There’s a quiet kind of burnout most women know too well. The one that comes from constantly trying to please, perform, or be liked. From holding back your truth in case it upsets someone. From questioning yourself because you’re worried about what people will think.

When I think about breaking free from approval-seeking, I really should know, I spent 13 years in the military where every decision needed approval. But in life and business, that habit will keep you stuck.

Over time, I learned that too many opinions can throw you off your path. If you don’t know who you are or where you’re heading, everyone else’s thoughts become noise. Be clear on your vision, your values, and your outcome. Only take advice from people you trust, or those who’ve actually been where you want to go. Otherwise, block it out and keep moving.

My first business was once led by clients, their wants, their opinions, their “suggestions.” Until I realised they couldn’t see the big picture. The same thing happened in the early days of Sisterhood Collective. We used to tiptoe around what we said, worried about offending someone. These days, we get hundreds of positive comments with the occasional negative one, and honestly, it doesn’t bother me anymore. Most of the time, those people aren’t even talking about us. They’re talking to themselves.

So how do you get out of the habit of chasing approval and start trusting yourself again? These are the five things that helped me take back my power and rebuild my mental courage.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sisterhood Collective (@the_sisterhoodcollective)

1. Do the Thing You Think You’ll Be Judged For

Fear of judgement keeps more women stuck than failure ever will. Whether it’s launching something new, drawing a boundary, or speaking up, we often hesitate because we’re worried about who might not like it. You’ll never please everyone. Do the thing anyway.

2. Know Whose Opinions Actually Matter

Not everyone gets a say. Most of the noise comes from people who’ve never walked your path. Keep a small circle of trusted voices, people who get it and will challenge you to grow. Everyone else? Thank them in your head and move on.

3. Stop Crowdsourcing Confidence

We’ve all done it, asking for feedback on something we’ve already decided to do. That’s not advice-seeking; that’s approval-seeking. Trust your gut. It knows before your head catches up.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sisterhood Collective (@the_sisterhoodcollective)

4. Say What You Mean and Leave It There

You don’t need to over explain your choices. Say what you mean, clearly and kindly, and stop talking. People will hear what they’re ready to hear. You’re not responsible for how they interpret it.

5. No More Mental Replays

You know that loop that starts after you make a decision? The one where you replay what you said or did and wonder if you upset someone? That’s wasted energy. Give yourself a no-review rule. Once it’s done, it’s done. Back yourself and move on.

And finally, surround yourself with people who are striving like you. Those special people who remind you to block out the noise and stay focused on your vision. Because when you’re walking your own path, you need people who don’t just understand your dream, they’ll protect it.

Trust yourself. The world doesn’t need another version of what’s already out there. It needs you, unfiltered and unapologetic.

For more information, visit sisterhoodcollective.com.