2023-03-30 Freeing yourself from external validation

“When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn’t have to look outside themselves for approval,” Epictetus said in his book, The Discourses.

Learning to trust your judgement is a process.

Freeing yourself from external approval requires self-awareness, reflection, and practice.

Start by developing a strong sense of self.

Focus on understanding your own values, beliefs, and strengths. Reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Identify any areas where you usually seek external validation.

Set your standards for success in those areas of your life and measure yourself against these standards.

When you are grounded in life, you have a solid foundation to navigate challenges and setbacks without losing your sense of self.

You become self-aware and confident in your abilities, which enables you to make decisions that align with your values and goals, regardless of external opinions.

“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others,” says Chinese philosopher Confucius.