How I Stopped Seeking Validation and Started Trusting Myself

I Spent Years Looking for Permission—Until I Realized I Didn’t Need It

For years, I let other people’s opinions run my life. I wouldn’t make a decision without checking in with someone first. I’d second-guess myself the moment someone disagreed with me.

I’d hesitate to go after what I wanted until I got a stamp of approval from someone else. And if that approval didn’t come? I’d assume I was making the wrong choice.

It was exhausting.

And it took me way too long to realize something:

The people I was looking to for validation weren’t any more qualified to direct my life than I was.

💡 They weren’t experts. They weren’t living my life. They weren’t me.

So why did I keep giving them so much power over my choices? That’s when everything shifted. If you’ve ever felt like you need outside approval before taking a step forward, this is for you.

Let’s talk about how I stopped seeking validation and started trusting myself.

I used to think other people had the answers.

•    My parents must know what’s best because they’ve been through more.

•    My friends must see something I don’t.

•    “Experts” online must have the right way to do things.

But you know what? No one is living my life except me.

💡 No one else has my exact dreams, my vision, my responsibilities, or my gut instinct.

So why was I waiting for someone outside of my life to tell me how to live it?

Try This: Next time you catch yourself looking for approval, ask: “If no one else’s opinion existed, what would I choose?”

That answer? That’s the one you trust.

I used to feel like I had to convince people my choices were valid.

•    “I’m quitting this job, but don’t worry, I have a backup plan!”

•    “I’m starting this business, but I promise I’m not being irresponsible!”

•    “I’m setting this boundary, but please don’t be mad!”

I’d over-explain myself because I wanted people to approve of my choices—but the truth is, I didn’t need their approval.

Try This: Stop justifying your decisions.

✔ If you want something, go for it.

✔ If you don’t want to do something, don’t.

✔ If someone doesn’t like it? That’s their problem, not yours.

Your life doesn’t need to make sense to anyone but you.

This was the hardest part. Because when you’ve spent years looking for outside validation, your own voice feels too quiet to trust.

So I started doing something simple—but powerful:

💡 Before asking anyone else, I asked myself first.

Before texting a friend for advice, I’d sit with my thoughts. Before polling people on what I should do, I’d journal about what I actually wanted.

And guess what? I always knew the answer—I was just afraid to trust myself.

Try This: Practice making small decisions without anyone’s input. The more you do it, the louder your own voice gets.

This was the biggest roadblock.

I was terrified that if I stopped seeking validation, I’d:

❌ Let people down

❌ Be judged

❌ Lose relationships

But here’s the truth:

🚨 People who love and respect you will support you—even if they don’t agree with you.

🚨 People who get mad that you’re making your own choices? They were benefiting from your self-doubt.

Try This: Next time you hesitate to do something because you’re afraid of what people will think, ask yourself:

“Do I want their approval more than I want to be true to myself?”

The answer is always no.

I stopped seeking validation when I finally understood:

✔ No one else knows what’s best for me.

✔ My choices don’t need an explanation.

✔ I can trust myself before asking others.

✔ People’s opinions are theirs to manage—not mine.

And if you’ve been waiting for permission?

🚨 This is it.

📥 Need more confidence-building tools? Download Mom’s Breakthrough Blueprint—your free guide to trusting yourself & stepping into your power! → https://satya-nauth.kit.com/e7a38e811f