The more we desperately seek attention from others, the more we identify with our ego. The ego thrives on approval from the outside world.
Have you ever found yourself craving attention, yearning for validation from those around you? It's a common human desire, to seek acknowledgment and affirmation from others. But here's the catch: the more desperately we seek that attention, the more we tie our sense of self-worth to it. It's like building a house on shifting sands – unstable and fragile.
Imagine your ego as a hungry beast, constantly demanding to be fed. It feeds on approval, validation, and attention from the outside world. The more it consumes, the larger and more insatiable it becomes. It's a bottomless pit that can never be filled, leaving you perpetually seeking more, yet never truly satisfied.
When we tether our self-worth to external validation, we hand over the reins of our happiness to others. We become slaves to their opinions, their judgments, their fleeting affirmations. Like a ship tossed around in a stormy sea, we are at the mercy of every passing wave, unable to find stability or peace.
But here's the truth: true fulfillment comes from within. It's not found in the fleeting praise of others, but in the quiet confidence that radiates from a strong sense of self. Picture a sturdy oak tree, deeply rooted in the earth. It stands tall and unwavering, unaffected by the shifting winds or passing storms. That's the kind of inner strength we should strive for – a resilience that can weather any storm.
When we detach our sense of self-worth from external validation, we free ourselves from the shackles of the ego. We no longer need the constant approval of others to feel worthy or valuable. Instead, we find joy in simply being, in embracing our authentic selves without fear or hesitation.
Think of it like learning to swim in the ocean of life. At first, you may cling desperately to a life raft, relying on external validation to keep you afloat. But as you gain confidence in your own abilities, you let go of the raft and strike out on your own. You become the master of your own destiny, navigating the waves with grace and ease.
So, the next time you find yourself craving attention or validation from others, take a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself why you're seeking it – is it to feed your ego, or because you genuinely value the opinions of others? Remember that true happiness can only be found when we learn to validate ourselves from within.
In the end, the most important approval is the one we give ourselves. When we learn to love and accept ourselves unconditionally, we become unstoppable. So, let go of the need for external validation and embrace the incredible power that comes from within.
Now, I challenge you: What is one small step you can take today to validate yourself from within, without seeking approval from others?
* If you’re seeking extra motivation and inspiration on your journey of personal growth, I recommend taking a look at my SMART growth goals page, This page offers thousands of goal ideas that can assist in the establishment of new aspirations and the attainment of greater heights in one's life. In fact, it was instrumental in my creation of a list of 100 goals, which I pursued for a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
