Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums

peterpan · 04-15-2009, 10:31 AM

Hi guys,
I was wondering if I could get some help in overcoming gullibility & self-consciousness. From a young age I have been easily influenced by other and their opinion specially my parents. Even when I set my own goals, I some times give them up for the sake of pleasing others and anticipating what they want from me.

I also get caught up in becoming too conscious of how I am perceived in all aspects of my life and hence I become reactive to my environment I am in. Often I find myself fulfilling social prophecies of those around me even when they are negative. I am left with very little attention to invest in the vision I want for myself .It would be of great help if I could get some help on this issue for those in the forum like me.

David Cain · 04-15-2009, 07:05 PM

It seems to me that gullibility comes from valuing other people's opinions over your own.

From your post it sounds to me like you have yet to earn your own respect. Others will always follow your lead; if you aren't confident in yourself, others will sense it and appraise your opinions accordingly.

I think building skills is the most immediate and helpful thing a person can do for their self-esteem. A skill can be anything that you can build on and get better at: writing, making music, carpentry, karate, languages, public speaking, parkour. That's how I turned my self-esteem around, by spending my time getting good at things.

When you respect what you do, you'll respect who you are, and others will too.

Both of the things you mentioned used to be huge problems for me. But they aren't anymore, and now I write about how to address them, among other life-related topics. I think these articles could both help you:

How to Alleviate Self-Consciousness and Other People-Allergies

The One Ingredient Necessary for Accepting Yourself

You're right, you will fulfill the social prophesies you make, and if you expect to be duped or intimidated, you will be. This can all turn around fairly quickly, once you get some momentum.

04-15-2009, 10:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
peterpan Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 3	Help in overcoming gullibility & self-consciousness Hi guys, I was wondering if I could get some help in overcoming gullibility & self-consciousness. From a young age I have been easily influenced by other and their opinion specially my parents. Even when I set my own goals, I some times give them up for the sake of pleasing others and anticipating what they want from me. I also get caught up in becoming too conscious of how I am perceived in all aspects of my life and hence I become reactive to my environment I am in. Often I find myself fulfilling social prophecies of those around me even when they are negative. I am left with very little attention to invest in the vision I want for myself .It would be of great help if I could get some help on this issue for those in the forum like me.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Help on overcoming issue	seeker5	Emotional Mastery	1	07-02-2008 06:59 AM
Overcoming my own resistance	elliot	Personal Effectiveness	18	04-04-2008 02:16 AM
Overcoming vertigo	nvictor	Social & Relationships	2	09-20-2007 09:39 PM
Overcoming limitations	johnths	Personal Effectiveness	4	09-03-2007 06:10 AM
Overcoming Fear	-YK-	Emotional Mastery	17	11-12-2006 02:54 AM

04-15-2009, 07:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
David Cain Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The Canadian Prairies Posts: 274	It seems to me that gullibility comes from valuing other people's opinions over your own. From your post it sounds to me like you have yet to earn your own respect. Others will always follow your lead; if you aren't confident in yourself, others will sense it and appraise your opinions accordingly. I think building skills is the most immediate and helpful thing a person can do for their self-esteem. A skill can be anything that you can build on and get better at: writing, making music, carpentry, karate, languages, public speaking, parkour. That's how I turned my self-esteem around, by spending my time getting good at things. When you respect what you do, you'll respect who you are, and others will too. Both of the things you mentioned used to be huge problems for me. But they aren't anymore, and now I write about how to address them, among other life-related topics. I think these articles could both help you: How to Alleviate Self-Consciousness and Other People-Allergies The One Ingredient Necessary for Accepting Yourself You're right, you will fulfill the social prophesies you make, and if you expect to be duped or intimidated, you will be. This can all turn around fairly quickly, once you get some momentum.

Personal Development for Smart PeopleTM Forums

Personal Development for Smart People^TM Forums