How do I stop caring what people think about me? It seems like their opinions hold me back from my potent capabilities.
Split it into 4 things:
1) If they're right & it's positive, good (show gratitude for those who acknowledge you)
2) If they're right & it's bad, fix it (set pride & anger aside to make yourself a better person for the sake of others & yourself)
3) If they're wrong & it's good be honorable & state the truth (honesty is the first step to seeing & embracing reality--which is something you might be having trouble with)
4) If they're wrong & it's bad then tell them the truth. If they don't listen then ignore them. (don't let the sins & foolishness of others tear you down)
If someone's wrong, knows that they're wrong, but continues to do so for their own comfort, preference & satisfaction that's their choice. But they're fools rejecting reality for how they like/want things to be--in this case, bringing you down. I've had problems with people doing this to me as long as I can remember. And it can be tough. But don't look at people like that with anger or humor--look at them with concern;otherwise you'll end up coaching yourself into anger & falling for their ruse.
The only thing that comes close to certainty in our future is the opportunity we have to make ourselves better than who we were the day before.