It’s so hard to free yourself from the influence of others’ opinions.

Not everyone is indifferent to whispers behind their back. Many people suffer from it, feeling like outcasts or black sheep.

If you fear judgment, read this material. You’ll learn how and when dependence on others’ opinions develops, and how this fear hinders your growth.

Being vulnerable — is it weakness or a sign of strength?

High self-demands and rejection of one’s own feelings and behavior force people to suppress their weaknesses, creating a sense of vulnerability.

But is vulnerability truly the same as weakness? Let’s explore the advantages of this state.

“Excellent student” — a complex or a soul’s task

At some point in life, you realize that striving to do everything perfectly becomes an impossible task. You’ve already taken on so much that you simply don’t have the strength to handle it all. A wild urge arises to shed the burden of being a “perfect student” and just do things as they come, or maybe even deliberately worse than you could. Is this a protest of the soul or temporary powerlessness? You’ll find the answer in this article.

Why is it so hard to ask for help from others?

There are situations when you need to ask for help: to ask a pressing question about something you’re not competent in, to request a favor, or to ask for a promotion.

Some people feel internal discomfort even with small requests. They think: “I’d rather do without this or handle it myself than ask someone.”

If you identify with this category, let’s explore what’s behind it.

The path to yourself, or how to be honest with yourself

One of life’s lessons is learning to be honest with ourselves—to answer truthfully any questions life throws our way.

In this article, you’ll discover the benefits of honesty and practices that can help you become more honest with yourself.

The inner critic: enemy or friend

You’ve had a brilliant idea, you’re inspired and full of energy, when suddenly a creaky little voice inside pipes up: “And where are we rushing off to? Nothing good will come of your plan anyway!”

If this sounds familiar, then you’ve encountered your Inner Critic more than once.

What exactly is it? And how can you make peace with it?