Approval Seeking Almost Ruined Life

The Dangerous Cost of External Validation -- How to Break The Addiction

Dear Permission to be Powerful Reader,

When you’re someone who craves external validation, it says something important about you.

And if you’re honest with yourself, it says something about how you see yourself. It points to the fact that you don’t fully believe in your worth.

But here’s the thing: A mature adult should feel valid in and of themselves. They should know, without question, that they count and matter. They should know they’re good and worthy, regardless of what anyone else says or does.

And while it’s important to feel supported, you should be your best advocate, your biggest fan, no matter how the world responds to you. That’s the foundation upon which genuine self-esteem is built.

But let me tell you something—I wasn’t like that. Not for most of my life.

I wanted the validation of others. I craved it. I wanted women to like me. I wanted men to envy me. I wanted a career that shouted success, that proved I was important.

I would have proof of my worth if I could have those th…