Sometimes it feels like playing nice and following all the rules gets you absolutely nowhere. If you’re feeling exhausted from being polite, patient, and always putting others first, it might be time to channel a little bit of your inner villain (your moral compass can stay on vacation for a bit!). Here’s why a dash of well-timed baddie energy might be the key to unlocking what you deserve.
1. You stop caring one iota about what anyone else thinks.
Villains don’t have time to worry about being liked. When you stop feeling desperate for external validation, it’s incredibly freeing and paves the way to authentic choices. This newfound freedom allows you to pursue interests, make decisions, and express yourself without the constant weight of worrying about other people’s judgments.
2. You set ruthless boundaries.
Nice people end up being everyone’s doormat. A touch of villainous energy helps you say “nope!” without feeling guilty about it and prioritize your own needs. People-pleasers often struggle with saying no, which always inevitably leads to burnout, resentment, and strained relationships – a villain wouldn’t stand for that nonsense.
3. You get to be a little selfish (the good kind).
Investing in yourself, your passions, and your goals isn’t a crime. Villains know self-care and ambition are key to crushing it. Reject the notion that prioritizing yourself makes you a bad person; investing in your well-being, talents, and goals only improves your ability to do good things in the world (and be a good person within it).
4. You embrace your ambition and go for your goals.
Don’t downplay your desires to avoid seeming “bossy” or “demanding.” Villains go after what they want unapologetically, and often achieve far more. Women especially are often conditioned to be unassuming about their ambitions, but ditch that mindset and own your drive to succeed.
5. You harness your anger.
Feeling angry? Don’t stuff it down – use it to your advantage. Channel your frustration into taking action. Whether it’s speaking up about something unfair or using that intensity to crush your goals, anger can be a powerful tool. The key is using it strategically, instead of letting it explode or simmer resentfully.
6. People will talk anyway, so why not?
Trying to please everyone gets you nowhere. You might as well make bold choices, let people gossip, and live your life on your terms. (Ever heard of Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory? It’s brilliant.) Worrying excessively about what other people think is a recipe for a stifling, inauthentic existence; embracing your inner villain means making decisions based on your values, not theirs.
7. You get to embrace your competitive side.
Healthy competition pushes you to get better — your personal best, in fact. Channel that inner villain to outsmart your so-called rivals and achieve your own definition of success. Competition can motivate you to level up, step outside your comfort zone, and develop valuable new skills.
8. You cut toxic people loose without hesitation.
Villains don’t tolerate disrespect or time-wasters. Audit your relationships ruthlessly and ditch all the ones that drain you instead of elevate you. Maintaining relationships out of misplaced guilt or obligation is a recipe for draining your energy, anyway. Focus on the people who genuinely support and uplift you.
9. You stop over-apologizing.
Own your choices, even the messy ones. You’re human and mistakes happen. Saying sorry all the time undermines your authority and makes you seem weak. Choose your apologies wisely, reserving them for when you’ve truly wronged someone, not as a knee-jerk reaction to every minor inconvenience.
10. A little sarcasm never hurt anyone.
Maybe it hurt a few fragile egos, but that’s their problem. Well-placed sarcasm is a superpower against BS. Sarcasm can do wonders when it comes to deflating pompous attitudes, exposing hypocrisy, and adding a much-needed dose of humor to otherwise frustrating situations.
11. Confidence is hot, even if it’s a bit arrogant.
Villains exude unwavering self-belief (even when sometimes undeserved). Fake it ’til you make it – that bold confidence attracts opportunities and makes people take you seriously. Don’t confuse healthy confidence with obnoxious braggadocio, but don’t feel the need to minimize your accomplishments to appease people intimidated by your shine.
12. You should demand respect (but never beg for it).
Nice people wait for respect to be handed to them, villains command it. How you carry yourself, your standards, and not tolerating BS sends a powerful message. Respect is earned, but you have to start by believing you deserve it and acting accordingly, even when others haven’t caught up yet.
13. You can (and should) play the long game.
Villains think strategically, not just about immediate gratification. Sacrificing short-term comfort for bigger wins is part of their master plan. This might mean turning down fun invitations to focus on your goals, or enduring a less-than-ideal situation temporarily if it’s a stepping stone to something greater.
14. Calculated risks? Yes, please!
Playing it safe all the time? That’s boring (and bad for your potential!). Be willing to take those calculated risks and break out of your comfort zone, that’s how you level up. Don’t be careless, obviously, but don’t let fear paralyze you, either. Look at the worst-case scenario, decide if you can handle it, then go for it!
15. You get to embrace being the odd one out.
Forget about following the crowd – true villains blaze their own trail. Be proud of your quirks, and don’t be afraid to chase those dreams that make people raise an eyebrow. The most interesting folks, the ones that change the world, are often the ones who were considered a bit odd at first. Embrace what makes you different.
Enjoy this piece? Give it a like and follow Bolde on MSN for more!
