Everyone Dies—So Why Are You Still Worried About What They Think?

Everyone Dies—So Why Are You Still Worried About What They Think?

Let’s talk about something nobody likes to talk about: death.

Yep, that word alone makes most people squirm. But hear me out—death can actually give us one of the clearest perspectives on how to live.

I was listening to a podcast today, and the host said something that stopped me in my tracks: “Everyone dies. You will die. The people you think are judging you? They’ll die too.”

At first, it sounded a little dark. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. We’re so caught up in worrying what others think of us—but most people aren’t even thinking about us in the first place!

Think about it: how often do you spend your day obsessing over someone else’s outfit, decisions, or what they posted online? Be honest. Even the people closest to us—our partners, kids, parents—aren’t thinking about us 24/7. Most of the time, we’re all just trying to get through the day.

Try this: track how often you think about specific people during your day. Not just a passing thought, but genuine, intentional focus. You’ll probably find that the majority of your thoughts are centered around your own tasks: getting ready, driving, working, figuring out what to eat, and so on.

When I wake up in the morning, I’m not immediately thinking “I love my son” (although I do). My first thoughts are usually, “Time to get up, make breakfast, pack his lunch, and get him to school.” I think of him because I have to interact with him—not because I’m analyzing every choice he’s making or silently judging how well he brushed his teeth.

And yet, when it comes to our own lives, we assume everyone is watching. We imagine there’s a spotlight on us all the time, and if we make the wrong move, people will notice and talk. But the truth? They’re not.

Even people with thousands of followers online aren’t on our radar unless there’s a specific reason. Just last week, I only thought of a semi-famous person because I was considering reaching out for a speaking opportunity. Otherwise? Total non-factor in my mind.

Why do we do this? Maybe because as kids, we were always being watched—by parents, teachers, authority figures. We were raised to think our every move was being monitored and judged. And now, as adults, we’ve internalized that belief.

But here’s the liberating truth: most people aren’t paying attention. And the ones who are? They won’t be around forever.

So why let the fear of judgment from people who won’t even remember your name stop you from living fully?

Let’s take it even further: one day, every single person you’re afraid might judge you… will die. Their opinions won’t matter in the long run. And on their deathbed, they probably won’t be thinking about you at all. Harsh? Maybe. But freeing? Absolutely.

At the end of the day, the only person who has to live with your decisions is you.
Not your boss.
Not your classmates.
Not random people online.
Just you.

So ask yourself: are you willing to live with the decisions you’ve made based on someone else’s opinions—or worse, their imaginary judgment?

I know I’m not.
I’m betting on myself.
I’m choosing to live in a way that I can feel proud of, not based on someone else’s fleeting attention.

Because the people I think are judging me today?
They might not be around in 30 years.
Or 10.
Or one.
Or even tomorrow.

So stop letting ghosts-in-their-own-making run your life.
Live boldly. Love freely.
Laugh at yourself often.

And when in doubt, remember: other people think about you far less than you think they do.