Stop Worrying About What Others Think of You

This is as much for me as it is for you.

In high school, the thought of dining alone terrified me. My mind would play tricks: "How embarrassing! People will think I don’t have any friends, or that I got stood up if I’m the first to arrive."

After college, I backpacked overseas. I landed in Sydney, Australia, knowing no one and having no plans except for four days at a backpacker’s hostel and a work visa. Those four days were spent mostly in silence, observing, reflecting, and eating alone among crowds in business suits.

And you know what? Nobody noticed me.

In that solitude, I found freedom. I realized how little others pay attention to those around them. I sat alone, yet it felt oddly liberating.

On the fourth day, I made a decision: if this was my "last hoorah" before a corporate life, I wanted an experience, not a desk job. So, I sent home my "work clothes," bought a bus ticket to Queensland, and found work on tourist boats. I spent my days taking people snorkeling, sailing, and diving in the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

This choice changed my life. I learned to listen to my own voice, not the imagined opinions of others.

This week’s episode highlight:
Tackling Misinformation with
Jack Brewster of NEWSREEL

In this week’s episode, we explore how social media platforms like TikTok have changed the way Gen Z consumes news. Although TikTok wasn't designed for news, this generation is engaging with it in a way that shows they care deeply about world events. But as news shifts online, legacy outlets have adopted attention-grabbing tactics, like sensationalized headlines and divisive language to compete. That's why Jack Brewster founded NewsReel and is stepping up to offer a more balanced and thoughtful approach to news. For anyone looking to get their information in a concise, engaging, and objective way, check out NewsReel.co.

Here are three key takeaways:

1. Rising Standards With Success
   As you achieve success, you'll often find that expectations and standards you have for yourself can continue to climb. It's essential to stay mindful of this trend and resist the urge to constantly one-up yourself as an automatic reaction. Instead, take the time to reflect on what you truly want and why you want it.

2. Know Your News Source
   With social media now being the dominant way many people consume news, it's easy to forget where that information is coming from. We’re more disconnected from credible sources than ever, and it’s important to be aware of this. Take time to verify the origins of the news you read and ensure you’re getting information from reliable, balanced outlets.

3. Consistency
   Success in business is rarely the result of one big move; it’s the outcome of consistent, daily actions. Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, staying diligent and maintaining steady progress is key. Keep showing up, even when it feels tough—that’s where real growth happens.

Strategy Spotlight: Stay Objective and Aware of Bias

When it comes to news consumption, be aware that news outlets are businesses, and like any business, they need to make money. Understanding this can help you approach the news with a more objective lens. Balance is key: make sure you're not just hearing one side of the story or indulging in media that feeds into your biases. A strategy that has worked for me is setting aside time to explore diverse news sources, even those that might challenge my own beliefs. By doing this, you can develop a healthier and more well-rounded perspective.

Positivity Corner: Don’t Worry About What Others Think

Whether you're launching a business or just living life, remember that messiness and failure are part of the journey. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to "get it right" all the time, but allowing yourself space to learn from mistakes is the key to long-term growth. Be okay with not having everything figured out. And don’t forget—worrying about what others think will only hold you back. You only have one life; make sure you’re living it authentically.

Thank you for being a part of Time To Live: Thriving in Business and Beyond! As always, we love hearing from you, so feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

The Ever- Raising Bar

When I was a kid, I would set goals for myself. And without fail, my dad would always remind me, “As soon as you reach that bar, it tends to move higher.”

He couldn’t have been more right.

As an adult, I've felt the relentless pressure to push harder, grow faster, and accomplish more—something I’m sure many of you can relate to, especially in today’s fast-paced world.

But here’s the thing: if we don’t stop and check in with ourselves, we can get caught in a cycle of chasing achievements without ever asking, why.

So, I challenge you to pause and ask yourself:

• What is your North Star? The deeper purpose you're striving toward?

• Are you chasing milestones for yourself or for external recognition?

• What will achieving these goals bring into your life that you don’t already have?

• And, perhaps more importantly, what will it cost you to get there? Are you okay with those trade-offs?

It’s essential to get clear on what matters most to you. What does success truly mean in your life?

As you continue working day after day, week after week, year after year, I encourage you to think carefully about the path you’re on. Because success isn’t just about reaching the next goal—it’s about knowing why you’re reaching for it in the first place.

Want to connect? Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you.

Last Week’s Episode Highlight:
Jason Feifer, Editor-In-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine

Jason has an incredibly packed schedule, yet he generously gave me the gift of his time. After I cold-pitched him, he responded within the hour with a “yes.”

This was my first thirty-minute, hard-cut-off interview—a new challenge for me (you might notice toward the end when it feels like the conversation suddenly wraps up, LOL). I know what I need to work on! 😊

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

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