Give up approval seeking behaviour

there's only one person whose approval you really need – guess who?

We can secure other people's approval if we do right and try hard, but our own is worth a hundred of it. - Mark Twain

Approval-seeking behaviour implies going along with what you think others expect out of fear that they won't like you. It means being excessively concerned with what others think.

Obviously there is nothing wrong with wanting to be liked and accepted; it's a natural human desire. But it becomes a problem when you allow others'approval to dictate how you feel about yourself.

Approval-seeking behaviour does have short-term benefits; it keeps others happy, gets them off your back. But it could be at the expense of your long-term self-esteem. You cannot find long-term happiness by constantly pandering to others.

There is only one person whose approval you really need, and that's you. Other people's expectations are not your concern. You didn't create them, and you don't own them. If others don't like what you do that's their problem, not yours.

When you stop doing things just because others expect it, the sense of freedom can be exhilarating. No longer do you have to pretend to be something you're not. You always have the choice of how to respond to others'expectations. Use it wisely!