Picture Source : Freepik
Edited By : OMNINSPIRE
In a world where social approval often dictates our choices and actions, the pervasive mindset of “What Would People Say” (WWPS) has become deeply ingrained in our collective psyche. This mentality, driven by a fear of judgment and a desire for acceptance, can significantly impact our well-being and hinder our personal growth. However, by understanding the psychological and sociological roots of WWPS and implementing effective strategies, we can liberate ourselves from its grip and lead more authentic and fulfilling lives.
Psychological Roots of “What Would People Say”:
- Social Comparison Theory: Proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger, this theory suggests that individuals evaluate themselves by comparing their abilities and opinions to others. This comparison, often upward, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the need for external validation. Constant exposure to curated social media feeds exacerbates this phenomenon, as individuals compare their behind-the-scenes to others’ highlight reels.
- Fear of Rejection and Social Exclusion: Humans naturally seek acceptance and belonging within social groups, fearing rejection or exclusion. This fear drives individuals to conform to societal norms and seek external validation to alleviate anxiety. Rejection-sensitive individuals may go to great lengths to avoid disapproval, sacrificing their authenticity in the process.
- Self-Esteem and Self-Worth Issues: Individuals with low self-esteem rely on external validation for self-worth, perpetuating the cycle of WWPS as they seek approval from others to validate their sense of worth. This dependency on external validation can lead to chronic feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, making it difficult for individuals to assert themselves authentically.
Sociological Roots of “What Would People Say”:
- Cultural Norms and Societal Expectations: Cultural norms and societal expectations dictate acceptable behavior, pressuring individuals to conform even if it contradicts their own values or desires. These norms are often deeply ingrained and reinforced by institutions and social structures, making it challenging for individuals to deviate from the status quo without facing judgment or backlash.
- Family and Peer Influence: Messages from caregivers and peers significantly shape individuals’ beliefs and behaviors, reinforcing the pressure to conform to societal expectations and avoid social rejection. Family dynamics and peer relationships during formative years can heavily influence individuals’ perceptions of themselves and their place in society, shaping their willingness to conform to external expectations.
- Media and Societal Portrayal of Success and Acceptance: The media’s portrayal of idealized standards of success and beauty creates unrealistic expectations, fostering feelings of inadequacy among those who don’t conform. Additionally, the media perpetuates stereotypes and biases, increasing pressure to conform to narrow societal norms. From airbrushed models to portrayals of success that emphasize material wealth, the media often presents an unattainable ideal that leaves many feeling inadequate and unworthy.
Strategies for Overcoming “What Would People Say”
#1. Cultivating Self-Awareness
- Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help individuals become more present and aware of their thoughts and emotions. By observing their inner dialogue without judgment, individuals can identify patterns of self-doubt and insecurity that contribute to WWPS.
- Reflective Journaling: Keeping a journal allows individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space. Writing about experiences of WWPS and reflecting on underlying fears and motivations can provide insight into patterns of behavior and facilitate self-discovery.
- Therapy and Counseling: Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support and guidance in overcoming WWPS. Through therapy, individuals can explore underlying issues contributing to low self-esteem and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety and self-doubt.
#2. Redefining Success and Happiness
- Clarifying Personal Values and Priorities: Taking time to reflect on what truly matters to them allows individuals to align their actions with their core values and priorities. By defining success and happiness on their own terms, individuals can resist the pressure to conform to societal expectations and pursue paths that are authentic and meaningful to them.
- Setting Authentic Goals: Rather than chasing external markers of success, such as wealth or status, individuals can set goals that reflect their intrinsic values and aspirations. By focusing on personal growth and fulfillment rather than external validation, individuals can cultivate a sense of purpose and direction that is immune to the opinions of others.
- Embracing Failure and Learning from Setbacks: Failure is an inevitable part of life, but it does not define one’s worth or potential. By reframing failure as a learning opportunity and embracing setbacks as stepping stones to growth, individuals can develop resilience and confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.
#3. Building Supportive Relationships
- Surrounding Oneself with Positive Influences: Cultivating a supportive social network of friends, family, and mentors who accept and encourage them unconditionally can provide a valuable buffer against the pressures of WWPS. Spending time with individuals who uplift and empower them reinforces their sense of self-worth and strengthens their resilience in the face of judgment.
- Communicating Openly and Honestly: Open and honest communication is essential for building trust and intimacy in relationships. By expressing their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities authentically, individuals can cultivate deeper connections with others based on mutual understanding and acceptance.
- Seeking Guidance from Mentors and Role Models: Seeking guidance from mentors and role models who have navigated similar challenges can provide valuable perspective and support in overcoming WWPS. Learning from the experiences of others who have embraced their authenticity and achieved success on their own terms can inspire individuals to do the same.
#4. Practicing Self-Compassion
- Challenging Negative Self-Talk: Negative self-talk can erode self-esteem and perpetuate feelings of inadequacy. By challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with self-compassion affirmations, individuals can cultivate a more positive and nurturing inner dialogue.
- Celebrating Strengths and Achievements: Focusing on their strengths and celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, allows individuals to acknowledge their worth and value. By recognizing and affirming their accomplishments, individuals can bolster their self-confidence and reinforce their sense of self-worth.
- Forgiving Oneself for Mistakes and Imperfections: Nobody is perfect, and making mistakes is an inevitable part of the human experience. Practicing self-forgiveness allows individuals to release feelings of guilt and shame associated with past mistakes and embrace their inherent worthiness. By treating themselves with kindness and understanding, individuals can cultivate a sense of self-compassion that transcends external validation.
Yes, It hurts. You want to yell at the top of your lungs. But you cannot give an explanation or fight with all of them. Regardless of what you do, how you behave or how far you will go to appease everyone, People will always have something negative to comment on. The only thing you can control here is your reaction to such situations and remarks. And, Yeah it’s the most irritating suggestion but we all know this is the only solution there is. So try and implement the above four approaches to overcome the fear of “What Would People Say.”
