10% Happier with Dan Harris

How To Stop Worrying About What People Think Of You | Michael Gervais

Apr 1, 2024

High performance psychologist Michael Gervais discusses the fear of people's opinions (FOPO) and how to overcome it. They explore the difference between purpose-based and performance-based identities, the anti-FOPO power of practices like meditation and journaling, and the importance of focusing less on oneself. Strategies for combating FOPO and embracing authenticity are highlighted in this insightful conversation.

01:07:05

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Michael Gervais

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Quick takeaways

FOPO is a major obstacle to potential, leading to playing it safe and valuing approval over authenticity.

Shift to a purpose-based identity reduces FOPO by focusing on contribution and fulfillment.

Practicing discernment and mindfulness helps counteract FOPO by prioritizing mastery of inner control.

Deep dives

The Dangers of FOPO: Fear of People's Opinions

FOPO, fear of people's opinions, is highlighted as a major obstacle to human potential. Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist, introduces the concept and emphasizes how FOPO leads to playing it safe, resistance against standing up for oneself, and valuing approval over authenticity. The podcast delves into the evolutionary roots of our social acceptance desires, explaining the detrimental impact of caring too much about the opinions of others.

Exploring Performance-Based vs Purpose-Based Identity Formation

03:42

Overcoming Fear of Other People's Opinions

01:29

Develop a sense of buoyancy in life

01:29

Value of Seeking Others' Opinions

03:09

Introduction

3min

Exploring App Subscription, Travel Benefits, and Dental Aligners

2min

Conquering FOPO and Embracing a Purpose-Driven Identity

24min

Navigating Identity and Societal Structures

4min

Embracing Self-Discovery and Authenticity in Life Decisions

17min

Overcoming Worry Through Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

3min

Navigating Self-Awareness and Authenticity Through Journaling

16min

Authenticity and Vulnerability in Relationships

5min

Why fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO) holds us back, and what to do about it.

Michael Gervais is a high performance psychologist and the host of the Finding Mastery podcast. His new book is called The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You.

In this episode we talk about:

A handy new acronym: FOPO, Fear of People’s Opinions
How the evolutionary roots of our desire for social acceptance work against us in the modern world
Why caring about what others think is not the same thing as worrying about what others think
The difference between a purpose-based identity and a performance-based identity
The anti-FOPO power of things like: imagination, journaling, meditation, social support, and considering your mortality
Why focusing less on yourself can be the greatest bulwark against FOPO

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10% Happier with Dan Harris

How To Stop Worrying About What People Think Of You | Michael Gervais

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Dangers of FOPO: Fear of People's Opinions

Transitioning from Performance to Purpose-based Identity

Building Resilience Through Discernment and Self-Interest

Mastering What's in Your Control

Overcoming FOPO Through Mindfulness and Journaling

Exploring Performance-Based vs Purpose-Based Identity Formation

Overcoming Fear of Other People's Opinions

Develop a sense of buoyancy in life

Value of Seeking Others' Opinions

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
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Discover
highlights

10% Happier with Dan Harris

How To Stop Worrying About What People Think Of You | Michael Gervais

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Dangers of FOPO: Fear of People's Opinions

Transitioning from Performance to Purpose-based Identity

Building Resilience Through Discernment and Self-Interest

Mastering What's in Your Control

Overcoming FOPO Through Mindfulness and Journaling

Exploring Performance-Based vs Purpose-Based Identity Formation

Overcoming Fear of Other People's Opinions

Develop a sense of buoyancy in life

Value of Seeking Others' Opinions

Get the Snipdpodcast app

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Save anymoment

Share& Export

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Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
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