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ZenFender · 02-14-2007, 10:10 AM

After nearly 2 years of "self help," I've come to the realisation that the main (perhaps only) thing holding me back is my need for approval.

Granted, my situation isn't THAT bad- I lead an absolutely great life filled with loads of great relationships. But internally, my need for approval is slowly eating away at me, and I KNOW I can do better.

Basically, at the core of it, approval seeking is wanting other people to like me. Sounds pretty innocent, but there are a lot of hidden dangers behind it. Firstly, I may act differently and not "be myself" just so people will like me. Also, I may occasionally act shy and not interact much so I won't screw up and ruin my image.

Basically, my need for approval is preventing my inner me from shining! In truth, why the heck should I care what someone thinks of me?!?! It's none of my business, it's theirs! And it truly isn't worth it to fake myself just to gain some approval from others.

So, I guess my question is, do you guys have any tips or advice on helping me remove my need for approval and in effect, kill my ego? So far, I've been meditating, and reminding myself during my day to not seek approval, but I'm sure there are more effective ways out there?

Thx!

02-14-2007, 10:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
ZenFender Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33	Approval seeking After nearly 2 years of "self help," I've come to the realisation that the main (perhaps only) thing holding me back is my need for approval. Granted, my situation isn't THAT bad- I lead an absolutely great life filled with loads of great relationships. But internally, my need for approval is slowly eating away at me, and I KNOW I can do better. Basically, at the core of it, approval seeking is wanting other people to like me. Sounds pretty innocent, but there are a lot of hidden dangers behind it. Firstly, I may act differently and not "be myself" just so people will like me. Also, I may occasionally act shy and not interact much so I won't screw up and ruin my image. Basically, my need for approval is preventing my inner me from shining! In truth, why the heck should I care what someone thinks of me?!?! It's none of my business, it's theirs! And it truly isn't worth it to fake myself just to gain some approval from others. So, I guess my question is, do you guys have any tips or advice on helping me remove my need for approval and in effect, kill my ego? So far, I've been meditating, and reminding myself during my day to not seek approval, but I'm sure there are more effective ways out there? Thx!