The best decision I ever made as someone in their early (to mid) twenties was to stop caring what other people think. And that’s not to say I’m perfect at it but I try to focus on me and only me. I don’t care if my outfits fit the trends; here at Nexus, I write what I want to write. I take uni papers that I don’t necessarily do well in but I want to take them.
Honestly, this change was a sudden switch. It was like my brain decided to prioritise my own happiness rather than chasing a dopamine hit from fitting in. Not to say I’m a very “out there” person, I’m still naturally introverted and I’d say happen to appear “on trend”. But, the important part is it’s because that’s what I want!
It is hard to not care, I have a tendency to think people are looking at me, laughing at me, talking about me behind my back, however, I’ve made the decision to realise how irrational that is. The thing is, everyone is too focused on themselves to notice you; they’re trying to fit in, seem likeable, impress people – whatever they’re trying to achieve.
Perhaps the mindset isn’t “I don’t care what people think” and more “I put myself first.” I think about my best friend who changed degrees due to talent rather than passion, which I don’t fault especially under circumstances like hers. But, I’m doing a degree which I don’t particularly have the most talent in but I like it, I find it interesting, it’s stimulating, and… who cares if I’m not a “high achiever.”
I don’t know, there is no magic method for prioritising yourself but thinking about what you want rather than what they want or what you should want is a habit that is life changing. Especially as a young adult.
