How letting go of what others think can change your life
BY Elle Peter ★ November 1st, 2026
Photo Credit: Claire Chow
People's opinions and perceptions can influence us more than we realize. Feeling the weight of what others think can start with something as simple as changing your outfit before you go out because you're afraid to be judged. It can look like being afraid to put stickers on your computer because you think others might not like them. It can evolve into acting differently or hiding your real personality to “fit in.” Before you know it, what other people think can define almost every aspect of your life.
I recently caught myself slipping into this habit, debating whether to post something on Instagram because I worried people might see me as weird or might not understand me. This way of thinking can be exhausting, and it's easy to waste time limiting yourself out of fear of how others could perceive you. What has helped me break out of this mindset is asking myself: What is the point of living for other people? In other words, why should I, or anyone else, spend time trying to please people I might not even know?
Breaking this cycle is easier said than done, and it won't happen overnight. Not living for other people is a skill that requires frequent practice, but is absolutely worth developing if you want to live authentically as you. It can be overwhelming to know where to start in the process of freeing yourself from others' opinions, but try to begin with these two steps:
Step One: Acceptance. Reflect on parts of your life that have become controlled by other people's opinions. Ask: Do you second-guess yourself when you're doing something you genuinely enjoy because you're afraid of being judged? Do you shut yourself down before trying something new?
Step Two: Letting Go. It's normal to care about how others perceive us, but there's a difference between considering people's opinions and letting them dictate our lives. Remember, everyone feels self-conscious, and you are not alone in your insecurities. Holding yourself back to please others doesn't benefit you and only limits how you can express yourself.
Your approval is the only one that matters, and adopting this mindset can help you come one step closer to living unapologetically as yourself.
Edited by Keira Miller