No Stupid Questions

23. Is It Wrong to Crave Praise?

97 snips
May 25, 2025
The discussion dives into the psychological intricacies of craving praise and its impact on self-worth. They explore how seeking validation intersects with the need for constructive feedback, especially in childhood. Personal stories highlight the importance of focusing on processes over outcomes for long-term success. Trauma's effects on mental health are examined, particularly in light of significant events like the Boston Marathon bombing and the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode encourages listeners to confront negative emotions while navigating the complex desire for recognition.
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ADVICE

Balancing Praise and Criticism

  • Crave negative feedback to improve and hone your weaknesses.
  • But it's natural to want unconditional praise for things you're proud of.
INSIGHT

Praise for Beginners, Critique for Experts

  • Beginners need a lot of positive feedback to build shaky confidence.
  • Experts benefit more from critical feedback to push improvement.
INSIGHT

Focus Feedback on Process Not Person

  • Person-directed praise or criticism can threaten ego and cause fragility.
  • Process-directed feedback on behavior or effort is more helpful for growth.
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