Other people’s opinions can not only influence our actions but also deprive us of self-confidence. This is especially true in a world where public judgment is easily spread through social media, forums, work chats, and even casual conversations on the street. We become used to checking others’ reactions before making decisions — from choosing clothes to changing professions. Yet inner freedom begins with the ability to separate others’ expectations from our own desires.
Why We Depend on the Opinions of Others
Dependence on external approval forms in childhood. At school, we are taught to be “good,” follow rules, and seek approval. With age, this tendency becomes ingrained: we fear disappointing loved ones, not meeting professional standards, being misunderstood. Given that the media space is flooded with success stories, reviews, likes, and comparisons, it’s easy to feel pressured — especially if your life doesn’t fit into an “ideal” template.
In Slovenia, as in many other European countries, this sense of dependence is exacerbated by the fast pace of life and high levels of competition. Even relaxation — whether it’s yoga, reading, or participating in online entertainment like playing games at an online casino — can be criticized as time that could have been spent “more productively.” A constant internal dialogue with invisible judges prevents us from listening to ourselves and making decisions in harmony with our real needs.
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The Path to Confidence: From Awareness to Action
The first step is acknowledging your dependence. This is not a weakness, but a point of support from which you can move forward. When you realize that you don’t trust yourself, it becomes easier to identify situations where the fear of judgment is especially strong. Perhaps you’re afraid to speak up at meetings or are delaying launching your own project because someone might disapprove. Recognize this and allow yourself to feel doubt — but don’t let it control you.
The next important step is developing internal grounding. This is built through simple but regular actions: learning to say “no,” making choices based on your own values, keeping a self-reflection journal. Instead of asking friends or colleagues, “Am I doing the right thing?” try asking yourself, “What do I really want?” In that moment, you shift your focus inward and stop looking for external validation.
Building confidence takes patience. One effective method is gradually expanding your comfort zone. This can be anything: walking alone, joining a discussion, experimenting with your appearance. The key is not to rush and to view each step as a small victory. Over time, you will notice that others’ opinions don’t affect you as much as they used to.
How to Stay on Track and Maintain Independence
The road to inner freedom is rarely straightforward. There will always be people whose words hurt, and situations that revive the fear of being misunderstood. But if you have an internal compass — your values, interests, and goals — you’ll return to yourself even after moments of doubt.
A helpful tool is information hygiene. Try to limit sources that evoke guilt or shame. Subscribe to content that inspires instead of prompting comparison. This applies to social networks, media, and even conversations. Surrounding yourself with what helps you grow — instead of imposing others’ standards — is essential.
Finally, remember that confidence is not about bold statements or defying society. It’s a quiet sense of internal agreement with yourself. It’s when you can gracefully admit a mistake, calmly decline what doesn’t suit you, and choose the path that is truly yours. And even if someone doesn’t understand — that doesn’t make your choice any less meaningful.
People in Slovenia, like those in many countries, often strive for harmony and quality of life. In this pursuit, it’s especially important not to conform to external expectations, but to find your own forms of rest, work, and development. Some find relaxation in the mountains or by the sea, others prefer intellectual games, and some enjoy digital leisure, including online casinos. What matters most is doing it not for approval, but because it brings you joy and suits who you are.
Living in Harmony with Yourself
To stop depending on others’ opinions does not mean becoming indifferent to those around you. It means respecting others, but not placing their judgment above your own. This is a path to maturity, which includes space for doubt, discovery, and self-acceptance. Confidence is not born when everyone supports you — it’s born when you know what you stand for, even if you stand alone.