Stop seeking others’ approval
Stop seeking others’ approval
What are the emotional costs of constantly seeking others’ approval? Why does relying on others always lead you off track? How can online therapy help you work on your inner truth and the authentic desires of your soul?
Avoiding saying no, trying not to displease others, always appearing kind and available, believing this will preserve relationships and affection—in the long run, this does not guarantee lasting security or satisfaction. Instead, it often confronts us with one of the deepest fears: the fear of being alone, of having to rely only on ourselves.
Very often, to avoid loneliness, we stop being authentic. We settle, we become compliant, we form ties even with people who are not aligned with us—or worse, we create toxic, dependent bonds that drain us in exchange for a false sense of safety, preventing us from truly shining.
Several studies have shown that seeking approval can become a dangerous source of frustration. At first, pleasing others may bring a sense of accomplishment, validation, or appreciation. But over time, it leads to suffering: the person loses the ability to appreciate themselves, to pursue their own goals, and ends up living for others’ expectations rather than their own happiness.
Seeking approval blocks our true essence
To feel genuinely fulfilled and aligned with ourselves, we must break free from the need for external validation and instead focus on self-knowledge and the path of our soul. Approval should come from within—not from the outside world.
Continuously adjusting to please others and living according to their demands eventually empties us and diverts us from our authentic path. It prevents us from growing spiritually and personally, keeping us trapped in frustration, dissatisfaction, and fear of failure.
How to let go of the need for approval
- Become self-aware. Learn to know yourself deeply, to recognize what is truly right for you, and follow it. Over time, the need for external validation will fade.
- Be honest with yourself. Ask: Am I doing this because it fulfills me, or only to please others? True happiness comes from what resonates with us, not from avoiding disapproval.
- Pause before saying yes. Evaluate carefully if what is being asked of you aligns with your values and growth. If it doesn’t, have the courage to say no.
Following your own path is not easy. It may involve disapproval, but it is the only way to rediscover your true essence, to find confidence and strength within yourself, and to build genuine self-approval that lasts longer than fleeting external praise.
How online therapy can help
Breaking the habit of seeking external approval is challenging. At first, it may feel easier to comply with others’ expectations, even at the cost of betraying yourself. But in the long term, this choice always backfires—leading to frustration, resentment, insecurity, and emptiness.
Online therapy can help you understand these dynamics, uncover the fears that prevent you from relying on yourself, and free you from sterile or dependent relationships. It supports you in listening to your inner voice, reclaiming your personal value, and rediscovering your true decision-making power.
For information, contact Dr. Jessica Zecchini
Email: consulenza@jessicazecchini.it — WhatsApp: +39 370 32 17 351
