STOP CHASING APPROVAL
Chasing approval from others will never lead to the happiness and success you desire. In fact, it often does the opposite - keeping you small, stuck, and afraid to take the bold steps necessary to achieve your dreams.
Do you ever feel stuck because you're too worried about what others think? Maybe you’ve been holding back from pursuing a dream, trying something new, or speaking your mind because you’re afraid of judgment, criticism, or rejection. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The need for approval is one of the biggest obstacles to living the life we truly want.
But here’s the truth: chasing approval from others will never lead to the happiness and success you desire. In fact, it often does the opposite - keeping you small, stuck, and afraid to take the bold steps necessary to achieve your dreams.
Why Seeking Approval Is a Trap
When you prioritize what others think over your own goals, you give away your power. You begin living according to their expectations instead of your own values. This need for validation creates fear - fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of making mistakes. And fear is the enemy of action.
For example:
- Have you ever avoided sharing a creative idea because you were afraid someone might criticize it?
- Or stayed in a job you hate because you didn’t want people to question your decision to try something new?
Every moment spent chasing approval is a moment not spent moving closer to your dreams.
The Cost of Worrying About Others’ Opinions
Constantly worrying about what others think drains your energy and confidence. It keeps you in a cycle of self-doubt, second-guessing, and procrastination. Over time, you may find yourself asking, “What happened to the life I wanted?”
The truth is, most people are too focused on their own lives to worry about yours. The judgment you fear is often imagined, not real. And even if someone does criticize you, their opinion doesn’t define your worth or determine your success.
How to Stop Chasing Approval
- Identify What Matters to You
What do you want out of life? What are your goals, dreams, and values? Focus on aligning your actions with what’s important to you—not what others expect of you. - Challenge Your Need for Approval
Ask yourself: Why do I care so much about what others think? Often, it comes from a fear of rejection or a desire to fit in. Recognizing this is the first step toward breaking free. - Take Small, Bold Steps
Start by doing one thing each day that aligns with your dreams, even if it feels uncomfortable. Whether it’s sharing your idea, trying a new hobby, or setting boundaries, small actions build confidence over time. - Accept That Not Everyone Will Approve
You can’t please everyone—and that’s okay. The more you embrace this truth, the more freedom you’ll feel to live authentically. - Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Worrying about others often comes from a fear of making mistakes. Remember, mistakes are part of growth. It’s better to move forward imperfectly than stay stuck in fear.
The Freedom of Letting Go
When you stop chasing approval, you reclaim your power. You start making decisions based on what’s right for you, not what others might think. This freedom allows you to take risks, learn from failures, and move closer to the life of your dreams.
Imagine the possibilities if you stopped letting fear of judgment hold you back. What could you accomplish? How much joy and fulfillment could you create?
Living for the approval of others is like running on a treadmill—you work hard but never get anywhere. To live the life of your dreams, you need to step off the treadmill and start walking your own path.
So, stop worrying about what everyone thinks. Their opinions don’t define your future—you do. Take the action necessary, embrace the journey, and watch as your dreams start to become your reality.
The life you want is waiting. Stop chasing approval and go after it.
