Episode #68 – Effective Ways to Stop Taking Things Personally

We all have a habit of taking things personally. In other words, we all allow these things to shift us in some fashion. If we are treated in an unfair manner, it’s easier to take things to heart. Because it’s not about what done towards us. It’s how they make us feel, that makes all the difference.

I know things hurt from time to time. After all, isn’t that what makes us humans? Aren’t we supposed to feel? From my personal experience, taking things personally made me a hostage to the opinions of others. That meant that the way I felt was based on what others felt about me. It had nothing to do with the way I felt about myself. That isn’t true freedom, is it? I doubt it.

When you think about it, everyone has an opinion. And with this social media-infested world we live in, the access can be a bit overwhelming. This overwhelming feeling can prevent us from truly experiencing life. Here are a few ways I believe will help you stop taking things personally.

Who Cares What They Think When you Should Know

What others think of you is none of your business. Therefore, taking things too seriously only prevent your definition from reigning through. What others say has no power over the things you feel about yourself. As a matter of fact, what others feel has no value without your approval.

People, you don’t know sometimes feel the urge to volunteer their opinion. Most of the time, those opinions have nothing to do with you, but everything to do with them. People tend to define you through the same lens they define themselves. So when they share their personal thoughts, it gives you a chance to know them. Not the other way around.

If You Don’t Put a Value On You They Will

When you know who you are, it’s hard for you to accept what others think of you. Therefore, being aligned with your core self goes a long way. Having self-confidence gives you all the reassurance you need to reject beliefs outside of your own.

Self-confidence isn’t given, it’s taken. The truth is, no one can give you what you owe yourself. And no one can tell you what you yourself should already know. As I said, if you don’t know, they’ll tell you. But if you know, it’ll be much easier to stop taking things personally. Remember confidence is key. Once you get that established, the rest is a walk in the park. It serves as a shield from the opinions that surround us all.

Why I Stop Taking things Personally

As I mentioned before, many speak for themselves when they attempt to speak on your behalf. It took me a while to figure this out. I spent way too much time taking things too personally. So much so that the quality of life I was living was being affected. Oh, the permission I had given away while stripping me of the powers I possessed.

One thing that changed my life was the way I chose to react. Instead of taking things too seriously, I seriously reflected on the truth. I would ask, “How does their opinion compare to my truth?” If it doesn’t align, I have no real reason to invest my energy in it. If that isn’t reclaiming your power, I don’t what is.

It’s all a process, so enjoy the journey. In order for you to efficiently cross that bridge, know where taking things too personally will take you. I can guarantee that that destination won’t be one worth traveling to. So think before you act. And if it still doesn’t make sense, let it go.

Sometimes Letting Go is Necessary

One way to not take things personally is by letting go. It’s not always for you to make sense out of. If it doesn’t resonate with you, why hold on to it? If you were holding a hot container, you would complain about it being hot, or would you let it go? I’m sure you’d do the latter. Just know that the longer you hold on to the pain, the more damage you inflict on yourself.

How Not Taking Things Personally Works

Some will try to bring you down but don’t stoop down to their level. Inflicting pain as a result of feeling it does neither of you any justice. Remain in control and take the high road. When you travel high, you need not worry about anything beneath you. Then again, why should you? You are not only the creator of your story, but you’re also the interpreter of it all.

I know that it can be challenging. Social media doesn’t help make it easier with it being blasted throughout. But don’t forget to remember. When you’re driving, you are in control. And when you are in control, you dictate where you are going and how you are to get there. You are the captain!

Join me for Episode #69 – How to Release the Pressure of External Expectations. The pressures the world presents us all with are real. But it isn’t what we’re served, it’s more about what we do with it that makes all the difference. Let’s not miss this one.