2 Good Reasons to Evict the Squatters from Your Mind: Inner Peace and Confidence 

As I’m travelling by train to my next destination, I’m signing off the 50th edition of Rich Monday Paper. I can’t help but start reflecting on how good it feels to gift this new publication to the world, despite the challenges we faced along the way. Every single time I’ve been told that “successful media follows one old rule: if it bleeds, it leads” and that no one pays for good news I’ve held onto a different belief — that inspiration is in short supply and good news nurture the soul.

We all carry the echoes of others’ words, sometimes to the point where our thoughts are crowded by their opinions, judgments and expectations. Like squatters, they live rent-free in your mind at your emotional expense: you lose priceless pieces of yourself — your confidence, your inner peace and your ability to make better choices for yourself. Reclaiming your mind from these external influences is the one act of compassion you can offer yourself, giving yourself permission to reconnect with your own voice, needs and strengths.

Whose voice is louder in your mind — yours or theirs?

Take a moment to consider how often other people live rent-free in your mind. Their opinions, expectations, even their offhand remarks can linger, shaping your choices and consuming precious headspace. Reclaiming that space is one of the most empowering steps you can take, allowing you to turn your attention inward and re-discover your strengths, passions and purpose.

When you stop letting others’ perspectives define you, you open up room to truly see yourself — not as a reflection of others’ views, but as the remarkable, capable person you are. You begin to notice the talents you often downplay, the resilience that gets you through each day and the creativity you bring to life. This inner journey lets you reimagine your life, not bound by expectations, but led by your purpose.

Living on your own terms is not about shutting out the world; it’s about prioritising your voice, your values, and your dreams. It’s an invitation to listen to what truly makes you feel alive and to honour that calling. It’s a life designed by you — one where feeling good doesn’t depend on external approval but arises naturally from self-respect, inner peace and authentic joy.

How to Evict Squatters from Your Mind to Reclaim Your Inner Peace and Confidence

So often, you clutter your mind with the uninvited voices of others — the judgments of colleagues, the expectations of family, the comparisons fed to us by social media. These mental “squatters” can quietly erode your self-worth, causing you to question your choices, clouding your sense of direction and distracting yourself from your life purpose . 

The science of emotional well-being tells us that reclaiming this mental space is crucial, not just for a sense of peace, but for genuine confidence, happiness and success.

Recent studies show that when people focus less on external validation and more on their own values, their mental health improves dramatically. According to a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, people who place greater emphasis on intrinsic goals — like personal growth and emotional well-being — report significantly higher life satisfaction and lower levels of depression and anxiety than those driven by external validation. The study emphasises that true contentment often comes not from meeting others’ expectations, but from living in alignment with your own authentic values.

Similarly, brain scans reveal that people who engage in regular self-reflection rather than self-criticism show increased activity in areas of the brain associated with positive emotional regulation and empathy. This means that, with practice, choosing our own voice over others’ reduces the neurological “wear and tear” of chronic stress, giving us a sense of calm and the clarity to make decisions that truly resonate with who we are.

Over time, releasing the hold of others’ voices lets you reconnect with your confidence and strengths. You start to appreciate your resilience, notice the skills you bring to others lives and recognize the unique qualities that define you. This self-connection builds a foundation of confidence that is internally rooted, freeing you from the fleeting highs and lows of external approval.

By evicting these “squatters” and reclaiming your mental space, you give yourself the gift of clarity, resilience and self-respect. Instead of being pulled in different directions by the opinions and expectations of others, you’re now free to navigate life on your own terms, with a renewed, enduring confidence that grows stronger with every choice you make in alignment with your authentic self.

Feeling that you are good enough is a fundamental need that every human being deserves to have. However, societal limitations and conditioning can often make us feel like we are not good enough or that we don’t measure up to certain standards. These limitations and conditioning can come in various forms such as cultural expectations, gender roles, racial stereotypes, or even economic status.

It’s important to remember that these limitations and conditioning are often rooted in systemic inequalities that have been ingrained in our society for generations. It’s not your fault that you feel inadequate or not good enough. However, it’s up to you to challenge these limitations and conditioning and recognize your inherent worth.

You are good enough just as you are. You don’t need external validation or anyone’s permission to be considered valuable or worthy. Your worth is not defined by your social status, your job title, your physical appearance, or any other external factor. It’s an intrinsic part of who you are.

I found myself going back a few times this week to a book that reflects my own thoughts with clarity- “If we’re Being Honest” by Jennifer Thompson. This is a book that inspires me greatly when I struggle with feeling as though I am failing. For decades I had to shapeshift in and out of my role as mother, grandmother, friend, leader and good news publisher in a desperate attempt to be all and give all-but at what cost?

It’s okay to make mistakes, to have flaws and to not always have everything together. Nobody is perfect and striving for perfection is a futile and exhausting pursuit. Instead, focus on your strengths, your unique qualities, and what makes you special. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and acknowledge the progress you have made in your life.

Remember, you are not alone in your struggle to feel good enough. Many people experience self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, especially in a world that often values productivity and success over mental health and well-being. However, it’s important to challenge these societal expectations and prioritise your own self-care and self-love.

The next time you feel like you’re not good enough, remind yourself that you are deserving of love, respect and acceptance, regardless of any societal, financial, emotional limitations or conditioning. You are enough and it is time to challenge self doubt and the squatters living rent-free in your mind right now.

As we celebrate the 50th edition of Rich Monday Paper next week, my heart is filled with gratitude and a deep sense of joy: this milestone is more than just a number; it’s the proof that living with purpose requires to evict the mental squatters that can cloud your path.

Each page has been crafted with good news and the evidence that you deserve a life led by good news. We feature Dr Werner J. Krings, a celebrated thought leader and success strategist known for his work in business development and leadership. With decades of experience empowering his students to unlock their full potential, his guidance has transformed lives worldwide. His work is a testament to the power of authenticity, emotional intelligence and resilience in achieving success.

The only words that I remember every day, are Wendell Phillips‘s words reminding us that good news has a power on its own — to uplift, to restore and to reclaim the confidence and inner peace of our readers:

Here’s to the next fifty editions of news that nurture your soul!