7 signs you unconsciously try to impress people who are beneath you, says psychology

My uncle, a seasoned entrepreneur with a knack for reading people, once told me, “We often try too hard to impress those who don’t really matter.”

Isn’t that an interesting thought?

We all like to believe that we’re immune to such behavior, but psychology suggests otherwise. We often find ourselves unconsciously trying to impress people who really shouldn’t have a significant influence on our self-esteem or decision-making.

I know, it sounds a little strange.

But here’s the kicker.

This unconscious habit of seeking approval from the wrong crowd can be quite detrimental. It not only affects our self-perception but can also influence critical business decisions that could make or break our entrepreneurial journey.

So, how do we identify this behavior?

Well, stay tuned. I’m about to reveal seven distinct signs that show you may be unconsciously trying to impress people who are beneath you, according to psychology.

Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Recognizing these signs is the first step towards self-improvement. Plus, it’s always good to have a little extra self-awareness in your toolkit, right?

1) You’re constantly seeking validation

We all love a good pat on the back, don’t we?

But here’s the thing. If you find yourself constantly seeking validation for your ideas or decisions, especially from those who don’t necessarily understand your vision or business, you might be unconsciously trying to impress them.

It’s interesting and somewhat ironic, right?

You see, as entrepreneurs, our decisions should be based on sound business judgment and not on the approval of others, particularly those who lack a comprehensive understanding of our venture.

Psychology suggests that this constant need for validation can stem from a deep-seated fear of failure or rejection. And sometimes, we misplace this fear on people who are beneath us in terms of their ability to truly evaluate our potential or value.

So, next time you catch yourself seeking unnecessary validation, pause for a moment. Ask yourself why their opinion matters to you so much. It’s a small step towards breaking free from this habit and becoming more self-reliant in your decision-making process.

2) You change your behavior around them

Ever noticed how you act differently around certain people?

I remember a time when I was launching my first startup. There was a group of people in my network who, frankly, had no experience in entrepreneurship or my industry.

Yet, I found myself altering my behavior around them, trying to align with their perspectives about what a “successful” business should look like.

Isn’t it strange?

I was bending over backward to impress people who didn’t truly understand the intricacies of my journey, nor the unique challenges I was facing. Looking back now, I realize that it was an unconscious attempt to gain their approval.

Psychology explains this as a form of social chameleon behavior, where we subconsciously change our behavior or attitudes to fit in with a particular group.

If you notice this pattern in your interactions, it may be a sign that you’re trying to impress people who aren’t necessarily in a position to understand or appreciate your entrepreneurial journey. Acknowledging this can help you stay true to yourself and your vision, regardless of who’s watching.

3) You downplay your achievements

There was a time when I landed this huge client. It was a big win, a real game-changer for my business. But instead of celebrating, I found myself downplaying the achievement in front of certain people.

Seem familiar?

In retrospect, I realize that I was minimizing my success to avoid coming off as “too successful” or “too ambitious” to those who weren’t on the same path as me. It was almost like I was trying to blend in with their mediocrity to gain their approval.

Psychology calls this phenomenon “leveling,” where we downplay our successes or exaggerate our failures to appear more relatable to others.

If you find yourself doing this, it might be a sign that you’re unconsciously trying to impress people who are beneath you.

Remember, your achievements are something to be proud of, not something to hide or minimize for the sake of others’ comfort. After all, your journey is your own, and those who matter will celebrate your success with you.

4) You feel stressed in their presence

Ever felt that inexplicable sense of stress or discomfort when you’re around certain individuals?

I’ve been there.

I recall feeling unduly stressed when interacting with a few acquaintances who had a more conventional perspective towards success and business. Their presence made me feel like I had to constantly prove my worth.

Here’s what psychology has to say about this.

This stress can often be a sign that you’re subconsciously trying to impress or seek validation from these individuals. It’s like a constant performance, and the pressure can be draining.

So, if you notice a spike in stress levels around certain people, it might be worth asking yourself why. Is it because you’re unconsciously putting on a performance for their approval? Recognizing this can help reduce unnecessary stress and allow you to interact more authentically.

5) You exaggerate your stories

Did you know that the human mind has a tendency to reconstruct past events to make them more favorable or impressive?

I’ve noticed this during networking events, where I found myself embellishing my business experiences when sharing them with people who had little knowledge about my field. Instead of sticking to the facts, I’d add a little extra drama or success to the mix.

Why was I doing this?

The answer lies in psychology. It turns out that we often exaggerate our stories when we’re subconsciously trying to impress others. We enhance certain aspects of our experiences, hoping it will make us appear more successful or competent.

So, if you catch yourself adding a bit more spice to your stories than necessary, it might be a sign that you’re unconsciously trying to impress those who may not matter in your journey.

Remember, authenticity resonates far more than an exaggerated tale. Your real experiences are enough – there’s no need to embellish.

6) You suppress your own needs

There’s a saying that goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a reminder that we need to take care of our own needs before we can effectively help others.

I remember a time when I was so caught up in trying to meet someone else’s expectations that I completely overlooked my own needs. Instead of focusing on what was best for my business, I was more concerned about how my decisions would be perceived by others.

Sounds familiar?

When we suppress our own needs to please others, we’re often seeking their approval. It’s an unconscious attempt to impress them, even if it means putting our own well-being or business at risk.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember – it’s okay to prioritize yourself. Your choices should reflect what’s best for you and your business, not what might impress others. After all, your journey is about you, not them.

7) You fear their judgements

At the end of the day, the most profound sign that you’re unconsciously trying to impress people who are beneath you is your fear of their judgment.

If you find yourself worrying about what they might think or say about your decisions, actions, or lifestyle, it’s likely that you’re seeking their approval more than you should.

This fear can stem from an inherent desire to be accepted. However, it’s crucial to remember that the only approval you need is your own.

Your journey is unique, and the only person who needs to understand and appreciate it is you. Let go of the fear and embrace your path with confidence and authenticity.

Final thoughts

It’s eye-opening, isn’t it? Spotting the signs that you’ve been trying to impress people who are beneath you can be a revelation.

But here’s the bright side – acknowledging this tendency is the first step towards change.

Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Begin by recognizing when you’re falling into these patterns. Are you altering your behavior unnecessarily? Are you seeking validation where it’s not needed? Do you fear the judgment of others?

Once you’re aware of these moments, take a pause. Reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Is it truly for yourself, or to impress someone else?

It might take time to break these habits. But each small act of self-awareness and authenticity brings you closer to being true to yourself and your journey.

As you navigate this path, be patient with yourself. Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Most importantly, remember that your worth is not defined by others’ opinions but by what you believe about yourself.

So keep moving forward, one step at a time. As the saying goes, “The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” Embrace your authenticity and let it shine through in all that you do.