How to Discover How Influenced You Are Without Realizing It

External influence is present in all aspects of your life: from the simplest decisions, like what to buy, to the most important ones, like your beliefs or your worldview. While it's natural to be influenced by society, social media, or your close circle, the problem arises when that influence shapes your life more than your own decisions.

What's surprising is that, in many cases, you don't realize how influenced you are. Your opinions, tastes, and even your emotions can be guided by external stimuli that go unnoticed. Discovering your level of influence helps you protect your authenticity and make more conscious decisions.

Signs That You Are More Influenced Than You Think

Being influenced doesn't mean being weak; it's part of our social nature. But it's important to recognize if this tendency is taking control of your life. Some signs are:

• Changing Opinions Based on Who You Talk To: If you adapt your ideas just to fit in, it's possible that your own voice is being silenced.
• Difficulty Saying No: If you accept plans, favors, or commitments just out of pressure, you're giving up your decision-making power.
• Relying on Social Media to Form Your Opinions: If your view on important topics changes based on what you see online, you might be losing your personal judgment.
• Fear of Being Judged for Thinking Differently: If your biggest fear is being excluded, you probably adjust your behavior to avoid conflicts.
• Buying or Doing Things Just Because They're Trendy: Your choices are not based on what you need or want, but on what the environment dictates.

If you recognize yourself in several of these signs, your life might be more guided by external influences than by your own will.

How to Strengthen Your Judgment and Regain Your Authenticity

Being aware of the influence you receive is the first step to taking control. Here are some ways to start:

• Question Before Accepting: When you receive an opinion or trend, ask yourself: "Does this really resonate with me?" or "Would I choose this if no one was watching?"
• Learn to Say 'No' Without Guilt: Rejecting what you don't want is not being selfish; it's being authentic. Practice small refusals in your daily life.
• Filter Your Information Consumption: Reduce time on social media and prioritize sources that add value. Remember, you don't need an opinion on everything.
• Listen to Your Inner Voice: Sometimes, silence is the best space to reconnect with yourself. Ask yourself: "What do I think about this?" without seeking external approval.

But if you feel that your life has been shaped so much by others' expectations that you no longer know what you want, it's time to delve deeper. In therapy, you can explore why it's difficult for you to maintain your judgment, what emotional wounds lead you to seek external validation, and how to build a stronger and more authentic identity.

Being influenced is not a flaw, but living under the shadow of other voices keeps you from your true potential. If you want to learn to listen to your voice above the external noise, we're here to accompany you in that process.

RewPaz