Our need for approval holds us back.
We might not like to admit it but most (all) of us humans are seeking approval from others. Indeed that is why many of us set out to be creatives in the first place. The thing is when we’re unaware of the fact we’re seeking approval it can own us. We end up not doing what we want to do, but rather get caught up in doing stuff that we think others might deem worthwhile. It turns out this is not a very useful pursuit. It has us doing things that don’t positively impact our creative endeavours… or more often than not NOT DOING things that will have a positive outcome!
What are some of the ways perhaps you seek approval?
By being good?
By looking good?
By being good at something?
By being bad?
By being modest?
By being nice?
By being smart?
By having stuff?
The 'right' house, car, books, phone...?
By being Apple?
By being PC?
Having the right hair?
Having the right clothes?
The right weight?
By not having stuff?
By being famous?
By being infamous?
Being in the right club?
By how much you're worth?
By how much you give?
By your work?
Being funny?
Being generous?
Doing the right thing?
Doing the wrong thing?
Does this way of being get the approval you're seeking?
How much effort is it for you?
What does it stop you doing?
Who are you really seeking approval from?
And what would things be like if you didn't seek approval at all?
ACTION
Identify two or three ways you seek approval. Consider how this might be getting in the way of you doing what you know you need to do. BONUS: Share with a friend.
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