About this quote

Most people spend very little time thinking about others, even when it feels like they do. That truth can undercut the hold that social fear has on you. When you catch yourself freezing because of imagined judgment, name the thought and then act once anyway. Try a quick experiment: do the thing you fear for thirty seconds and notice how fast everyone's attention moves on.

When to use it

• Before my team presentation at work I tell myself people won't be watching every move, so I start with the first slide and stop overthinking.
• On exam day when my palms sweat, I remind myself classmates are focused on their own papers, take three breaths, and read the first question.
• Dropping my kid off at a new school used to feel like a performance; now I smile, hand over the bag, and leave without rehearsing an exit.
• At the gym when I'm nervous to try a new lift I say out loud that no one cares as much as I think, attempt it once, and then keep training.