Avoid popularity, if you would have peace.

Being widely liked is more work than it appears. Every additional person whose good opinion you hold means another set of expectations to manage, another softening of what you actually think, another obligation you did not exactly choose. The trade is real: approval bought with agreeableness, paid for in quiet. A smaller circle where you can say what you mean is worth a great deal more than a large one where you cannot.

Notice where you are currently performing for people whose opinion does not actually affect your life. Withdraw a little from one of those audiences this week and see what returns to you.