55: How to Stop Caring What Others Think and Start Living for Yourself with Matt Choi
How to Stop Caring What Others Think and Start Living Authentically
In today’s fast-paced, image-driven world, it can be incredibly difficult to shake off the constant need for external validation. Whether it’s striving for perfection on social media, meeting other people’s expectations in our careers, or simply seeking approval from loved ones, the weight of others’ opinions can often hold us back from embracing our true selves. In Episode 55 of Broads Podcast, Tara and Matt Choi dive deep into how we can stop caring about what others think and start living authentically.
This episode is not just about breaking free from societal pressures—it’s a powerful call to action to step into our own power, let go of the fear of judgment, and create lives that reflect who we really are.
The Struggle: The Weight of External Validation
We all know that feeling of constantly measuring ourselves against someone else’s standards—whether it’s the perfect career, the perfect family, or the perfect body. It's exhausting, and it often leads to frustration and self-doubt. In the episode, Matt Choi, a seasoned endurance athlete and mindset coach, sheds light on how easy it is to fall into the trap of constantly seeking approval from others. It’s something most of us do without even realizing it.
Matt explains that while external validation may feel rewarding in the short term, it’s ultimately a shallow source of motivation. It can leave us feeling empty, anxious, and unsure of who we are. Tara agrees and adds that for women, especially, this pressure to be perfect can be all-consuming, making us feel like we’re never enough.
But what if we could live life on our own terms? What if we could stop seeking validation from the outside world and start embracing our authenticity? What would life look like if we let go of the need for approval and started living from a place of true self-love and empowerment?
That’s what Tara and Matt dive into in this powerful episode. And trust me, it’s a game changer.
How to Break Free from Others’ Opinions
1. Reclaim Your Motivation: Focus on Internal Drive
One of the most empowering insights from the episode is the idea of shifting your motivation from external sources to internal ones. Matt explains that the most successful and fulfilled people are the ones who are driven by their inner purpose, not the praise or judgment of others.
Rather than chasing external accolades or validation, Tara encourages us to reconnect with our “why”—the deeper reason we do what we do. When your actions are fueled by passion and purpose, the opinions of others fade into the background. Internal motivation becomes your compass, guiding you toward a life of fulfillment, joy, and authenticity.
2. Challenge the Labels: Break Free from Society’s Boxes
We live in a world that loves to put people in boxes. We’re labeled as "successful" or "failure," "good" or "bad," "strong" or "weak." These labels limit us and make us feel like we have to live up to a certain set of standards in order to belong or succeed. But here’s the truth: These labels don’t define who we are.
Tara reminds us that labels are societal constructs designed to keep us small. When we stop letting these labels define us, we open up the possibility of truly becoming ourselves. In the episode, Matt shares his journey of breaking free from external labels—he stopped allowing other people’s judgments to dictate who he was and embraced his own path. Tara encourages all of us to do the same: Let go of the expectations, stop living for others, and start creating your own identity.
3. Embrace Discomfort: Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
Growth is rarely easy, and it’s even less likely to happen when we stay comfortable. Tara and Matt both agree that embracing discomfort is a key part of breaking free from the fear of judgment.
Whether it's trying something new, stepping into a leadership role, or simply voicing your opinion when it's unpopular, growth requires courage. Matt talks about his experience as an endurance athlete—he faced countless challenges, from physical fatigue to mental exhaustion—but it was through pushing past those limits that he grew stronger. Tara reinforces this idea, emphasizing that we should actively seek out discomfort because it’s in those moments of struggle that we discover what we’re truly capable of.
4. Reframe Negative Self-Talk: Silence the Inner Critic
Every single one of us has an inner critic—the voice that tells us we’re not good enough, that we’re bound to fail, or that we’re too late to the game. But here’s the thing: That voice is not the truth.
In this episode, Tara and Matt offer powerful strategies for confronting and reframing negative self-talk. Instead of letting self-doubt control your decisions, start challenging those limiting beliefs. When the voice in your head says, "I can’t do this," reframe it to, "I am capable, and I can learn along the way." Affirmations and positive self-talk are essential tools for overcoming the inner critic and building unshakable self-belief.
5. Consistency Over Perfection: Let Go of the Need for Perfectionism
In a world that prizes perfection, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everything must be flawless in order to succeed. However, Tara and Matt agree that perfection is a trap. It keeps us stagnant and paralyzes us from taking action.
Instead, they encourage us to focus on consistency over perfection. Success isn’t about getting everything right the first time—it’s about showing up consistently, even when things aren’t perfect. Whether it's your fitness goals, your career, or your personal growth journey, small, consistent actions will always outweigh the quest for perfection. Tara highlights the importance of embracing the messiness of life and letting go of the pressure to be perfect.
The Power of Living Authentically
The key takeaway from Episode 55 is clear: Stop living for others and start living for yourself. The moment we shift our focus from external validation to internal empowerment, everything changes. We become more resilient, more authentic, and more aligned with our true purpose.
It’s time to step into your power, stop caring about what others think, and begin crafting the life you’ve always dreamed of. You are not here to live for others—you are here to create your own path, with your own values and your own vision.
What’s one step you can take today to stop caring about what others think and start living for yourself? Is there a label or expectation you’re ready to release? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using the hashtag #LiveForYourself. Let’s continue this empowering journey together.
Find more from Tara:
Website: https://www.taralaferrara.com/
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Youtube: Tara LaFerrara
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