Podcasts > On Purpose with Jay Shetty > 4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

By iHeartPodcasts

Dive into the latest episode of "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" where the host himself reveals the subtle signs that indicate you might be valuing other people's opinions over your own. Shetty dissects the nuances of our behavior, from conforming to activities we dislike to the inability to say no, all to sate the appetite for approval from our social circles. This episode is not just a personal reflection but a guide on how to recognize the moments where our decisions are more about pleasing others than fulfilling our true desires.

In a world where external validation often feels like a currency, Shetty offers wisdom on how to break free from the opinion trap. He unveils the elements of choosing trusted advisors, dismantles the psychology behind gossip, and encourages an illuminating exercise for value clarification. With compelling points about the minimal time others spend thinking about us and the importance of evaluating advice based on well-intentioned sources, Shetty empowers listeners to take control, embrace independence in their choices, and prioritize personal development.

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

1-Page Summary

Signs we care too much about what others think of us

Jay Shetty identifies behaviors that reveal our preoccupation with others' opinions, advocating for stronger personal boundaries. People often conform to activities they dislike to please others, a tendency rooted not in persuasion from peers but in our own allowance. Difficulty in saying no, influenced by the fear of missing out or concern for how others perceive us, demonstrates our apprehension about their thoughts. Admitting to being a people pleaser is a significant indicator, as it shows a pattern of altering ourselves to fit others' preferences, questioning one's trust in personal choices.

Choosing friends wisely

Shetty advises on selecting trusted advisors by assessing their care, consistency, competence, and character. He prompts individuals to seek advice from those with proven dependability, expertise in specific areas, and aligning moral compasses. By creating a list of people who exhibit these traits in different life aspects, we ensure the advice we consider holds thoughtful and relevant wisdom. This aids in fostering growth through sound counsel in personal and professional life.

Not gossiping about others

According to Shetty, gossiping reflects our psychology, as engaging in it leads us to believe that others gossip about us too. This creates a cycle of mistrust where we project our behaviors onto others and suspect similar conduct in return.

Clarifying our personal values

Shetty introduces an exercise for value clarification and auditing. He challenges individuals to list their values, analyze their origins, and determine if they still align with current life goals. This introspection allows for the possibility of adapting or changing values to better serve personal interests.

Opinions don't directly impact reality

Shetty conveys the insignificance of others’ opinions on our reality, stressing that our own choices should be driven by personal passion and confidence. He illustrates through personal examples that while decisions can be influenced by external thoughts, the most rewarding and genuine choices are those made independently from them, aligned with our own values and self-belief.

People don't think about us as much as we believe

Shetty reassures that individuals tend to overestimate how often they are thought about by others. He states that on average, less than 1% of someone's day is spent thinking about another person, which should comfort those concerned with public opinion and highlight that most are primarily focused on their own lives.

Evaluate opinions based on the source

Emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing the source of advice, Shetty suggests we weigh opinions based on their intention and the advisor’s investment in our growth. Although we hold the views of loved ones in high regard, it's critical to assess whether their counsel is constructive across different facets of our lives. He highlights the need to treasure opinions that come from a genuine place of care and guidance for our personal development.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Admitting to being a people pleaser is a significant indicator of prioritizing others' needs and desires over one's own well-being. People pleasers often struggle to set boundaries and assert their own preferences, leading to a pattern of seeking validation and approval from others. This behavior can stem from a fear of rejection or conflict, driving individuals to prioritize harmony in relationships at the expense of their own happiness and authenticity. Recognizing and acknowledging this tendency is the first step towards reclaiming autonomy and fostering healthier interpersonal dynamics.
  • Assessing care, consistency, competence, and character when choosing friends involves evaluating how much they genuinely care about you, how reliable and trustworthy they are over time, how skilled and knowledgeable they are in relevant areas, and what kind of moral values and integrity they possess. These criteria help in selecting friends who can provide meaningful advice and support in various aspects of life.
  • Creating a list of people who exhibit traits in different life aspects involves identifying individuals who demonstrate qualities like care, consistency, competence, and character across various areas of life. This process helps in selecting trusted advisors who can provide valuable guidance and support in different aspects of one's personal and professional life. By diversifying the sources of advice and wisdom, individuals can benefit from a well-rounded perspective and ensure they receive thoughtful and relevant input. This approach aims to foster personal growth and decision-making based on a comprehensive understanding of different qualities and expertise exhibited by the chosen individuals.
  • Gossiping reflects our psychology by revealing our tendencies to project our own behaviors onto others and assume they engage in similar conduct. This behavior can stem from insecurities, a desire for social validation, or a need to feel connected through shared information. Engaging in gossip can impact our relationships and self-perception, influencing how we view ourselves and others. It can create a cycle of mistrust and negativity, affecting our mental and emotional well-being.
  • When we participate in gossiping about others, it can create a belief within us that others are also gossiping about us. This phenomenon stems from a psychological tendency where our own actions and thoughts are projected onto others, leading to a cycle of mistrust and suspicion regarding gossip. This dynamic highlights how engaging in gossip can influence our perceptions of how others may behave towards us in return.
  • Value clarification and auditing involve the process of identifying, examining, and reassessing one's core values to ensure they align with personal goals and beliefs. This introspective exercise helps individuals understand the origins of their values and determine if they still resonate with their current life circumstances. It allows for the possibility of adapting or changing values to better serve personal interests and growth. By engaging in this practice, individuals can make more informed decisions and lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.
  • Decisions driven by personal passion and confidence emphasize the importance of following what truly excites and motivates you, rather than solely considering external opinions. This approach encourages individuals to trust their instincts and beliefs, leading to choices that align with their inner values and aspirations. It highlights the significance of self-assurance in making authentic decisions that resonate with one's true self. By prioritizing personal passion and confidence, individuals can pursue paths that bring fulfillment and genuine satisfaction.
  • Individuals tend to overestimate how often they are thought about by others because people are generally more focused on their own lives and concerns rather than constantly thinking about others. This tendency can lead individuals to believe that they are the center of attention or that others are constantly judging them, when in reality, most people are preoccupied with their own thoughts and experiences. This realization can help alleviate concerns about public opinion and reduce anxiety related to how others perceive us.
  • Understanding the source's intention when evaluating opinions involves considering whether the advice is given with genuine care and guidance. Assessing the source's investment in our growth means determining if the advice is aimed at helping us develop positively. By prioritizing opinions that come from a place of sincerity and a desire to see us improve, we can make more informed decisions about whose advice to value. It's essential to discern whether the advice is constructive and aligns with our personal development goals.

Counterarguments

  • While conforming to activities to please others may often be a choice, social and cultural pressures can sometimes be so strong that they feel more like coercion than a voluntary decision.
  • Saying no can be difficult for reasons beyond fear of missing out or concern for perception; it can also stem from a desire to maintain harmony, avoid conflict, or support others despite personal inconvenience.
  • Being a people pleaser isn't always negative; it can sometimes reflect a compassionate nature and a willingness to compromise for the greater good of a relationship or group.
  • Trusted advisors may not always have the necessary care, consistency, competence, and character; sometimes, valuable advice can come from unexpected or less familiar sources.
  • Personal and professional growth can also be fostered through self-reflection and independent learning, not solely through seeking advice from others.
  • Gossiping, while often harmful, can also serve social functions such as bonding or information sharing, and not everyone who gossips necessarily mistrusts others.
  • Values clarification is important, but some values are deeply ingrained and not easily changed or dismissed, even if they don't align perfectly with current goals.
  • External opinions can sometimes provide valuable perspectives that enhance our reality, especially when we may be too close to a situation to see it objectively.
  • While people may not spend a significant portion of their day thinking about us, the impact of their thoughts during critical moments can still be significant.
  • Evaluating opinions based solely on the source's intention and investment might overlook the merit of the advice itself, which could be sound even if coming from a less invested individual.
  • Opinions from a place of care and guidance are valuable, but it's also important to critically assess the content of the advice, as well-intentioned advice can sometimes be misguided.

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

Signs we care too much about what others think of us

Jay Shetty illuminates several behaviors that indicate an excessive concern for the opinions of others and suggests setting better personal boundaries.

Being easily swayed by others' preferences

People might find themselves going along with activities they dislike, such as watching a horror movie or dining at a particular restaurant, just because others have expressed a preference for these options. Shetty talks about being easily swayed, acknowledging that this often occurs because we allow it rather than as a result of others persuading or negotiating with us. He suggests that this is a sign that we care too much about what others think and recommends setting better boundaries to avoid such situations.

Struggling to say no

A clear sign of worrying too much about others' opinions is the difficulty of saying no to invitations, even when we genuinely do not want to participate. Shetty discusses the problem of agreeing to go out due to the fear of missing out on future invites or the worry about others’ perceptions if we decline.

Self- ...

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Signs we care too much about what others think of us

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Jay Shetty is a British author, former monk, and motivational speaker known for his wisdom on personal development and mindfulness. He gained popularity through his social media presence and YouTube channel, where he shares insights on topics like self-improvement, relationships, and mental well-being. Shetty's background as a monk influences his teachings, emphasizing principles of mindfulness, gratitude, and purposeful living. His work often focuses on helping individuals navigate challenges, find inner peace, and cultivate a positive mindset.
  • Setting personal boundaries involves defining the limits and expectations we establish in relationships and interactions with others to protect our well-being and values. It means clearly communicating our needs, desires, and limits to maintain healthy boundaries and prevent others from overstepping or taking advantage of us. Establishing boundaries helps in fostering self-respect, maintaining autonomy, and promoting healthy relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. It is a crucial aspect of self-care and emotional well-being, allowing individuals to assert themselves and prioritize their mental and emotional health.
  • Fear of missing out (FOMO) is the anxiety that one is missing out on rewarding experiences or opportunities that others are enjoying. It often stems from a desire to stay connected and not feel left out. FOMO can lead to feelings of regret and a constant need to be aware of what others are doing. This fear has become more prevalent with the rise of socia ...

Counterarguments

  • Being adaptable to others' preferences can sometimes reflect empathy and a willingness to compromise, which are valuable in maintaining healthy relationships.
  • The ability to say "yes" to invitations, even when hesitant, can lead to positive experiences and opportunities for personal growth that might have been missed otherwise.
  • Some individuals may identify as people pleasers due to a strong value on harmony and community, rather than solely from a fear of disapproval.
  • In certain cultural or social contexts, prioritizing group preferences over individual desires is seen as a virtue and a way to foster gro ...

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

Choosing friends wisely

Jay Shetty imparts guidance on how to judiciously pick the people whose opinions and advice one should value in life, emphasizing the selective nature of meaningful counsel.

Evaluate care, consistency, competence, and character

Shetty introduces a methodical approach for discerning whose advice to value, focusing on four critical attributes.

Identify who to go to for advice in different areas of life

Shetty proposes that individuals possess specialized expertise based on their experiences and areas of proficiency. He indicates that a friend's or advisor's credibility may be compartmentalized to particular aspects of life and isolates four pivotal qualities—care, consistency, competence, and character—that are essential when assessing whose advice to heed.

Shetty elucidates the "four Cs of connection": care, meaning the importance of cherishing the guidance of those genuinely invested in your well-being; consistency, indicating the value of advice from those who have consistently proven dependable through time; competence, denoting the need to seek advice from individuals who are experts in the topic at hand; and character, referencing the moral and ethical compass of those whose advice you consider.

He suggests creating a tailored list of people who embody these qualities in specific life areas, proposing that the list function as a practical reference. This list should be po ...

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Choosing friends wisely

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "four Cs of connection" - care, consistency, competence, and character - are essential qualities highlighted by Jay Shetty for evaluating whose advice to value in life. Care emphasizes the importance of guidance from those genuinely concerned about your well-being. Consistency stresses the value of advice from reliable individuals. Competence underlines seeking guidance from experts in relevant areas, while character focuses on the moral integrity of those offering advice.
  • Compartmentalizing credibility to particular aspects of life means recognizing that someone may be knowledgeable and trustworthy in certain areas while not necessarily being so in others. This concept suggests that expertise and reliability can vary depending on the context or subject matter. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating individuals based on their competence and character within specific domains rather than assuming a universal level of credibility across all aspects of life.
  • Creating a tailored list of people embodying specific qualities involves identifying individuals who possess attributes like care, consistency, competence, and character. This list serves as a reference point for seeking advice from those who excel in different areas of life. By curating this list, one can ensure they are receiving guidance from individuals who meet the desired criteria for offering valuable counsel. The aim is to have a diverse group of individuals who collectively cover the spectrum of qualitie ...

Counterarguments

  • The "four Cs of connection" may not encompass all necessary traits for valuable advice; other factors like empathy, humility, and adaptability could also be important.
  • Specialized expertise is valuable, but sometimes advice from those with diverse experiences can offer unique and valuable perspectives that experts might overlook.
  • Consistency in a person's behavior is important, but it can also lead to seeking advice from a limited circle, potentially reinforcing one's own biases.
  • Competence in a specific area doesn't always translate to the ability to give good advice, as communication skills and understanding of individual circumstances are also crucial.
  • Character is subjective, and what one person values in character may differ from another's values, leading to different interpretations of whose advice is worth following.
  • Creating a list of advisors might be too rigid and could exclude potentially valuable spontaneous or serendipitous advice from unexpected sources.
  • Filtering advice strictly through a list of predetermined individuals could lead to a confirmation bias, where one only listens to advice that aligns with their existing beliefs or decisions.
  • The appro ...

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

Not gossiping about others

Shetty brings to light a profound aspect of human behavior related to gossip.

Projecting our own behaviors onto others

He emphasizes the psychology behind gossiping, suggesting that when we engage in gossip about others, we tend to believe others are doing the same about us. He describes this as ...

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Not gossiping about others

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • When we project our behaviors onto others, we assume they act in ways similar to us. This projection can lead to misunderstandings and false assumptions about others' intentions. It can create a cycle of suspicion and mistrust as we interpret others' actions through our own lens. Understanding this concept can help us navigate interpersonal relationships with more clarity and empathy.
  • Assuming that others gossip about us can lead to a cycle of mistrust and suspicion because it creates a mindset of expecting negative behavior from others. This expectation can influence our interactions, causing us to act defensively or with suspicion, which can, in turn, affect how ot ...

Counterarguments

  • While gossiping is common, not everyone engages in it, and some individuals or cultures may place a high value on privacy and discretion.
  • Gossip can sometimes serve positive functions, such as creating social bonds or providing a way to share information within a community.
  • The tendency to project may not be universal; some individuals are more self-aware and do not assume others share their behaviors or attitudes.
  • Trust can be built and maintained in many ways, and assuming others gossip about us is not the only f ...

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

Clarifying our personal values

Personal growth expert Jay Shetty introduces a comprehensive exercise designed to help individuals clarify and assess their core values.

Complete value auditing exercise

Shetty suggests that individuals definitively list their current personal values.

Analyze where values came from and if still serving us

He encourages people to delve into the origins of their values and contemplate whether t ...

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Clarifying our personal values

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Value auditing is a process of examining and evaluating one's personal values to understand their origins and relevance. It involves listing current values, reflecting on where they came from, and assessing if they align with personal growth and goals. Through this exercise, individuals can identify values that may need adjustment or realignment to better serve their interests and aspirations. Jay Shetty's approach emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing and updating personal values to support ongoing personal development.
  • To determine if values are still serving an individual's interests or life goals, one needs to reflect on how these values align with their current circumstances, aspirations, and personal growth. It involves assessing whether these values contribu ...

Counterarguments

  • While listing current personal values can be insightful, it may also lead to over-simplification of complex belief systems that cannot be easily categorized or listed.
  • The process of analyzing the origins of one's values could potentially cause discomfort or distress if it uncovers traumatic or negative past experiences that shaped these values.
  • Contemplating whether current values are still beneficial assumes that individuals have the necessary perspective and objectivity to evaluate their own values without bias, which may not always be the case.
  • The suggestion to change values that no longer serve a person's interests or life goals might overlook the importance of consistency and commitment to one's principles, even when they are challenging or inconvenient.
  • The exercise assumes that values are entirely within an individual's ...

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

Opinions don't directly impact reality

Jay Shetty weighs in on the limited effect that others' opinions have on our true reality, especially when making life's most crucial decisions.

Thoughts about us are not necessarily truth

Shetty clarifies that others’ opinions are simply thoughts that do not manifest into one’s reality. He asserts that rumors or doubts—such as those casting shadows on the potential success of one’s business, podcast, or actions—do not inherently determine the outcomes.

Our best life decisions are independent of others' opinions

Shetty reflects on his personal journeys, believing that following one’s passion and confidence is crucial, independent of external validation. He credits his pivotal life choices—embracing monkhood, later leaving it, and initiating a podcast—to his inner drive rather than the opinions and comfort of others.

Further discussing this notion, Shetty notes th ...

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Opinions don't directly impact reality

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Jay Shetty is a former monk turned motivational speaker, author, and podcast host. He gained popularity through his inspirational content on social media platforms, where he shares insights on personal development, mindfulness, and purposeful living. Shetty's background in monkhood influences his teachings, emphasizing principles of self-awareness, resilience, and inner peace. His expertise lies in translating ancient wisdom into practical advice for modern audiences seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges and finding fulfillment.
  • Monkhood typically involves a lifestyle of asceticism, devotion, and spiritual practice within a religious or philosophical tradition. Monks often live in monasteries or communities, dedicating themselves to prayer, meditation, and service. The decision to embrace monkhood is deeply personal and can signify a commitment to a life of simplicity, discipline, and spiritual growth. Monastic traditions exist in various religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and others.
  • Opinions can influence big life decisions by creating doubt or uncertainty in individuals. External opinions may sway someone away from following their true desires or passions. Seeking validation from others can lead to decisions that are not aligned with one's values or beliefs. Ultimately, the impact of opinions on big life decisions varies depending on how much weight an individual gives to external viewpoi ...

Counterarguments

  • While opinions may not directly impact reality, they can influence one's perception and decision-making process, which in turn can affect reality.
  • Others' opinions, especially those of experts or loved ones, can sometimes provide valuable insights or perspectives that an individual may overlook.
  • Rumors and doubts, although not determinative, can have a psychological impact and potentially affect the success of a business or project through social influence.
  • Some life decisions, particularly those involving social or familial aspects, may benefit from considering the opinions of others to maintain harmony and relationships.
  • External validation, while not the sole factor, can play a significant role in motivation and reinforcement of one's choices, especially in fields where public opinion is a measure of success.
  • Inner motivation is important, but external factors such as market trends, economic conditions, and societal needs can also be critical in making successful life choices.
  • Authenticity and fulfillment are subject ...

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

People don't think about us as much as we believe

Shetty addresses a common concern about how frequently we occupy the thoughts of others. He reassures listeners that individuals often overestimate how much they are thought about by others.

Less than 1% of anyone's day is spent thinking about us

Shetty suggests that the actual time others spend thinking about any one person is quite minimal. On average, less than 1% of anyone's day is dedicated to thinking a ...

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People don't think about us as much as we believe

Additional Materials

Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • While it may be true that people don't think about us as much as we believe, this can vary greatly depending on the relationships and contexts. Close family members, partners, or individuals involved in a conflict may spend a significant portion of their day thinking about us.
  • The "less than 1% of anyone's day" statistic is not sourced and may not accurately reflect the complexity of human thought patterns. People's thoughts about others can be intermittent and influenced by numerous factors, such as recent interactions, shared projects, or emotional bonds.
  • The idea that people are more preoccupied with their own lives doesn't account for professions or roles where thinking about others is a significant part of the job, such as therapists, caregivers, or teachers.
  • The statement may underestimate the impact of social media on how much we think about others. In the digital age, people may find themselves thinking about others more frequently due to constant updates and notifications.
  • The reassurance provided by ...

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4 Signs You Care Too Much About What People Think & How To Stop Worrying About People’s Opinions

Evaluate opinions based on the source

Shetty emphasizes the cruciality of discerning the source of advice and determining whether the opinions we receive are truly intended to foster our personal growth.

Assess their intentions and investment in our growth

Shetty points out that while we often consider the opinions of loved ones as significant across all segments of our lives, it's essential to evaluate whether their intentions and insights genuinely benefit our growth. He implies that not all advice from close individuals may be constructive in every aspect of life.

Acknowledging the weight we give to the thoughts of others, Shetty stresses the need to care about what people think when it's a group that you trust and recognizes as capable of offering diverse benefits to you. This process involves discerning their intentions toward you and gauging their investment in your growth.

Shetty insists on the importance of considering the origin of advice, suggesting we must assess if the source is someone who genuinely car ...

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Evaluate opinions based on the source

Additional Materials

Clarifications

...

Counterarguments

  • While discerning the source of advice is important, it can lead to the dismissal of potentially valuable insights from less familiar or unexpected sources.
  • Evaluating the intentions of loved ones can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect their true intentions or the usefulness of their advice.
  • Advice from close individuals might sometimes be more honest and direct, as they are less likely to be influenced by external factors or the need to maintain a professional reputation.
  • Trusting a group's opinion does not guarantee that the advice is beneficial, as group dynamics can sometimes lead to conformity and discourage dissenting, yet potentially valuable, perspectives.
  • The assumption that someone's investment in our growth can be gauged accurately may not always hold true, as people's ability to express or demonstrate their investment can vary widely.
  • The insistence on considering the origin of advice might undervalue the content of the advice itself, which should also be critically assessed regardless of the source.
  • The idea that one should not overestimate opinions without understanding their origins could lead t ...

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