Do the opinions others have about you matter to you? If we’re really honest with ourselves, we all care what others think about us. This natural human concern can sometimes prevent us from taking actions that might benefit others or ourselves.
I’ve experienced this firsthand in a way that taught me a powerful lesson about vulnerability and impact. A few years ago, I wanted to honor a soccer dad who had thrown me a lifeline when I was unemployed back in 1995. I drafted a LinkedIn post to thank him and share my story publicly.
When Fear Almost Wins
Just before hitting publish, a flood of emotions washed over me. The post was deeply personal. I found myself frozen with my finger hovering over the button, consumed by thoughts about how others would perceive me:
- Would people judge me for having been unemployed?
- Would internet trolls mock my vulnerability?
- Would connections view me differently after reading about my struggles?
These fears nearly stopped me from sharing my story. I was caught in that familiar trap of prioritizing others’ potential opinions over my own purpose.
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Choosing Purpose Over Perception
In that moment, I had to make a choice. What mattered more – protecting myself from possible judgment or potentially helping someone else who might be going through similar struggles?
I realized two things were more important than my fear: honoring the man who had helped me during a difficult time and possibly encouraging someone else who might be unemployed and feeling hopeless.
When we focus more on serving others than on how we’re perceived, we unlock opportunities for meaningful impact.
I took a deep breath and published the post.
The Unexpected Result
What happened next stunned me. My vulnerable story resonated with people in ways I never could have predicted. The post reached 8,300,000 readers. Messages poured in from people sharing their own unemployment stories, thanking me for making them feel less alone.
Had I allowed my fear of others’ opinions to win, this opportunity to connect with and encourage millions would have been completely missed. The soccer dad would never have received his public acknowledgment. And countless people facing similar challenges would have missed a message that gave them hope.
Breaking Free from Opinion Paralysis
This experience taught me that while we naturally care what others think, we can’t let those concerns paralyze us. When we focus too much on potential judgment, we:
- Hesitate to share our authentic stories
- Miss opportunities to help others
- Limit our own growth and impact
I now recognize this as a key principle in overcoming impostor syndrome. In fact, this concept became weapon number four in my book, “Silence the Impostor.”
The next time you find yourself hesitating to take action because of what others might think, ask yourself: What matters more – protecting my image or serving my purpose?
Your story, your vulnerability, and your willingness to share might be exactly what someone else needs. Don’t let concern about others’ opinions rob both you and them of that gift.
Remember that the most meaningful impact often comes when we’re willing to set aside our fear of judgment and focus instead on how we might help someone else. That’s when our authentic voice can truly make a difference.
