The Approval Paradox The more you want someone's approval, the harder it is to get it. Approval seeking is a sign of insecurity and neediness, both unattractive traits. “When you're content to simply be yourself and not compare or compete, everyone will respect you.” —Lao Tzu
The difficulty in speaking openly is caused, not by the desire for approval as such, but by resistance to that desire. By expressing the desire either aloud to the person concerned or internally, we increase the sense of self-respect and autonomy. We also free the mind to be aware that there is a wider context, other needs, and that the most import
... See moreNathaniel Branden • Honoring the Self: The Pyschology of Confidence and Respect
People who are most motivated by approval are the opposite—they will gladly lose power and control as long as everyone thinks well of them.
Timothy Keller • Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters
Because you are so desperate to win the approval of others, you’ll never get rid of their criticisms, no matter how hard you try.”
Elif Shafak • The Forty Rules of Love
