What if the loudest voice shaping your confidence has never belonged to “them” at all but to the stories you’ve been telling yourself about their opinions?

This throwback episode takes a fresh look at validation and why so many of us treat other people’s opinions as the final verdict on our worth. Leslie Randolph breaks down how this instinct forms, why it feels so compelling, and how it quietly chips away at self-confidence when we rely on external cues to decide who we can be. She invites you to question the idea of “everyone” watching or judging and to notice how often those fears come from your own inner dialogue rather than real people with real thoughts. What shifts if you stop assuming the worst? What new moves become possible when your own approval matters more than imagined commentary from the sidelines?

This episode offers a practical path back to self-confidence through stronger self-trust. Confidence expands when you give yourself the validation you keep seeking elsewhere and take action anyway—whether that means pitching the idea, wearing the loud dress, trying something new, or choosing a path that feels true to you. It’s a reminder that the most powerful relationship you build is the one you build with yourself.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Core Idea of Self-Confidence

06:09 How Others’ Opinions Shape Confidence

09:06 Why We’re Wired to Seek Validation

15:09 Caring About Opinions Without Losing Yourself

17:52 Identifying Who “They” Really Are

20:46 How to Challenge Assumed Judgments

23:56 Strengthening Self-Trust and Personal Confidence

Connect With Leslie:

Help Your Teen Cultivate Confidence

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