Growing up, my parents used to tell me not to disclose too much about my life. They used to say, “Keep things private. Don’t give people a reason to talk.”

For a really long time, I followed my parents’ advice. I followed it because I was afraid of others talking about me and judging me. I didn’t want people to think of me in a bad way. I wanted them to think nothing but great things.

But living my life constantly worrying about what others thought was exhausting. So one day, I decided it was enough.

You have no responsibility to live up to what other people think you ought to accomplish. I have no responsibility to be like they expect me to be. It’s their mistake, not my failing. – Richard P. Feynman

A few years have passed and I can proudly say that I was able to completely transform myself. I’ve finally stopped caring what other people think of me. I’m no longer afraid of sharing my life, my stories, my successes and struggles.

Being able to be open about my life and not fear criticism is an absolute feeling of freedom. But getting to this point wasn’t easy. It was a tough mental battle with myself. And the only reason why I was able to win this fight was because I finally understood how detrimental caring what people thought of me was for my overall health.

So if you feel like you are in the same boat I was a few years ago, here are the five things you should always remember to help you finally stop worrying about others, and start living for yourself.

1. It’s impossible to please everyone

Unless you’re Mother Teresa, there will always be someone who’s going to talk behind your back and judge you. There are over 7 billion people living on this planet; it would be a miracle if everyone approved of you. The only person you should be most concerned about pleasing is yourself.

You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be somebody who hates peaches. – Dita Von Teese

2. It’s an unnecessary stress

Constantly worrying about what other people think of you or your actions causes nothing but mental and emotional stress. There are plenty of other things you need to be worrying about, and this isn’t one of them. Don’t let others control you. Remember, you only have one life to live, so make it a good one.

3. It will sabotage your plans and progress

When you embark on personal projects, the only thing you should be concerned about is you. You should always block out the outside noise and focus on your self-development. If you don’t, you’ll never move forward. Always make yourself a priority.

4. It’s all about you

At the end of the day, the only thing that should be of importance is you and your feelings. Ask yourself questions such as: Am I happy in life? Am I happy with my achievements? Am I becoming a better and stronger person? If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions then nothing else should matter.

5. Those who judge you don’t matter

Have you heard of the saying “Lions don’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep?” Well, that’s exactly how you should be living your life. Remember, you’re the lion and those who judge are the sheep. The people who love and support you will never talk negatively behind your back. These are the people who are important.

Before I end this article, there’s one more thing you should keep in mind. It’s human nature to judge others. So if ever you catch yourself doing it as well, please stop. Let’s all just focus on being the best versions of ourselves and let others do their own thing.