How To Free Yourself From Fear of Judgement

It’s a fact that at some point in our lives we are going to be judged for something. We are all open to being negatively affected by something that someone else says or does. It can be hurtful, making us feel vulnerable and paranoid about being judged again in the future. The fear of judgement that develops can have an impact on all areas of life if it’s not dealt with or overcome before it progresses. As we go through life, that fear of being judged can affect our relationships, friendships, jobs, social scenarios and even the ability to look after ourselves.

Here are some tried and tested methods to overcome a fear of being judged. 

• Be aware of your inner voice. We all have different parts of ourselves. There may be a positive part of you that encourages and supports you to be the best version of yourself in all areas of your life. But then there may be a negative, more sinister, self-defeating part of you that talks you down, tells you you’re not good enough and that people are going to judge you. It’s important to recognise the different parts of yourself and call that inner critic out for what it is. You have the power within you to control your thoughts and beliefs.

• Acknowledge your strengths and understand your limits. If you have an awareness of the things you are good at and know what your strengths are, this will help you to understand what your limitations are. We all have strengths and limitations, and everyone’s are different. What’s key here is being confident in your abilities and owning your limitations. That way, there is nothing that anybody can say or do to make your feel judged, even if that’s what they try to do. Be proud of your attributes, your achievements and your strengths. Accept your limitations and know that they don’t define you. Then the impact of people’s judgements will soon lessen until they no longer affect you at all.

• Notice your own judgements. I’m sure that everyone is guilty of making a judgement about someone or something at some point. We’re only human. However, judging others only makes you the same as the person judging you. They too may have a fear of being judged. They may feel exactly as you do. It’s important to be mindful of the judgements swirling around your head. There may be a reason why someone behaves in the way they do. It doesn’t really warrant a judgement being made. By reducing the judgements you make, you’ll be able to care less about the judgements people may make about you.

• Accept that everyone is judged at some point. It’s a fact of life and something we can’t avoid. However, we do have control over how we respond to judgement. By practicing all of the tips detailed here, you’ll build your personal resilience until you reach a point when you are no longer affected by what other people say or do. Those judgemental looks will wash over you, no longer penetrating your psyche. There will always be people who judge others. There will always be someone who judges you. Let them get on with it, knowing that it says more about them than it does about you.

• Prioritise your wellbeing. You are the most important thing in your life, so it’s essential that you take care of yourself. You could invest in your personal growth and wellbeing by taking up a new hobby, developing a skill or building a new one, living life in a healthy way by eating well and exercising, reading a book, journaling, or pampering yourself. If you feel bogged down with life and the fear of judgement is too strong, then don’t be afraid to seek help. Counselling and hypnotherapy could help you, and there’s no shame in admitting you need therapeutic assistance.