Validation is For Parking
It exudes innocence, purity, and sincerity.
All you desire is for them to appreciate and admire your work.
You crave their validation. You hold onto hope for it.
After all, your work is an extension of who you are, isn't it?
Perhaps you haven't fully grasped the imbalance you've unintentionally created.
When you trade your hard work for love, validation, or a simple compliment, it becomes akin to an addictive substance.
I've experienced it myself, and it's truly draining. The aftermath is nothing short of a terrible hangover.
Now, you find yourself needing it after each accomplishment. But it doesn't always come.
When you exchange your efforts for appreciation, praise, or love, more often than not, it falls short.
It can be agonizing. Is my work truly sufficient? Am I worthy?
You genuinely like your work. You strive to surpass expectations.
You yearn to satisfy those in leadership positions.
To pleasantly surprise and captivate your clients.
Consequently, you push yourself harder, investing more hours into your endeavors.
You find contentment in your output.
Yet, you're fatigued, perhaps on the brink of burnout.
You wait and hope for appreciation, compliments, acknowledgment, and validation.
But the compliments don't always arrive. Validation proves to be fleeting.
Because humans are complex creatures, even with the best intentions, they have their own lives and days filled with stress.
Your appreciation and validation must come from within. You must grant it to yourself.
You can control your thoughts about yourself—please do not allow someone else's day to determine whether you receive a compliment.
Instead, here's what you should do:
Maintain a continual record of all your accomplishments.
Sit down and deliberately choose how you want to perceive each one.
Take a moment to celebrate your achievements.
Consider how you want to feel when you deliver exceptional results.
Accomplished? Proud? Confident? Inspired? Appreciative?
Remain in that state of mind.
Bestow that upon yourself.
You possess the authority to select your thoughts and feelings about yourself.
And when the compliments eventually arrive, those expressions will be pleasant but ultimately unnecessary.
Because you have already bestowed upon yourself the love and support you need.
Could there be a greater sense of freedom?