The Trap of External Validation

Hey everyone!

Let’s talk about something that many of us deal with: tying our self-esteem to things outside of ourselves—like other people’s opinions, compliments, or even achievements.

At first, it might feel good when someone says, “You’re so talented!” or when you ace that test. But what happens when the compliments stop? Or when you don’t hit that goal you were striving for? Suddenly, it feels like you’re not enough, doesn’t it?

This happens because relying on external things for self-worth is like building a house on sand—unstable and easily shaken. When we make other people’s words or achievements the measure of our value, we give away our power to feel good about ourselves.

What does this feel like? For many, it’s a rollercoaster:

  • On a high when people praise you.
  • Insecure and questioning yourself when there’s silence or criticism.
  • Constantly chasing the next “win” to prove you’re worth something.

But here’s the thing: your worth isn’t defined by others or your accomplishments. It’s something that comes from knowing who you are, embracing your strengths, and accepting your imperfections.

It’s not easy, but building internal self-esteem starts with small steps:

  • Celebrate your effort, not just results.
  • Notice and challenge that inner critic when it gets loud.
  • Remind yourself that you’re worthy just because you exist.

You’re not alone in this. Let’s keep learning and growing together! :blush:

What’s one thing you do to remind yourself of your worth? Share in the comments below!

Hi everyone!

External validation is a natural desire—we all want to feel seen, valued, and appreciated. But relying too heavily on others’ approval can leave us feeling unsteady, especially when the validation doesn’t come. Over time, this dependence can chip away at our confidence and self-worth.

To prevent over-reliance on external validation, let’s try to focus on building internal validation! :slight_smile:

This starts with self-awareness: understand your values, strengths, and the qualities that make you unique. Practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself as you would a close friend. Celebrate your wins—big or small—without needing others to notice :slight_smile:

Another key step is setting healthy boundaries- for example, recognize when you’re seeking approval out of insecurity and pause to ask, “What do I think about this?” Shift the focus inward, and over time, you’ll trust your own judgment more.

How do you balance internal and external validation in your life?