One of my biggest problems that I have in my life is caring too much of what others think of me.

I try to following my instincts and act fast without putting too much thought into it but that doesn't always work. I have a problem, when I think too much about something then I start to doubt myself and question my own thoughts and actions. I'll start worrying about what others might think.

What are some techniques that some of you guys have tried to help with this kind of problem that many of us have?

First thing you have to do is realize you're not the only one with this problem. Many guys have this and even some girls have certain kinds of anxiety. The reason why you think very much about what others think is because you have insecurities. The reason you have insecurities is because you don't have many things in your life to be proud off or rather because you think so. Why doesn't Brad Pitt care about what people think of him? Because he has things he is proud of and no matter what anyone says he knows otherwise. He knows he's a successful guy, he knows he has a nice body and face. What you have to do is be proud of the things you have in your life and be proud of yourself. If you don't have these things create them for yourself. Be proud of just being yourself. Consider yourself special. Don't care about what people think. Start from small things like I did. For example if no one raises their hand in class to ask questions to teacher because everyone is shy or something you do(if you have a question). Be who you want to be. Don't try to fight against yourself as you described by jamming your thoughts to prevent yourself from over thinking. Know your special. Once you consider yourself special really not just in a one second thought you wont care of what others think.

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"Experience is the teacher of all things"