Escaping the Trap of External Validation: A Journey to Purposeful Living
Aug 21, 2024Escaping the Trap of External Validation: A Journey to Purposeful Living
Have you ever felt stuck in a life that doesn't quite fit? Maybe you've achieved success by society's standards, but something still feels off. You’re not alone. Many of us reach a point where we realize our definition of success needs an overhaul.
I recently had an enlightening conversation with Jerry Scarlato, a coach who helps people align their lives with their true values. His insights got me thinking about how we can all benefit from reassessing what really matters to us.
The Trap of External Validation
In today’s world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeking external validation. We’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us what success should look like – a high-paying job, a perfect family, a luxurious lifestyle. But when we base our self-worth on these external markers, we often end up feeling empty and disconnected from our true selves.
External validation can manifest in many ways:
- Chasing Titles and Status: We might strive for prestigious titles or accolades, believing that they will bring us happiness and fulfillment.
- Seeking Approval from Others: We may prioritize the opinions of others over our own, making choices that align with what others expect of us rather than what we truly want.
- Comparing Ourselves to Others: We might constantly compare our lives to others, feeling inadequate if we don’t measure up to societal standards.
The Power of Purposeful Living
Jerry Scarlato’s approach to life coaching is centered around helping people escape the trap of external validation and move toward purposeful living. Purposeful living is about aligning your actions with your core values and pursuing goals that genuinely resonate with you. It’s about creating a life that reflects who you are, not what society expects you to be.
Here’s how you can start your journey to purposeful living:
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Identify Your Core Values: Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are the principles that guide your decisions? What brings you joy and fulfillment? Identifying your core values is the first step toward living a life that feels authentic and meaningful.
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Reevaluate Your Goals: Are your current goals aligned with your core values, or are they driven by a desire for external validation? If your goals don’t resonate with your true self, it might be time to reassess and realign them with what you genuinely want to achieve.
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Practice Self-Compassion: It’s easy to be hard on yourself when you realize that you’ve been chasing the wrong things. But remember, this journey is about growth and self-discovery. Be kind to yourself as you navigate the process of redefining success.
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Embrace Imperfection: Purposeful living isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being authentic. Embrace the imperfections in your life and use them as opportunities for growth. When you stop striving for perfection, you free yourself to live more fully and authentically.
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Surround Yourself with Support: Surround yourself with people who support your journey toward purposeful living. Whether it’s a coach, a mentor, or a community of like-minded individuals, having support can make a significant difference in your ability to stay true to your values.
Finding Fulfillment Beyond External Validation
Escaping the trap of external validation is a continuous journey. It requires introspection, courage, and a commitment to living in alignment with your true self. But the rewards are profound – a life filled with purpose, authenticity, and deep fulfillment.
Your Journey Starts Here
Have you ever found yourself caught in the cycle of seeking external validation?
How did you break free, or are you still working on it?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Share them in the comments below, and let’s support each other in this journey toward purposeful living.
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