Breaking Free from Validation: Building Inner Confidence and Embracing Self-Worth

I remember the feeling all too well. After putting my heart and soul into an article, carefully crafting every detail and publishing it with excitement, I waited eagerly for recognition. But the validation I craved — the feedback, the engagement — never came. Instead, I was left with an overwhelming sense of disappointment.

This wasn’t an isolated moment. At work, I often found myself seeking approval from leaders, hoping for a nod of encouragement or acknowledgment that I was on the right path. Yet, the responses were inconsistent, leaving me feeling unsure and undervalued.

Over time, these experiences revealed an important truth: seeking validation from others is exhausting and unsustainable. Depending on external praise for my sense of worth left me in a constant state of uncertainty. I realized that to thrive, I needed to build an unshakable foundation of self-worth — one that didn’t rely on others’ opinions or approval.