Nir And Far: Business, Behaviour and the Brain
Why Seeking Approval is Killing Your Potential
May 12, 2025
Ever felt that rush of joy from a like or a compliment? The discussion reveals how seeking external approval can trap us in a cycle of anxiety and hinder our true potential. Artists often battle this need for validation, risking their creativity. Instead, the conversation encourages embracing self-worth and nurturing intrinsic motivation, allowing individuals to thrive authentically. It’s a compelling exploration of breaking free from the judgment of others and unlocking your true capabilities.
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Quick takeaways
- Seeking approval from others can create a psychological trap that diminishes self-worth and amplifies anxiety, making authentic living challenging.
- Implementing strategies like identifying personal values and maintaining a validation journal can foster self-awareness and promote internal validation over external approval.
Deep dives
The Psychological Trap of Seeking External Approval
The need for external validation can create a psychological trap that undermines self-worth and fosters anxiety. Individuals who rely heavily on the approval of others often see their self-esteem tied to how positively they believe others perceive them, leading to cycles of insecurity. This dependence makes it difficult to live authentically, as one's sense of worth becomes hostage to the fickle opinions of others, which are completely beyond personal control. For instance, a marketing professional named Sarah found that her mood fluctuated based on client feedback, highlighting how external validation can lead to obsession with others' opinions and hinder genuine self-confidence.
