It’s a hard truth to swallow, but sometimes our self-worth becomes tied to the validation of others.

You might find yourself craving praise, addicted to that rush of approval. But let me tell you, it’s an exhausting cycle.

What if I told you there are habits you can cultivate that will free you from this dependency?

In this article, I’ll share eight empowering habits that can help you break free from the need for others’ praise. Trust me, embracing these habits will not only boost your self-confidence but also make you more self-reliant.

So if you’re tired of needing other people’s praise, keep reading. It’s time to liberate yourself.

1) Practice self-reflection

It’s quite common, this need for external validation. We all want to be liked, appreciated, and praised. But when our happiness hinges on others’ approval, it becomes a problem.

The first step towards freeing yourself from this need is to engage in self-reflection.

Self-reflection is the habit of setting aside time to examine your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s about understanding why you crave praise and figuring out what triggers this need.

This practice can be uncomfortable at times. You might discover some hard truths about yourself. But it’s essential for your growth.

By understanding what drives your need for approval, you can start to address it head-on.

Remember, the goal here isn’t to be harsh on yourself. It’s about gaining insights into your behavior so you can work towards changing it.

So start today. Spend a few minutes each day in self-reflection. It’s the first step towards self-reliance and freedom from needing others’ praise.

2) Cultivate self-love

I remember a time when I craved validation like a plant craves sunlight. It was draining, to say the least. But then I realized something vital – I wasn’t loving myself enough.

Self-love isn’t about being narcissistic or selfish. It’s about acknowledging your worth and accepting yourself, flaws and all.

Start by speaking kindly to yourself, just like you would to a dear friend. Encourage yourself, compliment yourself. Yes, it may feel awkward at first, I know it did for me. But gradually, it became a habit.

I started writing down five things I liked about myself every day. At first, it was tough to come up with even one. But over time, it got easier. And I began to see myself in a new light.

This habit of self-love helped me break free from that exhausting need for external validation. It can do the same for you too. Just remember, self-love is a journey, not a destination. So be patient with yourself and keep going at your own pace.

3) Embrace failure as a teacher

Did you know that the most successful people in the world have often failed the most? It’s true. Take Thomas Edison for example, he made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb. When a reporter asked, “How did it feel to fail 1,000 times?” Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”

The fear of failure, and thus the fear of criticism, often fuels our need for praise. We want reassurance that we’re on the right track. But failure isn’t something to be feared. It’s a stepping stone to success.

When you start seeing failure as a teacher rather than an enemy, you start learning and growing. You become less dependent on others’ approval and more focused on your journey.

So next time you fail at something, don’t let it dishearten you. Instead, ask yourself what you can learn from it. It’s a habit that will not only free you from needing others’ praise but also make you more resilient.

4) Set personal goals

When we’re constantly seeking others’ praise, we often lose sight of what we truly want. We start living according to others’ expectations rather than our own.

That’s where setting personal goals comes in.

Having your own goals gives you a sense of direction. It’s like having a roadmap that guides you towards your desired destination.

These goals can be anything – from learning a new skill, to running a marathon, or reading a certain number of books in a year. What matters is that they resonate with you, not with anyone else.

When you start working towards these goals, you’ll notice a shift in your focus. You’ll be less concerned about what others think and more invested in your own growth.

So take some time to identify what you truly want. Set personal goals and work towards them, one step at a time. It’s a habit that will help you become self-reliant and free from the need for others’ praise.

5) Learn to accept compliments graciously

I know this might sound counterintuitive, especially when we’re talking about freeing ourselves from the need for praise. But hear me out.

Often, our need for constant validation stems from our inability to accept compliments when they come our way. We brush them off, belittle them, or feel uncomfortable accepting them.

But here’s the thing – compliments are a gift. They are a recognition of your efforts or achievements. When someone offers you a compliment, they are sharing a piece of positivity with you.

So instead of brushing them off, learn to accept them graciously. Say ‘thank you’ and let it warm your heart.

Doing so does not mean you’re becoming dependent on praise again. It simply means you’re acknowledging the positive without letting it define your self-worth.

Learning to accept compliments graciously can be a significant step towards freeing yourself from the need for constant validation. It’s about striking a balance – appreciating the positive feedback without becoming reliant on it for your self-esteem.

6) Practice mindfulness

There was a time when my mind was like a buzzing bee, constantly flitting from one thought to another. The need for approval was just one of the many things that kept me up at night.

That’s when I discovered mindfulness, and it changed my life.

Mindfulness is all about being present, fully engaged with what’s happening in the moment without getting caught up in our thoughts.

By practicing mindfulness, I was able to quiet my racing thoughts and focus on what really mattered. I became more aware of my need for validation and how it was affecting me.

Mindfulness doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, or paying full attention to the taste and texture of your food as you eat.

As you cultivate this habit, you’ll find that you become more self-aware and less reliant on others for validation. It’s an empowering feeling, trust me.

7) Surround yourself with positive influences

The company we keep plays a massive role in shaping our thoughts and attitudes. If we’re constantly around people who make us feel like we need their approval to be worthy, it’s time to rethink our circle.

Surrounding yourself with positive, uplifting individuals can do wonders for your self-esteem. These are the people who inspire you, who encourage you to grow, and who appreciate you for who you are, not for what they want you to be.

Create a support system that fosters positivity and self-growth. Spend time with those who help you feel good about yourself, not those who make you feel like you’re constantly falling short.

Remember, it’s not about seeking praise from these individuals, but about creating an environment that supports your journey towards self-reliance and self-esteem. It’s a habit that truly frees you from the need for others’ validation.

8) Believe in your self-worth

At the end of the day, freeing yourself from the need for others’ praise boils down to one essential thing – believing in your self-worth.

You are enough, just as you are. You don’t need someone else’s approval to validate your existence or your actions.

This belief is not something that happens overnight. It takes time, patience, and a lot of self-love. But once you start believing in yourself, you’ll find that the need for external validation starts to fade.

Believing in your self-worth is the most empowering habit you can cultivate. It gives you the freedom to be yourself, unapologetically and fearlessly. And trust me, there’s no greater freedom than that.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

The path to self-reliance and freedom from the need for others’ praise is not a straight one. It’s filled with ups and downs, twists and turns.

But it’s a journey worth taking.

You see, the real power lies not in the validation we receive from others, but in the validation we give ourselves.

Remember the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Your worth is not defined by others’ opinions but by how you see yourself.

So take these eight habits to heart. Practice them, make them a part of your life. But most importantly, be patient with yourself. Change takes time, but every step you take is a step towards a more self-reliant and confident you.

As you embark on this journey, remember that the destination isn’t as important as the journey itself. It’s about growing, learning, and becoming the best version of yourself.

And trust me, there’s no greater freedom than that.