Voices inside your head: How to stop worrying about what others think

Imagine a typical Sunday morning at your local church. 

You are dressed in your finest attire, feeling a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as you enter the sanctuary. 

As you take your seat among the congregation, you cannot help but notice the eyes of your fellow parishioners. You also feel their whispers and the subtle nods of approval or disapproval. 

It is a familiar scenario for many Christian believers - the persistent concern about what others think. Those inner voices that scrutinize your every action, from the way you worship to the way you live your life, can be deafening. 

In this article, we will explore practical strategies to silence those voices and find a renewed sense of inner peace and confidence in your faith journey.

Why do we worry about what others think

You care about what others think because you are, at your core, a social being. This intrinsic aspect of your nature drives you to seek acceptance and belonging within your social group, just as your ancestors did. 

Your desire for the approval of others is a survival mechanism. It has been woven into the fabric of human existence for generations. 

That being said, it is natural and healthy to want to align yourself with the social order, behaving in ways that foster strong relationships with your peers.

Social media platforms, like Facebook, have only amplified this need for approval. These platforms often serve as stages where you perform for an audience eager to listen and respond. 

You consciously select photos, craft expressive statuses, and write sentiments on walls. You do all these in a bid to garner attention and present yourself in a specific light. 

However, there is a tipping point where caring too much about what others think can become detrimental to your well-being. It is vital for your mental health to tread carefully and not compromise your principles, core traits, or beliefs just to fit in.

Distraction from God-given purpose

When you spend too much time worrying about what others think, it can steer you away from the special purpose God has for you. It is like getting sidetracked from your main path. 

Although the enemy cannot put out the light of Christ inside you, they can make you want to hide it. Remember, trying too hard to get people to like you takes up a lot of your energy and time.

How to stop worrying

Protect your well-being and remain focused on the purpose God has called you to do. Take steps to stop worrying through the following.

Bring your attention to God, not the people around you

Direct your focus towards God, not the people around you. 

When you shift your attention to God, you are placing Him at the center of your thoughts and concerns. This is instead of constantly worrying about what others think or say about you. This can bring a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God's approval and guidance are what truly matter. 

Humble yourself

To humble yourself means recognizing your limitations and imperfections without thinking too highly of yourself. It is about acknowledging that you, like everyone else, make mistakes and have room to grow. 

Moreover, when you practice humility, you let go of the need to constantly prove yourself or be perfect in the eyes of others. This can ease your worries because you are no longer burdened by the fear of judgment or the pressure to always measure up. 

Instead, you embrace a more grounded and authentic sense of self. This can bring peace and freedom from unnecessary anxiety.

Avoid comparison

Avoiding comparison means not constantly measuring yourself against others. It is important to remember that each person is unique, with their strengths and weaknesses. 

When you compare yourself to others, it often leads to unnecessary worry and insecurity. Instead, focus on your journey and progress. 

By doing so, you can free yourself from the anxiety that comes from trying to match someone else's life, achievements, or appearance. 

Express gratitude for the compliments you receive

Show appreciation when others say something positive about you. Instead of brushing off compliments or doubting their sincerity, take a moment to genuinely thank the person who complimented you. This simple act can help reduce worry because it shifts your focus from self-doubt to appreciation for the kindness and recognition of others. 

Set boundaries, learn to say no

Setting boundaries means establishing clear limits on what you can and cannot do. When you learn to say no when necessary, you avoid overcommitting yourself and feeling overwhelmed. This helps reduce worry because you are not constantly taking on more than you can handle. 

By setting boundaries and saying no when needed, you protect your time and energy. This allows you to focus on what truly matters and alleviates the stress that often comes with overextending yourself.

Feel secure in God

Feeling secure in God means trusting in His love, care, and guidance. When you have faith in God, you find a sense of safety and assurance that can lessen worry. 

Knowing that God is with you and watching over you provides comfort and peace, reducing anxiety about what others think or the challenges you face. 

It is about recognizing that you are not alone and that God's presence brings security and strength, helping you face life's uncertainties with greater confidence and less worry.

Know it is okay to be different

Understand that it is perfectly acceptable to be unique and not exactly like everyone else. Embrace your individuality and recognize that God created you with your special qualities and characteristics. 

When you accept this, you can stop worrying about fitting in or conforming to others' expectations, finding peace in being yourself.

Do not worship your reputation

Avoid placing excessive importance on how others perceive you or your public image. When you prioritize your reputation above all else, it can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Instead, focus on your values, character, and the way you treat others. 

By doing so, you can maintain authenticity and stop worrying about maintaining a certain image.

Believe that God will lead you to the best

Have faith that God has a plan for your life and that He will guide you toward the best outcomes. 

When you trust in God's providence, you can let go of negative assumptions and stop worrying about the worst-case scenarios. This belief in God's guidance can bring a sense of peace and optimism to your life.

Learn contentment

Find satisfaction and happiness with what you have in the present moment, rather than constantly striving for more. This can reduce worry related to material desires and unmet expectations. 

It is about appreciating the blessings in your life and finding joy in the present, leading to a more peaceful and worry-free mindset.

Replace worry with confidence

Instead of drowning yourself in worry, choose to replace that emotion with confidence in God's guidance. Believe that God will lead you to what is best for your life. 

Moreover, remember, what others think of you should not be your primary concern. As long as you are doing God's work to please Him, not yourself, and certainly not the crowd on Earth, you are on the right path. 

Trust in God's plan and let go of the need for constant approval from others. 

Your faith in Him will bring you peace and assurance, allowing you to focus on your divine purpose without the weight of unnecessary worry.

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