There are contradictions all around us.
The world is kind of messing with us in that way.
For example, it’s generally good to consider how our actions will affect others.
But it’s also possible to consider others too much. Especially when it comes to wanting to try something new like taking a certain career path.
Even without realizing it, others will often hold us back. They may be jealous of an opportunity. They may fear for our safety. They may even want us to play it safe so they don’t have to worry or think about us as much.
The strange thing is that we often perpetuate this situation for ourselves. Maybe a parent didn’t approve of something you did as a child. Now, as an adult, you seek their approval. You want them to be proud of you.
Or maybe you got a good job out of college and a friend seemed very happy for you. That felt good. Now you make career decisions, at least partially, based on getting that same type of feedback. Trying to get that same good feeling from that friend and from others.
But not much of what other people think matters. Especially if they’re not involved in what you’re going to be doing. Your parent doesn’t necessarily know about what you want and what your career involves. Your friends probably don’t even know.
Their input on the situation likely has little to zero usefulness for what you’re going to do.
So why seek their approval?
We all cause disappointment in others. But we can’t always take on that responsibility. It’s easy to be miserable when you make decisions based on the approval of others.
It’s much better to figure out what you value in life and what you want from your life. Then make your decisions based on that. Give yourself approval based on what you care about. That will put you in a position to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life.
You don’t need the approval of others.