How I fought my need to be liked and excessive worry | Mia Gradelski | Coins | January 2025

At some point in our lives, many of us find ourselves stuck in patterns of seeking external validation, trying to please others, and obsessing over public opinion.

Such destructive processes can slowly undermine our mental well-being and self-confidence. I was no exception to this phenomenon. In the past, I was one of those people who needed to be loved by everyone, always seeking approval from others and allowing fear to dictate my life. But over time, I found that my constant need for external validation and fear of criticism were holding me back. This was true not only in my relationships with other people, but also in my own growth and general happiness.

In this article, I want to share with you the strategies and mental changes that helped me break free from severe anxiety while overcoming my need for social acceptance and staying true to my authentic self in the process.

If you’re ready to stop looking for external validation and start living a life focused on self-satisfaction, keep reading.

1. Understand the root cause of the desire for social acceptance

For years, I didn’t fully understand why I craved the approval of others. When I took a step back and observed, I realized that it was intricately connected…