
“No one really cares that much about what you’re doing. People are highly self-absorbed.” -Tim Urban
I once fell off a bus in front of a crowd of people.
After jolting awake at my stop, I scrambled to grab my things, lost my balance, and tumbled down the steps. A bus full of people stared as I lay there, face down, belongings scattered.
I could barely walk, but instead of going to the hospital, I faked a phone call—just to avoid looking injured in front of strangers.
Why? Embarrassment.
Hours later, at the ER, I realized something: not one of those people remembered me.
And yet, how often do we let fear of what others might think hold us back?
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Risk and Reward Are Linked
Avoiding risk may protect you from short-term discomfort, but it also limits your opportunities:
- Don’t ask for a raise? You miss higher pay.
- Don’t share your ideas? You stay invisible.
- Don’t try something new? You never grow.
There is no reward without risk—but there is risk without reward.
The real danger? Letting fear of embarrassment keep you small.

People Don’t Care As Much As You Think
We assume people are watching, judging, forming lasting opinions about us. It’s easy to feel this way because we are at the center of our own universe.

If feels like everyone’s judging us, but in reality? They’re too busy worrying about themselves.
If you need proof, try this:
- Track how many “embarrassing” things you see others do today.
- Now, ask yourself—do you actually care?
We are all at the center of our own universe.

Live Authentically, Not For Others
Bronnie Ware found that the top regret of the dying is:
“I wish I had lived a life true to myself, not what others expected of me.”
How often do we play it safe to avoid judgment?
But real fulfillment comes from:
- Building a life based on your values—not others’ opinions
- Taking intentional risks
- Aligning money & choices with what truly matters

Take More Risks and Live More Fully
We are wired to seek social belonging, but our fear of embarrassment is usually overblown.
So try this:
- Put yourself in a mildly embarrassing situation—see what happens. Probably nothing.
- Track moments when you feel embarrassed—a week later, notice how little they matter.
The more you push past discomfort, the more opportunities you create.
You get one life; live intentionally.
Want to Learn More?
Money Quotient trains financial professionals in the True Wealth process and helps them implement the concepts into their practices. The first step is to learn about the Fundamentals of True Wealth Planning.
This post originally appeared on Meaningful Money.