Insignificance is liberating

We’re not that important, and accepting that can allow us to embrace our humanity. Are you afraid of not being important? Know that letting go of this pressure can actually free you and be truly happy. So stay with us in this matter to identify if the fear of insignificance is holding you back […]

We are not that important and accepting this can allow us to embrace our humanity

Are you afraid of not being important? Know that letting go of this pressure can actually free you and be truly happy. So stay with us in this matter to identify whether the fear of insignificance is hampering your life and how to get rid of it.

“The ‘fear of being insignificant’ can be understood as an intense and persistent worry of not being appreciated or not having a significant impact on the lives of the people around them,” defines the psychologist specializing in behavioral neuroscience, Sabrina Amaral.

See life as a puzzle

Imagine a scenario where each person is like a unique piece of a puzzle. “When someone is afraid of insignificance, it’s as if they feel lost or out of the puzzle, thinking that their piece doesn’t make a difference in the big picture of life,” Sabrina describes.

It’s like you’re asking yourself, ‘Does what I do really matter?’ According to the psychologist, this can be a consequence of automatic negative thoughts, such as constant comparisons, and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and devaluation.

Pay attention to the flow of thoughts

Typically, those who deal with the fear of insignificance often automatically have negative thoughts, listed by the professional as:

• Constant comparison: She often compares herself to others in a way that makes her feel inferior or less capable.
• Look for external validation: She depends a lot on the approval and recognition of others to feel appreciated.
• Personal devaluation: You tend to downplay your achievements and abilities, focusing only on flaws and imperfections.
• High personal demand: She sets very high standards for herself, feeling that she needs to achieve extraordinary feats to be considered important.

Additionally, there are a number of other cognitive distortions that act like cloudy lenses when looking at the world. “Among these, catastrophizing, negative filter, 8 or 80 thinking, disqualification of the positive, among others” quotes the psychologist.

This can manifest itself through decisions that avoid new challenges or situations where there is a risk of failure, all for fear of confirming one’s beliefs of insignificance. “The person may withdraw socially or avoid exposure, fearing not to be accepted or recognized,” he adds.

And where does the fear of insignificance come from?

Every human being is unique, but it is possible to identify some common causes of emotional fears. Past traumas such as rejection and bullying, childhood experiences where a person felt ignored, and growing up in an invalidating home environment can all contribute to the fear of insignificance. Also relevant factors are cultural and social pressures that emphasize success and competition, as well as perfectionism and a negative self-image. “These experiences and traumas shape one’s perception of one’s worth and meaning, influencing thoughts and behaviors throughout one’s life,” explains Sabrina Amaral.

Numerous factors can worsen this situation, according to the psychologist. Comparison culture on social media is one of them, encouraging people to measure their worth by visible achievements, such as career, social status and physical appearance, and putting them under constant pressure to stand out.

Insignificance can set you free

Accepting the idea of ​​insignificance can be liberating when we understand that we don’t need to be extraordinary or superior to have value. “When we accept our relative insignificance, we reduce the pressure of having to achieve perfectionistic standards or constantly seeking external validation,” he explains. As a result, we develop the ability to be kinder to ourselves and accept our imperfections as a natural part of being human.

“Accepting our insignificance can be liberating by allowing us to embrace our humanity with compassion and humility, finding a healthy balance between personal aspirations and acceptance of who we truly are.” (Underline)

How to reduce the fear of insignificance?

“The first step to solving a problem is admitting that it exists,” Sabrina emphasizes. The specialist explains that, once the person accepts that this condition exists and concerns them, it is possible to explore the situation better, try to understand the reason and get to know oneself better, in order to undertake a process of change. “And as I always say, information is power and those with power are in control.”

The most assertive path, certainly, is therapy. “In the office we use strategies such as identifying distorted thoughts, learning to recognize and challenge excessive comparisons and thoughts of personal devaluation”, reveals the psychologist, a specialist in behavioral neuroscience.

There are other ways

If the person is not ready to go to therapy, and this can happen for various reasons, there are some practices that can help:

• Practice mindfulness to increase awareness of the present moment and reduce worries about the future and comparisons.
• Invest in learning new skills or developing personal talents to increase your self-confidence and sense of self-worth.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with friends and family to strengthen a sense of belonging and self-importance.
• Keep a gratitude journal or reflect on the things you are grateful for each day to cultivate a positive outlook.
• Detox from social media to reduce feelings of inadequacy and increase self-acceptance.
• Volunteer or help others strengthen their sense of personal meaning and worth.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.