050- Why Do We Care What Others Think?

Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. If you click them, I may earn a small commission. It does not cost you anything extra, but this commission helps cover the cost of running this website.

This is blog post #50! That's pretty crazy. I'm very appreciative of anyone that reads what I write, and further, those that comment on my posts. Every time I write something, it's hard not to think to myself, is anyone really reading this? And then imposter syndrome kicks in.

Do you catch yourself wondering why on earth you care so much about what others think of you? Yeah, me too. Humans are social creatures. From the moment we're born, we're surrounded by others, and our survival often depends on being accepted by our "tribe." Fast forward to the 21st century, and while we're no longer running from predators, the need for social validation remains.

First off, there's the fear of judgment. Nobody likes feeling like the odd one out, and we're hardwired to seek approval to avoid being an outcast. Are our brains stuck in caveman mode, constantly scanning for signs that we're part of the pack? Sure seems like it.

Then there's the whole self-esteem thing. Positive feedback and approval act as a boost to our confidence. It's like getting a thumbs up from the universe, validating that we're on the right track. We can all say that we don't care about external validation, but come on, it's hard not to care. On the flip side, criticism can feel like a gut punch, and no one likes that.

Social media certainly hasn't helped matters. In the age of likes, shares, followers, and comments, our online presence often becomes a place where we determine our self-worth. The more applause we get, the better we feel. It's a digital popularity contest, and we're all contenders. Caring about what others think can also be a force for good. It keeps us in check, encouraging us to be considerate and respectful members of society. Golden rule, anyone?

Like I wrote about above, imposter syndrome is a tough one to work through. Sometimes I think about throwing in the towel on this blog because I don't have XX number of readers or email subscribers. Most of the time, I don't get any comments or feedback on my posts. I love sharing stories, quotes, books, and other self-improvement things with anyone that might read this. This quote puts it pretty perfectly.

In the end, it's about finding that delicate balance between authenticity and fitting in. So, the next time you catch yourself wondering if your coworker liked your latest Instagram post, remember – it's just our evolutionary programming at work. Embrace the social dance, but don't forget to dance to your own beat too. Remember that you are loved, and go Make Yourself Proud!