Written by Sharee Shefket, Mindset Results Coach
Sharee is a highly experienced counsellor, hypnotherapist, and international best-selling author with over 20 years of experience working in mental health. She is also a results life coach, registered BWRT and Psych-K Practitioner, business owner, and Entrepreneur.
In today’s world, where everyone eagerly shares their personal opinions and demands, the ability to care less may seem more difficult than ever. However, letting go of other people’s expectations and their personal beliefs about you will allow you to live more authentically. Here are seven powerful steps to help you focus on what truly matters and live your best life unapologetically.
1. Identify your core values
It all starts with knowing what you value. Consider your values; what are you all about? Health, family, career, travel, what is it? When you clarify these values, you can filter distractions and spend your time and energy on what serves you best. And you must not allow the values of other people to influence your own.
2. Live freely by setting constraints and saying no
Perhaps the most freeing element of giving less of a f*ck is learning how to say no. Sometimes, that is not the most popular thing to do, but it is necessary in order to stay sane. Obsessive family members, demanding workplaces, or toxic relationships can sap your time and kill your peace of mind. Boundaries are essential. When you say no to things that don’t feel good, you make room for the opportunities that do resonate with your authentic self. The ones who actually care about you will understand.
3. Practice mindfulness like a monk
Mindfulness is the act of watching your thoughts and feelings nonjudgmentally. When you develop a mindful mentality, you can evaluate what your time and energy are worth and the things that aren't. This practice supports your ability to discard anything that is not serving you while prioritizing what is. Mindfulness is putting a filter on all the toxic noise that’s taking up real estate in your head.
4. Choose who you spend time with wisely
Who you surround yourself with greatly impacts your psychology and overall disposition. Look for people who uplift and empower you and whose values align with yours. Cut loose relationships that drag you down or make you feel not enough. Because, sure, it’s hard to care less about what people are going to think, but gravitate toward the people who are nonjudgmental and can give you support when needed.
5. Reflect on impermanence
Everything in life is temporary: the good, the bad, people, moments, and experiences. Practicing detachment in life leads to acceptance and allows you to let go of wanting things to unfold exactly how you want. Realize that everyone is on their own path. Control is a myth. So, let go of expectations. You can only control the way you respond to situations.
6. Focus on your goals
If you pursue your passions and set individual goals, you’ll find the most contentment. So when you define your goals, you should ask yourself some critical questions: What will this goal help me achieve? What makes achieving this goal important to me? It also weaves your intentions into what you TRULY desire, not what you think you should want, because the most fulfilling things come from within, not from a need for other people's validation. Mastering your own internal validation by achieving your own personal goals will fuel more passion when achieved.
7. Embrace discomfort and failure
Discomfort is a natural part of growth. Instead of pulling yourself away from situations that challenge you due to fear of failure or rejection, view these experiences as valuable opportunities for development. Embracing a little discomfort allows you to learn and progress, regardless of how small those steps may seem. Sometimes, lessons are gifts in disguise.
Conclusion
Learning how to take ownership of your time, energy, and authenticity means stopping being reckless and mastering the art of not giving a fck. Decide who you want to be, create personal boundaries, be okay with being uncomfortable, and make sure the people you surround yourself with are positive influences. It allows you to take back your power and live your life how you want, not in a way that no longer serves you. And most importantly, do you really give a f*ck what other people think of you?
Please be mindful that if you’re feeling pressure from people around you or have identified that you are always people-pleasing, then speaking to a qualified therapist can help.
Read more from Sharee Shefket
Sharee Shefket, Mindset Results Coach
Sharee is a remarkable leader in the mental health field, boasting over 20 years of extensive experience as a counsellor, hypnotherapist, successful entrepreneur, international best-selling author. She is not just a professional; she’s a catalyst for change, dedicated to helping individuals discover their purpose and live their most fulfilling lives.
