How to stop caring about what other people think
Whether you like it or not, other people will form opinions of you. And you cannot control those opinions. When you’re on stage, in the office, on LinkedIn or minding your own business in a grocery store, people will judge. Changing how you behave in the hope that people will see you favourably is a waste of your energy. Be conscientious and helpful, of course, but don’t forget who you are because you’re trying to impress someone who may be indifferent. There is another way.
If people-pleasing, overthinking or being too self conscious are things you struggle with, try these ChatGPT prompts out for size. Copy, paste and edit the square brackets in ChatGPT, and keep the same chat window open so the context carries through.
Free yourself from obsessing over what other people think. Do right by your standards only.
How to stop caring about what other people think
Stop judging other people
To stop caring so much about what other people think, stop caring so much about what other people do. The less weight you put on judgment, the less other people’s judgments of you matter. Let others get on with their lives and get on with yours. Use this prompt to find where you’ve been needlessly judgmental, and swap the practices out for ones that will better serve you.
“I find myself judging people when I’m [describe situations where you judge other people] and I want to do this less. Can you suggest how I can spend less time judging other people and what I could do instead, in the situations outlined.”
Focus on what you can control
Inputs don’t equal outputs. You can be working around the clock, with intense focus, crafting your art to the best of your ability, and your audience might hate it as soon as it’s released. You could spend hours finding the perfect gift for someone you love only for them to not care. No matter how much time or effort you have put into something, you cannot control how others will react. Differentiate between what’s in and out of your control and focus only on the former.
“I recognize that I often stress over the reactions and outcomes that are beyond my control, especially in situations like [describe specific situations where you’ve focused on outputs]. How can I better differentiate between what’s within my control and what’s not, and channel my energy towards the aspects I can influence?”
Understand the benefits
The happiest people around are not paralyzed by the fear of what people might think of them. They’re barrelling forward with intention and enthusiasm, paving the way without a care in the world. Not getting bogged down in those “what ifs” translates to mental and physical health benefits. Less stress, more sleep, fewer anxious moments fretting the small stuff. Get ChatGPT’s help picturing what your life could look like with less worry.
“I want to experience the mental and physical health benefits of worrying less about others’ opinions. Specifically, in situations like [describe a specific time when you were overly concerned about what others think], I find myself getting bogged down. Can you help me visualize the positive changes and advantages in my daily life, business, and well-being of not caring about such external judgments?”
Transform the negative
Weird, obsessed, quirky, intense, geeky. Those are words you will be called if you’re on the right track. But when they’re framed in negative ways, it’s easy to play them down. To shy away from your true self and mask your powers to please those watching. Lean in to your extreme behaviours, not away from them. Think of all those names you’ve ever been called and get ChatGPT’s assessment on why they are favourable. Let mean jibes sent your way slide right off you, and go about your mission without being held back.
“In my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve been labeled as [list specific words or phrases others have used to describe you in a potentially negative light]. Instead of seeing these terms as setbacks, I’d like to reframe them. Can you provide an assessment on why these descriptors are actually favorable and how I can harness their positive aspects to further my mission?”
Remember your why
You are here for a specific reason and not everyone understands. And why would they? They can’t picture the future you can see in vivid detail. They don’t know what you are capable of. They can’t conceive of the drive and ambition you’ll unleash on the world. When you remember your why, you put zero weight on the opinions of others. You don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep, you rest in quiet confidence of what’s about to happen.
“During times when I feel weighed down by others’ opinions, I want to reconnect with my purpose. (1) Can you start by asking me a series of questions about why I do what I do? (2) Based on my answers, help me articulate and reinforce my understanding of my ‘why’. (3) Finally, guide me in understanding why this mission is bigger than any fleeting opinions of other people.”
ChatGPT prompts to stop caring about what other people think
Find perspective and protect your energy with these five simple prompts. With the help of ChatGPT, you can practice being judgment-free, focus only on what you can control, and understand the benefits of not caring about what other people think. Transform the names you’ve been called into reminders of your powers and remember your why to rise above every inconsequential opinion that may or may not be forming around you. Stop caring about what other people think and be free forever.
