You Don't Need Approval

You should never care for approval, approval to live and chase the life you want. It does not matter whether another person agrees or thinks you should, it only matters whether you truly think you should. The only time we seek approval is when we are not strong in our stance. We seek it because we want others to confirm what we’re doing is okay. That what we’re doing, or what we want to do, is valid. Or is it something more?

What do we seek when we ask for approval? An okay to go ahead? No, we’re asking for help against the plethora of uncertainties, doubts, and unknowns. When following a path of your own, it does not exist until you traverse it. We don’t know what’s to come, or if anything is to come. That makes us uncomfortable and a little scared. We prefer knowing what we’re getting ourselves into, but with this path, we’re simply dreaming. So maybe we’re looking for a little confirmation and encouragement that we’re doing the right thing.

But truth be told, that will never fully come from anyone else but yourself. You simply have to learn to trust yourself. You have to prove to yourself that you’re capable, that you can make it happen, that you will make it happen, no matter the situation. Even if the world turns upside down and rains failure all over you, you will still push through and somehow make it work. You need to become fully confident of your decision and stance, to a point where you will no longer need anyone else’s approval. And truth be told, you won’t be able to achieve anything worthwhile until you get there. Encouragement is nice, but you yourself must believe more than anyone else.

And it goes without saying, your dreams will not pan out as expected, and that is why adaptability and flexibility are extremely important. But that is for another conversation.