Your life does not require anyone’s approval. Read that again. And yet, so many of us spend our days chasing validation—likes, compliments, nods of approval, and silent permission to just be who we are. But here’s the truth: constantly seeking validation can become a survival habit that keeps you from living your real life and making your own decisions. It’s time to engage your self-validation.
Why do we seek validation? It’s society telling you to get your worth from what’s outside of you and not from what’s inside of you. It’s a lack of self-acceptance. It’s not owning who you are—so what you hear and see begins to replace what you value in yourself.
When you rely on others to confirm your worth, choices, or feelings, you hand them the power to shape your reality. It feels safer in the moment—like you’re avoiding conflict or rejection—but eventually, they’ll leave you disconnected from your own truth and could lead you to make poor decisions for your life.
In fact, some of the greatest arguments and misunderstandings in the world have started with the simple desires: to feel seen, to be understood, and to be validated. Unfortunately, we don’t always receive validation from others the way it’s intended, especially if it’s wrapped in a negative tone, strange body language, wrong timing, or odd expressions—which can lead to even more insecurities with yourself.
Here’s one suggestion: Instead of seeking validation from others, choose self-validation. Start recognizing yourself. Approve your own choices. Confirm your own feelings. Trust your own voice. Then, affirm and repeat daily. That’s where the self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and real power lie.
This doesn’t mean isolating yourself or ignoring feedback. It means learning to live from a place of self-assurance rather than constant external validation. Yes, it’s a challenging practice—and some days it’s harder than others. But the freedom that comes from not needing validation from anyone…well, that’s priceless. You are enough. You know enough. And your life is yours to live—no approval or validation required. That’s successful aging!