How can you stop taking things personally? We’ve all been in situations where someone makes remarks and we automatically take it personally. Taking things personally can be emotionally draining and mentally exhausting. We can spend hours, days, weeks thinking about one remark someone said. Criticism is however a part of life, so how can you learn from criticism without taking things personally? Here are ways to stop taking things personally:
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Stop Worrying About What Other People Think
If you’re wondering how to stop taking things personally, you probably worry a lot about what other people think. Once you stop worrying about what other people think of you, it becomes easier to stop taking things personally. We have been conditioned into thinking that we need to fit in and to be accepted by others. What matters is what you think about yourself. It’s not your business what people think of you because that’s their opinion. You can’t control what other people think of you and believe me not everyone will like you. If you learn to put yourself first, accept yourself you attract the right people in your life. You also have a sense of worthiness when you accept yourself, you will start to care less what people think of you.
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Know Your Worth
Know your worth and then add tax. This is very important because if you know your worth, you know you’re enough just as you are. Knowing your worth will make sure you stop taking things personally. You don’t let your weaknesses define you despite someone pointing them out. If you know your worth you know what’s worth your reaction and time and what isn’t.
When They Go Low We Go High
When someone insults you or is disrespectful, do not give them power by responding negatively or insulting them. Don’t stoop to their level, take the high road. Allowing petty statements to affect you only allows them to control your emotions and that is giving away too much of your power. Try breathing exercises when you get insulted or simply deny them the power 0f letting them affect your mood. When they go low, we go high!
The Source
Before taking anything personally, consider the source, is it family? is it someone you respect? Or is it even someone you know? Considering the source is very important as it will determine your reaction and the intensity of the comment. You can’t go chasing after every dog that barks your way. Don’t let a comment from someone you don’t even know affect you in any way.
Lions don’t lose focus over the opinion of sheep
Confidence
Confidence acts as a shield between you and the ill comments people make about you. Work on improving your confidence because the higher your confidence the less people’s opinions will affect you. It becomes easier for you to stop taking things personally because you’re confident about yourself and what you bring to the table.
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Let Things Go
If a person makes a negative statement about you, you need to learn how to let things go. At times the remarks may affect u more than we let on however, you should let go because holding on to such remarks can lower your self-esteem, be emotionally and mentally draining. Learn how to let things go and do things that make you happy.
Know what triggers you
We take things personally because we’re all too aware of our weaknesses so when someone makes remarks about them we’re instantly triggered. Search yourself and find out what triggers you. Find out what you’re sensitive about and start working on how you’ll react or not react when someone mentions them.
Stay Focused
When you stay focused on your goals and on things that make your soul shine you won’t have time to take things personally. Spend time with friends and family who make you happy. Focus on achieving your goals and growing as a person. This way you’ll be too preoccupied to think about who said what when. You will have more productive things to do with your time.
It’s not about you
Some people are generally negative people, so when they make comments about you, it might not even be about you anyway. Understand the intention of the source making remarks about you, if it’s not positive criticism then don’t take it personally. Don’t project your insecurities by taking it personally or making ill comments about them as well. It might be the anger they have, bad vibes or they’re just not a nice person. It might not be easy to always understand things from another person’s outlook but it goes a long way.
Speak Up
If the ill comments and negative comments become too much or something hits the wrong nerve. You might want to speak up and mention it. Opening up and saying what you feel might be a relief as opposed to you not mentioning it. It also reduces the chances that they will continue making remarks about you.
Here is a ted talk that emphasizes on how not to take things personally
