The Power of Internal Validation

In an era dominated by external validation for the sake of boosting one's ego, self-validation becomes increasingly significant.

We seek validation within our relationships, communities, and social media platforms. Why do we do this? It’s partially attributed to the normalization of doing so. 

The Age of External Validation

It’s not uncommon to seek validation from others to feel accepted and valued. But in our digitally obsessed society, this excessive reliance on external validation leads to detrimental effects on our self-esteem and well-being. 

The validation we get from others — online or in person — is often fleeting and unreliable. When we look for validation in other people, we forget we have power over our lives. When the words or reactions of others aren’t feeding our ego, we become unfulfilled, and the cycle repeats: constantly seeking validation without finding true fulfillment.

Cultivating Self-Awareness

To break free from the cycle of external validation, we need to cultivate self-awareness and embrace the power of self-validation. 

Self-validation means recognizing and appreciating our own worth — independent of external opinions. It draws energy from within, and we become our own motivators rather than relying on others to green-light our actions.  

Becoming self-aware doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly won’t be easy.  You may already have a certain level of self-awareness that you do seek external validation, but you want to reset that energy and instead turn inward for validation. 

How To Validate Yourself From Within

Practicing mindfulness and engaging in reflection exercises can help us become more in tune with our thoughts, emotions, and values. Additionally, it is important to recognize and challenge limiting beliefs that hinder our ability to validate ourselves.

Here are a few ways to validate yourself from within.

Embracing Authenticity

Be who you are. Do what you truly enjoy. 

One of the most powerful forms of self-validation is embracing authenticity. We often face societal pressures to conform, but true fulfillment comes from expressing our true selves. We find our tribe by releasing and absorbing energy that aligns with our true selves. 

When we embrace our authentic selves, we break free from the constraints of external validation and experience the freedom of self-expression. 

Setting Personal Values and Goals

When we align our actions with our values, we create a sense of congruence and authenticity within ourselves. By identifying our personal values and setting meaningful goals, we establish a solid foundation for self-validation. 

Determine your values by writing down what resonates with you. Stick by them and watch your world transform. 

Practicing Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is an integral part of the journey toward self-validation. Practice self-care — however that looks for you, and adopt positive self-talk. 

Embrace mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Refrain from distrusting yourself when you do make mistakes. Be kind to yourself. 

Stay Meditative

There is a difference between meditating and staying meditative. The latter means practicing a state of awareness in all moments. Acknowledging feelings that arise and letting them pass. It means not reacting but responding. 

Often we seek external validation when faced with a challenging emotion or obstacle. We attempt to recoup or save face by explaining our side of the story or even doing something totally unrelated, like posting an update on social media. 

Staying meditative frees you from impulsive reactions to your life and instead refocus inward to validate yourself and do the next right thing.