Approval Ratings #101

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? 

Or am I trying to please people? 

If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” 

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you ever felt the need to look to others for approval? I have.
I spent a significant part of my life seeking other people’s approval. I used to be extremely insecure. I feared rejection like if it was a disease. I feared criticism. I would become fearfully immobilized if I had to venture into anything outside of my normal everyday life. I became my chief critic for anything I was called upon to do. I lived every moment outside my home hidden behind the walls of insecurity. 

One day — an unforgettable day — I decided to fearlessly invest into my life. I was accustomed being the backbone and the cheerleader for my family — a job I was so very proud of. When that season expired because my kids were all now adults living on their own — it was now my season to pursue my dream. 

I got to the place in life where I needed to do something brave and bold to break away from seeking other people’s approval and hiding behind my family. As the days pass — I grew more confident and happier. 

I spent less time worrying about other people’s opinions and more times going after my newly discovered passion. 

My goal was not to be successful,  but to be happy doing what I was passionate about without making any excuses. I was confident that success will follow once I enjoyed and loved what I was doing. 

The joys of waking up everyday living with purpose brought me complete satisfaction. 

The truth is — when you have a need for other people’s approval — it hinders you from fulfilling your own destiny. You become very unhappy and disappointed in life. 

Feeling the need for other people’s approval is a lie that the devil tells you so that he can keep you in bondage and miserable. 

Since discovering myself — I now take time to list the things I’m most proud of : 

• Choices I have made
• Things I’ve learnt
• My selection of reading materials 
• Things I like about myself 
• How I’ve grown from worrying to freedom 
• Times I stayed true to myself 
• Decision making — I check in with myself first 
• I can accurately differentiate between pleasing myself or seeking other people’s approval 
• I feel good removing myself away from anything that no longer serves me purpose 
• I’m good at saying ‘no’ if I’m not up to doing something 
• I enjoy spending quality time with myself 

It’s nice to have other people’s approval — but it’s more important to go after those things that brings you happiness. 

Do things you love. Go places you love. Hang out with people you love. Have dinner with people you love.

No more people pleaser — if I was trying to please people, I would not be a servant of God but a slave to others.  

It’s freedom when you get to the place of living your life free from anything that stresses or weighs you down. 

God only asks us to love people — not seeking their approval. 

Don’t be ashamed of your story — it will inspire someone else.