Who you are is not defined by others’ approval. Your thoughts, feelings, actions, and passions are the essence of your identity. Focus on these attributes and not on the sum of external opinions.
Who You Are
Who you are is composed of:
- What you think: Your beliefs and ideas shape your worldview.
- What you feel: Your emotions give depth to your experiences.
- What you do: Your actions define your impact on the world.
- What you love: Your passions and interests fuel your motivation.
What others think of you is not part of who you are.
External Validation
It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.
– Marcus Aurelius
We innately love ourselves more than others, yet we place disproportionate weight on their opinions. This discrepancy often leads us to undervalue our intrinsic worth, forgetting that our value is not bestowed upon us by others but is inherently within us.
Your worth is not a reflection of how others perceive you. Your actions, thoughts, and passions define it. When prioritising external validation, you give away your power and allow others to dictate your self-worth. This leads to a constant state of anxiety and dissatisfaction, as you can never control others’ opinions or reactions.
It is about You and How to Show Up
Your appearance and who you are, whether adorned with tattoos, dressed in hoodies or wearing a sharp suit, are personal expressions. They reflect your individuality and confidence. Own it. Do not shy away from being yourself, even if it means not everyone will like you.
The right people will appreciate you for who you are.
