The Hunger for Approval

Whether we care to admit it or not, we all have an inner voice that craves validation and acceptance from others, and any attempt to ignore or suppress that voice is ultimately futile.

Why is this even important? The answer is because of our unsatisfied hunger for approval. Why do we need approval? Because we need acceptance.

From childhood to adulthood, we seek validation from others, striving to be accepted, liked, and admired. This need for approval is deeply ingrained in our psyche, and it’s a constant challenge and a daily pursuit.

As social beings, we have an inherent need for validation and acceptance from others. This need arises from our desire for a sense of belonging and wholeness.

Seeking approval can take many forms, including seeking recognition in social, academic, or professional settings.

Even individuals raised in loving and supportive environments require validation from their peers, colleagues, or society.

When we fail to find approval, we may become increasingly desperate in our efforts to prove our worth to others.

We may seek validation in new places or with new people, and may even compare ourselves to others, try to prove them wrong, or resort to cancel culture.

The worst side is when we prove others wrong to justify ourselves. We need to do all that to feel whole. The idea of wholeness includes the feeling that nothing is broken or missing and that all aspects of our lives are fixed together.

All these efforts are exhausting as it is demanding and never-ending, leaving us feeling mentally and emotionally drained at the end of the day.

It can also lead to burnout and leave us feeling empty, as there is always someone else to compare ourselves to or someone else to try to impress.

Seeking external validation means that our sense of self-worth is tied to the opinions and actions of others, which can leave us feeling powerless and vulnerable.

And trying to justify ourselves solely based on external approval can lead to disappointment and disillusionment, as we cannot control how others perceive or respond to us.

This need for approval is not limited to any particular group or demographic. It is a universal human trait that transcends race, gender, and cultural boundaries. Even the most confident and successful individuals often struggle with this fundamental human need.

Finally, our need for approval stems from our desire for acceptance and a sense of belonging and wholeness, but constantly seeking it from others can lead to an exhausting and unfulfilling cycle of trying to prove ourselves worthy.