Habits That Quietly Destroy Your Confidence

 Self confidence is the only thing which makes us believe we can do it. And when we start believing  it- the world  slowly starts  to see it  themselves automatically   Whether you think you’ll succeed or not, you are right .” The answer to building self-confidence and self-esteem is how you choose to think about yourself, because that is what you convey to the world. I think  the biggest stepping stone  into being confident is realizing  that self love and self respect are two different things....to be okay in yourself ,you have to not let people  walk over you or put yourself in a situation where you feel ' loved' but with side  effects., once you  respect yourself , even if you're insecure  this gets you  in the mentality of not letting people  waste your time and  finding people who actually  enjoy you and your presence  Constant Overthinking Drains Your Mental Energy Most people fail to ...

“Stop Seeking Validation and Start Believing in Yourself”

 Believe in yourself the highest look at yourself highest ...not egoistic way.... highest is to believe u r godly  remember godly  not god... to get control of your own mind ... your own awareness ..but in this  if you get carried away .. u become egoistic ...its very thin line boundary ...one needs to be rooted grounded  but keep your awareness high above your mind

If you don't believe in yourself ,it becomes difficult for the world to believe in you.When you believe in yourself , you unlock  possibilities you never thought existed.

What you strongly believe shapes your reality , driving your actions , resilience and ability to achieve goals 


In this blog, we will describe why people need external validation and its impact.

Why People Constantly Seek Validation

                                                                                       Your worth is enough

As a child and teen I was invisible . As a young adult I started needing external validation  and rebelled ,then  people pleaser trying to prove myself  in every thing I do. I can see it in myself  now. Now I am trying to Consciously  make sure  what I do is really  what I want , not what would make others like me more 

Some of us seek validation because we can't trust ourselves to think we are good people , since we are told we were pieces of crap and something was wrong with us when young

 Most children were taught from a young age to seek approval  from their parents for the things they said or did . Since the need for approval , love and acceptance from our parents is strong ,we become conditioned over time to seek approval from others as well. 


The Hidden Damage of External Approval

                                                                                            Stop chasing approval

Whenever we don't receive approval  from someone  who is not our parent, there is an automatic trigger and desire to win it back ( which could explain the yearning to open that closed door)

When we aren't met with approval ,we no longer feel safe and  protected.. When we meet  ridicule  or rejection ,it can undermine  our view of  ourselves

I've often been  mistrusted by approval and compliments given especially from strangers and or acquaintances  -because of being  lovebombed  too many times..I  often don't believe approval and it also embarrasses me.But I have to admit  that my discomfort with compliments is because  I don't think I'm ever good enough .So even when I hear it,my self doubt  kicks in and I get defensive and stiff 

Signs You Are Addicted to Validation


                                                                                You overthink opinions

Those of us who are very sensitive & have deeper feelings of lack are prone to seek external  comforts 

We need self acceptance in order to gain social freedom to be ourselves and engage with society in an authentic way. How do we obtain self acceptance ?By recognizing the narcissism of staying in  our bubble of inferiority and special needs .By taking even a tiny step to put the past behind us into the present moment and act in a way that is motivated by contributing to one's  community.If it sounds  circular perfect 

We are all living in little self contained  bubbles  where only we exist . Seriously? The whole  point of living  and advancing  in careers is how much validation  we get ,how many people pleasing  we do and how to keep  going .Why do something  if there is no reward ?

How Social Media Increases Validation Seeking

                                                                    Social  media  feeds insecurities

We” need that social proof. We need confirmation that something is good or bad, pretty or ugly. We need cheering up and support in big decisions. We need kind words when we succeed, we publish and share a lot of things that should be kept in privacy. Just to confirm that “my life is as good as it looks like on social media”. We need opinions, we are fed with others’ thoughts.

These are the low self-esteem people who doesn't get attention in their offline life that's why they fake themselves on social media for seeking attention.. attention seeking behaviors can usually stem from low self esteem for someone struggling with depression, jealousy, or feeling left out

The reality is that very few people care about you or like you but social media makes it look like a lot of people care about you and like you 

The Difference Between Confidence and Approval

                                                                          Self -belief beats validation

Seeking approval and being self-confident are distinct motivational orientations that shape behavior, emotions, and decision-making.

Seeking approval is something u seek that stems from an outside source, self confident stems from u. Both can have the tendency to overlap from time to time. Both have the tendency to go hand in hand with each other. Neither are necessarily bad if used correctly. Self confidence is great as long as it doesnt develope into a big ego. 

Seeking approval is great as long as it doesnt hinder or limit a persons goals or ability. What i think is important isnt which category u fall into as much as knowing when to fall into that category.

Ways to Build Self-Worth from Within

                                                                            Become your own approval

Money,self respect ,self confidence are the things that empower Working and making my own money gives me more choices in life and a sense of contributing to society .

Do something constructive  that is the key.Seen a lot of people  lose their spark due to working in a place  they cannot stand and doing the work they don't love 

Everything in life -People, places ,roles ,and even your body -can change.The only permanent companion  you'll  ever have  is yourself..If that relationship is neglected or hostile., your entire life feels unstable self love means creating a home  within yourself that you can always  return to , regardless of  external Chaos.

https://guptaritika361.blogspot.com/2021/07/behind-every-successful-woman-is-herself.html

Why Self-Validation Changes Your Life

                                                                            Self validation brings  freedom

If you  constantly have to ask for validation from others, then you don't love yourself. Trust that people who genuinely matter and love you ,will love you through imperfections 

Funny how we spend  years chasing approval when the real power was in valuing  ourselves all along .Blaming self or others is leading to nowhere . It's okay to fall in some relationships. Forgive and move on..

Teaching my mom self validation because she's always been a people  pleaser and raised me to be like her... Let's break the cycle.The right people won't be disappointed when you set your boundaries , they will respect them.

Habits That Help You Stop People-Pleasing


                                                                    Self respect over pleasing others     

I feel like sometimes pleasing people is so ingrained in my thinking that it's hard to know  what I actually want , because my priority has been to have  peace over conflicts for as long as I can remember 

People pleasers ,you're never really  yourself, you're who everyone wants to be.So  many of us unintentionally carry a burden  trying to please others .Self improvement  begins with self  awareness.


I'm so tired of being a people pleaser .I don't even care about my needs  being met.,as long as everyone else is happy.I will do anything , literally anything to avoid conflict .But sometimes  two separate people want different things  from me that are incompatible and impossible to fulfill both  so I can only please one.while the other is mad at me.


Start Living for Yourself, Not for Others

                                                                              Live  life  on your terms

Living for others  drains you . Living for  yourself fills you up -and that's when you actually have something to  give.The day I started respecting my feelings and setting boundaries  I lost all my friends but it's peaceful

Growing up as a people pleaser made me miserable! And I never got  anything good from it.The second I started  working on myself and  putting my need , happiness, etc first I truly felt at peace.

All I want is to spread love and kindness in a world full of hate  and as long as I can do that I'll be okay  I have no problem  being disliked ,or viewed  as the bad guy.I know who I am and no can tell me different 

https://guptaritika361.blogspot.com/2021/05/live-your-beliefs-and-you-can-turn.html

Conclusion 

You stop chasing when you  begin to understand your own self worth ,you become less invested  in the world  and less afraid of what others think of you When I finally chose myself over others ,it felt like  I could breathe for the first time  in years. It wasn't easy , but it was necessary .The people who truly care stayed ,and the rest ... they faded away ,and that's okay 

In this life ,no one will be good to anyone forever , respect yourself 



If you found this article helpful , please share it on social media  and leave your valuable feedback in the comments. Stay connected for more inspiring blogs on personal growth and self development





Comments

  1. Chris Steffens12 May 2026 at 12:00

    This piece offers a profound look at the "thin line" between healthy self-belief and the ego. Your observation that self-acceptance is the key to social freedom is a game-changer; it shifts the focus from "performing" for others to authentically contributing to the community.

    By recognizing that the need for validation often stems from childhood conditioning, you've turned a source of personal pain into a roadmap for growth. Moving from the "bubble of inferiority" toward a present-moment focus on service is perhaps the most effective way to quiet self-doubt. It is a reminder that while the world may shape our past, our conviction and awareness shape our future.

    Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable and insightful perspective on reclaiming one's own mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of the most important aspects of happiness is self-acceptance . Accepting yourself helps to work on your faults to improve yourself and stop pointless criticising yourself

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  2. A very deep and honest reflection.

    There is a profound difference between saying “I am God” and realizing “I carry a divine spark within me.” One leads to ego. The other leads to awareness, humility, and responsibility. That thin line is where inner maturity begins.

    In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna repeatedly reminds Arjuna to rise above the restless mind and act from higher consciousness. The real battle is not outside — it is between awareness and ego within us.

    External validation becomes dangerous when our self-worth depends entirely on applause, likes, titles, or approval. Social media has amplified this deeply. Many people today are not living from inner conviction, but from continuous emotional dependence on external reactions.

    Your point about childhood conditioning is powerful. Many adults are still unconsciously trying to earn the acceptance they missed in early years. But true freedom begins when self-acceptance becomes stronger than public approval.

    Confidence rooted in awareness creates peace. Confidence rooted only in comparison creates anxiety.

    The highest form of self-belief is not arrogance. It is quiet inner alignment.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I've always believed those who constantly post pics of themselves or about themselves , etc.... are void of something , insecure or unhappy and in desperate need of external "false " validation when all they need is to validate themselves

      Delete
    2. Excellent insightful article, with equally aligned comments. My take, don't look for the perfect partner be the perfect partner. Self love is the path to a state of higher consciousness which opens the Heavens to let your light intertwine with the light of other like-minded workers and warriors. Create your own path which others will observe respect and respond to . This then provides you with validation by your peers.

      Delete
  3. Really liked the distinction between confidence and ego. That balance between staying grounded while still believing in yourself is something many people struggle with, but few explain so honestly. Thank you for sharing such a personal reflection. 💚

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    1. Confidence isn't about being loud or perfect -It's about trusting yourself even when no one claps.Start by doing small things that scare you .Keep showing up ,and the confidence will catch up

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    2. This is deeply self-aware and beautifully expressed.

      There is a very important distinction between:
      believing you are above others…
      and remembering there is something sacred within you.

      One creates ego.
      The other creates responsibility.

      And you are right:
      the line between higher awareness and ego can sometimes become very thin.

      That is why grounding matters so much.

      Because true inner awareness does not usually make a person louder,
      more arrogant,
      or more dominant.

      It often makes them calmer,
      more compassionate,
      more conscious,
      and less controlled by external validation.

      Delete
    3. I think high minded people get misunderstood . People want emotional reflection in others ,and when a really smart person doesn't respond in the right way ,he becomes a target

      Delete
  4. You write very well. The writing flows smoothly and is easy to read. You convey basic needs that many people have, such as the need for acceptance from others. You communicate their meaning deeply by connecting them with context and supporting reasons, all while the article remains fluid. I appreciate you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. You write very well. The writing flows smoothly and is easy to read. You convey basic needs that many people have, such as the need for acceptance from others. You communicate their meaning deeply by connecting them with context and supporting reasons, all while the article remains fluid. I appreciate you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautifully expressed. The line between self-belief and ego is indeed very thin. Real confidence is not shouting “I am greater than others,” but quietly knowing your inner worth while staying grounded, humble and aware.

    When a person is disconnected from their own self-worth, they start searching for mirrors in other people’s opinions. External validation becomes emotional oxygen. Appreciation feels like identity, and criticism feels like destruction. Many people-pleasing habits are actually survival mechanisms built from childhood experiences of invisibility, rejection or constant comparison.

    True growth begins when awareness rises above the mind’s noise. Self-belief should come from inner alignment, not from applause. Being “godly” means carrying qualities like awareness, compassion, balance, discipline and calmness — not superiority. The moment self-belief starts comparing, controlling or proving, ego quietly enters.

    The strongest people are not those who constantly seek attention, but those who remain rooted even when nobody is clapping for them. Validation from the world is temporary; self-awareness is permanent.

    Believe in yourself deeply, but remain grounded enough to keep learning. That balance creates wisdom.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautifully expressed. The line between self-belief and ego is indeed very thin. Real confidence is not shouting “I am greater than others,” but quietly knowing your inner worth while staying grounded, humble and aware.

    When a person is disconnected from their own self-worth, they start searching for mirrors in other people’s opinions. External validation becomes emotional oxygen. Appreciation feels like identity, and criticism feels like destruction. Many people-pleasing habits are actually survival mechanisms built from childhood experiences of invisibility, rejection or constant comparison.

    True growth begins when awareness rises above the mind’s noise. Self-belief should come from inner alignment, not from applause. Being “godly” means carrying qualities like awareness, compassion, balance, discipline and calmness — not superiority. The moment self-belief starts comparing, controlling or proving, ego quietly enters.

    The strongest people are not those who constantly seek attention, but those who remain rooted even when nobody is clapping for them. Validation from the world is temporary; self-awareness is permanent.

    Believe in yourself deeply, but remain grounded enough to keep learning. That balance creates wisdom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The more we work on our own selves, the more our circumstances and overall lives change .The more we grow and invest into ourselves ,the more we will see a transformation., especially how we better communicate with others. The best investment you can ever do is in yourself for your family , others and,and your future.100% back guarantee return on your investment

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  8. I relate to this more than I'd like to admit.

    I realized I was addicted to external validation when I caught myself checking my phone every 10 minutes after posting something - heart racing, waiting for likes. That moment of clarity was uncomfortable as hell.

    The shift from 'what will people think' to 'what do I think' is ongoing work. Some days I win. Some days I don't. But at least I'm aware now.

    Thanks for putting words to what many of us feel but don't say

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you are right. Most of us have become addicted to external validation. We check our phones every 10 minutes and keep waiting for likes and comments, as if our lives have become limited only to likes and comments.

      Delete
  9. There is something real in what you are pointing to here, especially around belief and identity.

    One layer I have been exploring is that it is not just about thinking differently, but learning how to understand what is driving the thoughts in the first place.

    With practice, attention turns inward, the mind begins to quiet, and some of those negative patterns do not need to be forced away, they start to fall off on their own.

    Appreciate you sharing your perspective.

    ReplyDelete
  10. There is something real in what you are pointing to here, especially around belief and identity.

    One layer I have been exploring is that it is not just about thinking differently, but learning how to understand what is driving the thoughts in the first place.

    With practice, attention turns inward, the mind begins to quiet, and some of those negative patterns do not need to be forced away, they start to fall off on their own.

    Appreciate you sharing your perspective.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll have to say ,Once I started meditating regularly I've become calmer and more patient.My problems haven't gone away of course but I approach them definitely now

      Delete
  11. Your thoughts nails the vibe of breaking free from the need for outside applause and owning your own confidence. It reminds us that self‑belief is the real engine that pushes us to unlock hidden potentials and shape our own reality. Kudos for highlighting the thin line between genuine self‑trust and ego‑driven arrogance – staying grounded yet aware is the sweet spot. 🔥👍

    What’s the next step you’d suggest for readers to actually start trusting themselves more in everyday life?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Start commending yourself for the things that you cannot understand in other people

      Delete
  12. Powerful and deeply relatable reflection.

    One thing that stood out to me is how external validation slowly becomes emotional survival for many people — especially those who grew up feeling unseen, unheard, or emotionally unsafe.

    Real self-worth begins when we stop asking, “Am I enough for others?” and start asking, “Am I living truthfully with myself?”

    Beautiful reminder that self-respect and inner peace are greater than applause. 🙏

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Without self worth , it's easy to feel lost , constantly looking for validation ,or bending to fit others expectations , leaving us feeling drained and disconnected from our true selves

      Delete
  13. Really relatable. A lot of people don’t realise how early conditioning shapes the need for approval in adulthood.

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    1. Don't accept your compass , even though you still live in a world that runs on it

      Delete
  14. Honestly I feel like the old me relates to this so well . This blog puts everything into words . Such a great reminder that we owe it to ourselves to start looking out for what we need not what everyone wants. I am still on that journey. Reading this is so helpful to continue pushing .

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    1. When I was a kid and I wanted to accomplish something ,my mother would say it to me .Be able to see yourself doing it."

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  15. Thank you, Ritika, for this blog, in which you manage to explain everything down to the last detail. As a result, everyone is once again much richer in insights.

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    1. Welcome dear friend for the appreciation kudos

      Delete
  16. This is one of the most honest pieces I've read on validation-seeking. Not sugar-coated, not prescriptive - just real.

    The social media part particularly struck me: 'The reality is that very few people care about you or like you, but social media makes it look like a lot of people care.'

    Brutal truth. And weirdly liberating once you accept it. If most people aren't thinking about you anyway, there's no point performing for them.

    Saving this to revisit when I catch myself spiraling back into people-pleasing mode. Thank you for putting this together.

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    1. Yes I agree with you . Social media is ruining our lives .. anxiety , loanliness , comparisons ,time consuming .....and the list goes on. We spend a lot of time admiring people' s lives instead of investing in our own lives

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    2. Yes I agree with you . Social media is ruining our lives .. anxiety , loanliness , comparisons ,time consuming .....and the list goes on. We spend a lot of time admiring people' s lives instead of investing in our own lives

      Delete
  17. Unfortunately, it's not easy. If we don't get enough attention when we're children (busy parents, lack of opportunities to express emotions, screens, material presents...), we end up having a "scar" that we need to heal in our adult life and so we keep chasing external approval. But if we become aware of this mechanism, it makes sense to pause, reflect and "reprogram" ourselves. It takes time and patience, but it's definitely worthwhile.

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    1. The moment you stop chasing validation , you begin reclaiming your power. Approval from others often keeps you small -but self acceptance frees you to live with authenticity , clarity and quiet strength

      Delete
  18. You do not need more confidence. You need one experience of disappointing someone and realizing the world did not end. That single moment does more than years of self help ever will.

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  19. This is a fantastic piece, Ritika. You've managed to put a very complex internal struggle into clear perspective. It is incredibly easy to get caught in the loop of people-pleasing and external 'logs' of validation, rather than trusting your own internal truth. Taking the step to choose self-respect over conflict avoidance takes real awareness. Keep trusting your own voice,you articulated this perfectly

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    1. Usually this way of thinking starts in childhood. We rely on our parents for our emotional needs — love, comfort, support, validation, etc. And we don’t often develop emotional self-reliance skills as kids, because parents (out of love for us) do their best to provide for all these needs.

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  20. This is such a powerful and deeply reflective piece. 🙏
    One thing that truly stood out to me is the reminder that self-worth should come from within, not from constant external validation. In a world driven by social approval and comparison, learning to trust yourself, set boundaries, and live authentically is a form of freedom.

    I also appreciate the honest discussion about people-pleasing, self-awareness, and the impact of childhood experiences on our confidence. Real growth begins when we stop abandoning ourselves just to be accepted by others.

    Thank you for sharing such meaningful insights on self-love, healing, and personal growth. This message will resonate with so many people navigating identity, confidence, and purpose. ✨

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    1. It's essential everyone has high self esteem .The society is full of negativities starting from family,, school, peers, works and communities. Ignore living to social expectations .Life is an only once given chance to experience what life is.No need to be bound and constrained by the social expectations . Most people die with regrets and remorse , because they don't live their life according to their desires and potentials

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  21. Love the honest reflection. It takes a level of awareness few achieve and most need. It all starts with this type of perspective.

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    1. Thanks Realizing my own self worth has been a life changing experience.Giving up on External validation and being ok with the now.Be seen by your inner self

      Delete
  22. Stopping the chase for external validation and actually trusting yourself is the game‑changer we all need. The idea that believing in yourself the highest—keeping that godly awareness without slipping into ego—really makes you own your mind and shape your own reality is 🔥. It reminds me that the thin line between confidence and ego is where the magic of self‑belief lives. Great words to inspire anyone to stay grounded yet lift their own spirit high.

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    1. Ego by definition needs to be broken and swept away to make space for palpable confidence ,self-check reality check ,and/ or humility

      Delete
  23. Stopping the chase for external validation and actually trusting yourself is the game‑changer we all need. The idea that believing in yourself is the highest—keeping that godly awareness without slipping into ego—really makes you own your mind and shape your own reality is 🔥. It reminds me that the thin line between confidence and ego is where the magic of self‑belief lives. Great words to inspire anyone to stay grounded yet lift their own spirit high.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In order to be confident you need to be comfortable with yourself. You need to be able to like yourself, It can be very hard to like yourself when you haven't accomplished much and you're still struggling. That is why it's so important to get a good education and work your ass off

      Delete
  24. This is your best blog yet. Keep up the amazing work my friend 💪

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  25. Ritika, thank you for sharing such an honest and deeply personal reflection.

    What I appreciated especially was the vulnerability behind the writing and the very human exploration of self-worth, people-pleasing, boundaries, confidence, and the desire to live more authentically.

    I think many people will recognize parts of themselves somewhere within these reflections, particularly the tension between seeking external approval and learning to develop a steadier inner sense of worth and groundedness.

    At the same time, perhaps these ideas are also interpreted through different personal, cultural, and emotional “grammars,” which makes the conversation both meaningful and nuanced.

    A thoughtful piece that will certainly encourage reflection for many readers. Wishing you continued wisdom and growth in your writing journey.

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  26. I don't chase validation. I chase monies.

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  27. Real self-confidence usually grows when you stop depending on constant external approval.

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  28. Real self-confidence usually grows when you stop depending on constant external approval.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. People that need constant validation are truly exhausting

      Delete
  29. This is absolutely great 👍 It takes courage to unlearn a lifetime of putting others first. The peace that comes with self-respect is unmatched and the people meant for you will understand that.

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  30. Chasing approval is just childhood hunger wearing an adult outfit, and no external feed will ever reach that deep. The real work isn't building confidence, it's grieving the version of you that deserved to be seen and wasn't.

    ReplyDelete

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