinions of you. But what if their opinion was low priority?
Confidence Over Approval
Just because you’re likable doesn’t mean everyone will like you. We aren’t meant to click with everyone because we’re all unique. Sometimes it isn’t our personality that needs to change, but our self-confidence. When we know we’re likable, we’re less likely to place so much weight on other people’s opinions. We may still care, but they no longer hold as much power. They become low priority.
A Lesson from High School
In high school, I remember overhearing a classmate say she didn’t like me. What’s interesting is that there was a time when she seemed more receptive and even appeared to want to be friends. I never confronted her about the comment because I thought it was unnecessary. We don’t need to know why people don’t like us. It’s not our problem to solve. Instead, we can focus on accepting ourselves and appreciating the relationships that are supportive.
Putting What Matters First
Are we making the important things a priority? Often, we make the opinions of others more important than our self-worth. We are lovable, capable, and worthy, and if someone can’t recognize that in us, it’s not our job to convince them. Our responsibility is to remember our innate worth. This week, create a list of your strengths and a list of positive relationships in your life. These are the things that deserve your highest priority.