12 May Do you rely on the approval of others? If so, it might be worth reading this…
We are, at least in part, social animals.
Accordingly, we are, at least in part, reliant on others.
Happiness, for example, is very dependent on the quality of our relationships with others; and this isn't such a bad thing…
…but if we place all our happiness and confidence and self worth in the hands others then by definition, we lose quite a bit of control over our own wellbeing.
And ideally, we'd rather have more say in our happiness and self-confidence…wouldn't we?
Well, if that sounds of interest to you, then check out the article below and try the 13 tips suggested…
via Bustle by Raven Ishak
Whether you're trying to get hundreds of likes on Instagram or hoping to connect with someone on Tinder, sometimes it can seem like our happiness depends on other people in today's society. But there are ways to stop seeking approval of others. The key is to begin with addressing your own thought process. Rather than seeking approval from external influences, try to find true happiness by developing a more stable relationship within yourself.
"It's exhausting trying to be everything to everyone. But more to the point, it's unsustainable. Eventually the psyche just collapses in on itself, like a sinkhole of muck, pressured by the weight of trying to figure out who other people want you to be. To be truly happy, you must honor the truth of you. But all too often, finding this truth is profoundly complicated," says licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Paul Hokemeyer J.D., PhD in an interview with Bustle over email.
Feeling confident without anyone else's approval means loving yourself first and knowing your own self-worth. President and CEO of the 4A’sNancy Hill said in a phone interview with Bustle, "You can't give away something you don't own already. You have to love yourself first."
1. Become Aware Of Your Actions
"The first step to stop seeking approval of others is to become aware [that] we are stuck on doubt, insecurity, or uncertainty. We must recognize that our actions (of seeking approval) comes from the emotions and beliefs that arise within us," says occupational therapist and well-being coach Shira Gura in an interview with Bustle over email. Once you become aware of how often you're seeking approval from others, you can begin to work on yourself from within.
2. Develop A Greater Sense Of Self-Worth
Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy by having negative thoughts about yourself. But quashing these is key to recognizing your own worth.
"Self-worth is knowing you are loved, valuable, and worthy simply because you are, and not because of what you think, say, do, or what others think of you. We tend to seek approval from others when our sense of self-worth is low, when we believe we have to 'perform' to be worthy of attention and love. I encourage clients to work through my 'Pyramid of Self-Worth' (from my books 8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise and Who Am I Without You?), which begins with self-awarenes," says clinical psychologist, speaker, and founder of the AZ Postpartum Wellness Coalition Christina G. Hibbert, Psy.D. in an interview with Bustle over email.
3. Learn To Accept Yourself For Who You Are
Don't worry about what other people are thinking, but instead solely focus on what makes you happy. "It can be challenging to accept all parts of ourselves, but that is truly where self-confidence begins. As we accept who we are, we find we don’t need others’ approval or input anymore, because we know the truth about ourselves," says Hibbert…
…keep reading the full & original article HERE