A few weeks ago, there was an Everyday Style Guide podcast episode titled “How to Trust your Gut When it Comes to Style” that really connected with me. I appreciated the literal message that Jennifer provided and saw how this concept could be applied to other areas of our lives.
The episode suggested we consider the worst thing that would happen if we “wore the wrong thing”.
We might feel self-conscious or uncomfortable.
We might choose not to wear the outfit again.
However, her point was that feeling uncomfortable for a few hours is inconsequential in the bigger picture. The suggestion she provided when it comes to being concerned about what other people will think is to ask two questions:
- What people? Who are you concerned about – family, co-workers, manager, or someone else?
- Who cares? If any of those people don’t agree with the choice? Does it matter? What is the worst that will happen if they don’t like it?
My Story
If you are looking for the poster child of stressing over clothing, look no further. I tend to overthink what to wear in nearly every occasion – work, lunch with a friend, a family holiday, a presentation….the list goes on and on.
These two questions put the choices in a very different perspective. Proactively thinking about my concerns and determining why they matter can adds confidence to the choices I make.
My Perspective – From Clothes to Life
I wonder if we could take this perspective into other areas of our life that we are self-conscious about?
Do we hold back on our thinking and ideas because we don’t want to feel uncomfortable?
What if we could get over the fears of putting our perspectives out there?
There are likely many areas of our lives that the question “what will _____ think?” runs through our minds. Some examples might include the way we decorate our homes, a presentation for work, what treats to take to a child’s Halloween party at school, or sharing ideas in a brainstorming session.
How might we approach these situations with more confidence by asking the two questions.
What people?
Who cares?
Your Turn
What areas of your life do you worry about what others think?
Do you think these questions could help you be less self-conscious?
How might you react to others knowing they likely have the same questions running in their minds?