Before I started not caring about what others think a year ago, I was constantly worried about their standards and judgments. I would think a hundred times before posting my opinions, excitement, or rants on social media, even though I still ended up posting them anyway lol.
Then I found a book called “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” and after reading it, I realized that it wasn’t just other people’s standards and judgments that I was worried about, but I also had high standards and judgments for myself on how I should look to others around me.
I laughed so hard when I discovered that I had a self-centered mindset for many years, and can’t even imagine how annoying I was back then ((or until now)).
It becomes clear that the real issue was not external judgments and standards, but rather our own internal ones. We put so much pressure on ourselves to live up to the expectations of others, but ultimately it is our own expectations and judgments that weigh us down.
And it’s completely normal to feel anxious or self-conscious when posting on social media, especially if we have a lot of followers. Imho, 100 followers count as many if those followers are close to we rather than more than 1000 followers of strangers ((people we don’t know)). But sometimes it could happen to us anyway no matter how many our followers are if we share something way too personal.
After knowing the source or real issue of my problems, it is getting easier for me to break down and solve the problems. Here are a few tips I did last year to not give a fuck, especially myself:
- Remember that it’s okay to be imperfect. No one is perfect, and it’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes or not have everything perfectly polished.
- Think about our audience (the followers or connections). Who are we sharing our content with? Are we sharing it with close friends and family, or are we trying to reach a wider audience? Knowing our audience can help us feel more confident about what we’re sharing.
- Consider our motivation for posting. Are we sharing something because we genuinely want to, or because we feel like we have to in order to fit in or meet some external expectation? Being authentic and genuine in our content can help us feel more comfortable with what we’re sharing.
- Take a break. If we’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a step back and take a break from social media. It’s important to prioritize our own well-being.
- Seek support. If we’re struggling with anxiety or self-consciousness when it comes to social media, it can be helpful to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support.
I know It can be challenging to seek support when we don’t have friends or family to turn to, or if we can’t afford a mental health professional. However, there are still options available to us. Here are a few suggestions:
- Join a support group. There are many online support groups for people with common challenges or experiences. These groups can provide a sense of community and allow us to connect with others who may be going through similar things.
- Practice self-care. Taking care of ourselves can be a great way to manage anxiety and other difficult emotions. This might include activities like exercise, meditation, or finding hobbies that we enjoy.
- Consider online therapy. While it may not be the same as in-person therapy, many therapists offer online sessions that can be just as effective. Some insurance plans may cover online therapy, or we may be able to find a therapist who offers sliding scale fees based on our income.
It’s also important to remember that seeking support is a brave and important step we should have done it anyway to feel better and to release all the bad feelings.
In conclusion, a year of not caring about what others think (especially myself) can be a transformative experience. It allows me to let go of external judgments and focus on accepting myself as I am. This self-acceptance can lead to greater authenticity and freedom in my life. While it may be challenging to let go of the expectations and standards imposed upon me by others, it is ultimately a liberating experience. By learning to embrace myself fully and without reservation, I can live more authentically and freely.