Legos and Scrabble (Ep. 028)

Episode 028 | Legos and Scrabble | May 2022

In this episode of The MentalCast, host Dan Mickle shares a personal story that starts with his childhood dislike of Legos and the board game Scrabble — and evolves into a deeper reflection on the fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO).

What began as frustration over not being "good enough" at these activities turned out to be less about ability and more about fear of judgment. Dan explores this journey of self-awareness and digs into the research and psychology behind FOPO, offering insights that can help all of us better understand how fear of external opinions can quietly shape our decisions and confidence.

If you have ever hesitated to try something new or second-guessed yourself based on what others might think, this episode will hit home.

Topics covered:

• How childhood experiences can shape fear of judgment

• Understanding the concept of FOPO (Fear of Other People’s Opinions)

• How FOPO impacts confidence, performance, and risk-taking

• Strategies to identify and reduce the influence of FOPO

• Personal reflections on growth and overcoming limiting beliefs

Resources mentioned:

• Tips to Soothe Your Worries of What Others Think of You

• Are You Limited by the Fear of What Other People Think? by Leah Cox

Contact the show: podcast@mentalcast.com

Follow Dan on social: @RealDanMickle and @717Soul