Ways to stop seeking approval from other people.

If you identify with any of these traits, it’s time to own up to your shortcomings. Here are some steps to get there.

1. Ask yourself why you need approval.

Often, a desire for approval at work arises from a past event. For example, did you grow up respecting authority? If so, you may be reluctant to share your views at work. Was it difficult for you to make friends in school? This may now drive you to do anything to be loved by your coworkers.

2. Make rejection friends.

Consider an instance when you are disappointed or failed to satisfy someone’s expectations Someone requested you to rework a project or you missed a deadline. How did you bounce back? So, what did you learn? If you were able to resolve the issue, it likely benefited your professional development.
Disapproval is essentially a feedback mechanism. This data can help you enhance your next performance. Reframe rejection as a positive. Not staying in your comfort zone indicates you’re pushing limitations.

3. Be open to change.

To attain their greatest potential, see skill and ability as something to be cultivated over time, rather than intrinsic and unchanging. You can wean yourself from the incessant need for validation by realizing that there is plenty of room for development, improvement, and success.

4. Focus on the process, not results.

If you’re prone to seeking approval, focus on improving processes rather than results. Focusing on one single outcome, like a promotion or increase, ties your self-worth to external standards that may be out of your control.

In the end, you only have to answer yourself. Self-approval is an important part of your integrity and will keep you happy and pleased. By letting go of approval-seeking practices at work, you honor yourself, your needs, and your long-term pleasure.