"To be truly You, is the greatest gift you can give yourself and the world"
The High Price of Approval-Seeking: Why Your Authenticity Is Worth More
Have you ever felt like you’re living for someone else’s approval instead of your own? Like your dreams and aspirations are being shaped by the expectations of others, rather than what feels true to you?
I know I’ve been there. In fact, I’ve lived that way for far too long. It’s easy to get caught up in the need for validation—from family, friends, social circles, and even strangers. We think that approval is what we need to feel seen, worthy, and validated in our own lives. But I’ve learned through my own experiences that constantly seeking approval comes with a heavy price.
The Hidden Cost of Living for Approval
When we live for approval, we’re not living authentically. We’re sacrificing our truth and our unique voice to fit into someone else’s idea of who we should be. That comes with consequences—some of them more serious than we realize.
The Emotional Toll: Constantly seeking approval can leave you emotionally drained. Instead of feeling empowered by your choices, you may feel anxious, second-guessing yourself or wondering if others will approve of your next move. This creates a constant inner conflict where you’re unable to truly honor your feelings, your needs, and your desires.
Disconnection from Self: When we prioritize the needs or approval of others, we often disconnect from who we truly are. The more we try to fit into someone else’s mold, the further we get from the person we are meant to be. It’s like walking around in someone else’s shoes—not comfortable, and certainly not true to you.
Strained Relationships: The more you pretend to be someone you’re not, the more it shows. People can sense inauthenticity, even if it’s subtle. When you’re not showing up as your true self, relationships can start to feel distant. And eventually, you’ll start feeling disconnected not just from yourself, but from the very people you’re trying to please.
The Price of Lost Purpose: When you live for approval, you deny yourself the chance to fully embrace your purpose. You may be holding back your true potential, your passions, and your gifts because you’re afraid they won’t be accepted. But here’s the truth: your unique voice is what the world needs. When you hold back, you miss out on the opportunity to make an impact, to inspire, and to truly live in alignment with your soul’s calling.
The Breakthrough: Honoring Your Authenticity
So, why is your authenticity worth more than approval? Because when you honor who you truly are, you align with your true purpose, and that’s where the magic happens. When you stop seeking approval, you give yourself permission to:
Live with Confidence: When you start showing up as your authentic self, something incredible happens—you start feeling more confident in your own skin. You stop second-guessing your choices and begin trusting your intuition. Confidence flows from being in alignment with your truth, and that’s an energy that attracts everything you need.
Create Meaningful Relationships: Authenticity is magnetic. When you show up as your true self, you attract the right people—those who appreciate you for exactly who you are. No more faking it or pretending to be something you’re not. True connections are built on trust, vulnerability, and authenticity.
Live With Purpose: When you let go of seeking validation, you open yourself up to living a life filled with purpose and meaning. You start to pursue the things that light you up, that inspire you, and that allow you to grow. You get to create a life that’s truly yours—one that’s built on your passions, your strengths, and your values.
Empower Others: The more you live authentically, the more you inspire others to do the same. By choosing to stop seeking approval, you empower those around you to embrace their true selves, too. Your courage to step into your truth creates a ripple effect of authenticity, freedom, and empowerment.
Why Approval is the Trap You Don’t Need
It’s easy to get stuck in the trap of approval-seeking, especially when we’re taught to fit in, be liked, or avoid conflict. But that’s not the path to true fulfillment. The path to living your best, most empowered life starts with you—and it starts with letting go of the need for approval.
You don’t need anyone’s permission to live your truth. Your dreams, your voice, your gifts—they are all meant for this world. When you choose to live authentically, you’re not just honoring yourself, you’re also opening the door for others to do the same.
Take Action Today:
Are you ready to stop living for approval and start living for YOU? Here are some simple steps you can take right now:
Identify the Fear: What’s stopping you from fully stepping into your truth? Write down the fears you have about sharing your authentic self with the world.
Release the Need for Approval: Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you’re seeking validation. Let go of those external expectations, and commit to living for yourself.
Speak Your Truth: Start small. Share a piece of your truth with someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, a journal, or even in a voice note. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Souls: Connect with people who support your authenticity. Find your tribe—those who encourage you to show up as your true self.
Final Thoughts:
The cost of seeking approval is high, but the reward of living authentically is priceless. Your truth is your power, and when you choose to embrace it, you unlock the potential to create meaningful connections, live a purposeful life, and leave a legacy that inspires others to do the same.
Remember: You are worthy of living authentically. And you are more than enough—just as you are.
Here are three affirmations to align with embracing your authenticity and letting go of approval:
"I honor my truth and trust that living authentically attracts the right people and opportunities into my life."
"I release the need for approval and embrace the power of being my true self, confident and free."
"I am worthy of living a life that aligns with my passions, purpose, and unique gifts."
"Always remember how powerful your truth and authenticity is!
You being you inspires & empowers others and helps transform the world!"