

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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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.
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.
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.