Do you frequently seek approval from others, worrying about what they think of you? Do you feel like your life is constantly dictated by their opinions? If this sounds familiar, then it may be time to break free from seeking approval and start living your life on your terms.
Taking charge of your life can be a liberating experience, and that’s why we’ve organized 7 simple steps to help you get started on this journey. With a newfound sense of independence and confidence, you can begin to live your best life without worrying about what other people think.
Why It’s Important to Stop Seeking Approval From Others
Seeking approval from others is a natural human instinct, but it can often have damaging consequences in the long run. It’s important to break this habit because it can keep us locked in an endless loop of seeking validation which can lead to feelings of depression and low self-esteem.
When we focus too much on what other people think, we may stop paying attention to our own needs and desires. We could also start to give away too much power to other people, allowing them to dictate how we see ourselves or how we conduct our lives.
Breaking the cycle of seeking approval allows us to make conscious decisions based on what matters most to us. We can also develop healthy relationships with friends and family who support our authentic selves without pushing their own expectations and standards onto us. Ultimately, when we break away from this habit, we create space for peace and contentment within ourselves that no one else has the power to take away from us.
7 Steps to Stop Seeking Approval From Others
Identify the Reasons You Seek Approval
The first step to stop seeking approval is to identify the reasons that you’re doing so in the first place. You may find that there are a number of different factors that are contributing to this behavior.
There are a number of reasons why people seek approval from others. Some common examples include:
- wanting to fit in
- fear of being judged
- fear of being disliked,
- a need for recognition
- low self-esteem.
Be aware that your upbringing, past experiences, and current relationships could all be influencing this need. When you understand the reasons behind why you seek approval, can help you to create a plan of action for how to break this habit.
Recognize Your Own Worth
The second step to stop seeking approval is to recognize your own worth. It’s important to remember that you don’t need anyone else’s validation in order to live a fulfilling life. You have inherent value and it’s important not to forget this.
Take time to think about all of the unique qualities and accomplishments that make you, you. Perhaps you’re a great listener, or you have an eye for detail. Maybe you have achieved something that very few others have done. Think about the things that make you proud of yourself and let these feelings fuel your confidence.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Once you recognize your worth, it’s time to set healthy boundaries with other people. This means learning how to say no and being assertive when needed. It’s important not to let others dictate your decisions, or make you feel guilty for standing up for yourself.
Set limits on what you are willing to do, and be firm in enforcing them. For example, if someone asks you to take on more work than is reasonable, be sure to politely decline while clearly stating your reasons. You don’t need to explain yourself further if someone pushes you.
Other examples of healthy boundaries can look like
- Not taking on other people’s problems
- Not allowing yourself to be manipulated
- Not giving away all of your time and energy
- Saying no when asked for favors that you don’t want to do.
Develop Self-Care Practices
The fourth step to stop seeking approval is to develop self-care practices. Taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional health should be a top priority. This means eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and taking time for yourself.
Self-care can also involve activities such as journaling or meditating. These practices can help to reduce stress and provide a sense of calm. Additionally, they can help you to understand your feelings better, so that you’re less likely to rely on external validation.
Reject Social Pressure
The fifth step is to reject social pressure. This means learning how to say no and standing up for yourself in situations where you feel like your values are at odds with those of the people around you.
For example, if someone wants you to do something that goes against your morals or beliefs, don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. You don’t have to please everyone, and it’s important to stand up for what you believe in.
Begin to Trust Yourself
You are capable of making the right decisions for your life. Let go of needing to find answers or solutions from other people and start trusting yourself to make the best decisions for yourself. You know what is right and wrong for you, so stop seeking approval and start believing in yourself and trusting your own judgment.
Not only will it help you to become more independent, but it will also give you the confidence to take risks and make decisions that are best for your well-being.
Embrace Your Uniqueness
Don’t try to fit a certain mold or be something that you’re not. Be proud of your differences, and embrace your uniqueness. Let go of needing to be like everyone else. Instead, be proud of who you are and what makes you special. It’s often our unique qualities that make us stand out from the crowd and can lead to success in life.
Final Thoughts
By following these steps, you can learn to stop seeking approval from others and start building your own confidence. Taking control of your life and trusting yourself is key to becoming more independent and secure in yourself.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to stop seeking approval from others and start feeling proud of yourself and your accomplishments. With a little practice, you can become confident in making decisions that are best for you.