FOPO - Fear Of People's Opinions

Let’s touch on FOPO—fear of other people's opinions, a concept I just discovered through a blog by Kaitlin Henze . It resonated deeply with me, especially since it ties back to our basic human need to be accepted, a trait rooted in our hunter-gatherer days. Kaitlin discusses how FOPO can limit us by making us overly concerned with others’ thoughts at the expense of listening to our own intuition. This often breeds insecurity and doubt, which can hold us back significantly.

Reflecting on this, I recall a pivotal moment in my life about a decade ago. Post-Guantanamo Bay and in the midst of personal turmoil, I came across a Les Brown video that changed my outlook: "People’s opinions of you are none of your business." This mantra has guided me ever since, helping me focus on being unique and contributing my unique qualities to the world.

Read the rest here.