How Seeking External Validation Affects Your Confidence

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Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough? That your accomplishments are never quite good enough? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people struggle with feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. One of the main reasons for this is our tendency to seek external validation. In other words, we rely too much on the opinions of others to make us feel good about ourselves. In this article, we’ll explore the harm that comes from seeking external validation, and we’ll discuss some ways to boost your confidence independently.

What is external validation?

External validation is the act of seeking approval from others in order to feel good about oneself. It can take many forms, such as asking for compliments, looking for reassurance, or fishing for likes on social media. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel appreciated, relying too heavily on external validation can lead to feelings of insecurity and low self-worth. This is because we ultimately have no control over whether or not others will give us the validation we seek. Additionally, even if we do receive validation from others, it is only temporary and does not address the underlying issue. Instead of seeking external validation, it’s important to focus on finding ways to feel good about oneself that are within one’s control. This might include setting personal goals and striving to meet them, practicing self-compassion, or connecting with others who make us feel good about ourselves.

What is internal validation?

Internal validation is all about finding self-worth from within. It’s when you accept and appreciate yourself just as you are, without needing anyone else’s approval. This doesn’t mean that you never strive to improve or grow – instead, it means that your motivation comes from a place of self-love rather than a need for validation. When you internally validate, you’re more likely to build healthy relationships and set boundaries because you’re not relying on others to feel good about yourself. You might find that you’re also more creative and authentic when you’re not worried about what other people think. So why not give it a try? See how it feels to focus on your own opinion of yourself for a change.

Which one is more valid and helpful?

When we seek external validation, we are essentially giving away our power to determine our own worth. We are handing over the control of how we feel about ourselves to other people. This can be extremely harmful, as it leaves us feeling vulnerable and at the mercy of others. Internal validation, on the other hand, is a much more stable and empowering way to feel good about oneself. It allows us to control our own self-worth and build healthy relationships with others. So next time you’re feeling down about yourself, remember that you have the power to change the way you feel – simply by changing your focus. Choose to look inward for a sense of validation, and watch as your confidence grows.

What are some of the benefits of internal validation?

There are many benefits of internal validation, such as increased confidence, creativity, and authenticity. Additionally, when we focus on our own opinion of ourselves, we are more likely to set healthy boundaries and build positive relationships. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how good it feels to finally start valuing your own opinion above all else.

How can I start to value internal over external validation?

If you find that you’re relying too heavily on external validation, there are a few things you can do to shift your focus. First, try to become aware of when you’re seeking approval from others. This might involve taking a step back and observing your thoughts and actions throughout the day. Once you’ve identified when you’re looking for validation, see if you can find a different way to respond. For instance, instead of fishing for compliments, try to focus on your own opinion of yourself. Additionally, try to set personal goals and strive to meet them. This will help you to feel good about yourself independently. Finally, practice self-compassion and connect with others who make you feel good about yourself. By making these changes, you’ll start to value internal validation over external validation.

What are some ways that you can start seeking internal validation?

There are many ways to start seeking internal validation. One way is to focus on setting personal goals and striving to meet them. This will help you to feel good about yourself independently. Another way is to practice self-compassion. This involves being kind and understanding towards yourself, especially during difficult times. Additionally, you can connect with others who make you feel good about yourself. These are just a few of the many ways that you can start seeking internal validation. Experiment and see what works best for you. Remember that the goal is to focus on finding ways to feel good about yourself that are within your control. This will help you to build healthy relationships and set boundaries. So don’t be afraid to give it a try!

To sum it all up

Building self-confidence can be tough. But it’s worth it to focus on finding ways to feel good about ourselves that are within our control. When we do this, we’re more likely to build healthy relationships and set boundaries because we’re not relying on others to feel good about ourselves. So next time you’re feeling down about yourself, remember that you have the power to change the way you feel – simply by changing your focus. Choose to look inward for a sense of validation, and watch as your confidence grows.

How have you sought internal validation in your own life? Let us know in the comments below!

If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends! And if you want to learn more about self-confidence, check out our other blog posts on the subject. Thanks for reading!

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