Subtly, asking for approval can chip away at your confidence. It is permissible to dress, speak, work, post, decide, and even dream according to the opinions of others. One cold reaction can ruin a whole day. One small compliment can make your spirit soar.Today this habit is the subject of a powerful lesson. Krishna’s wisdom is that we should not become dependent on praise or afraid of criticism. External approval is the killer of inner peace.This instruction is beneficial to people who keep asking, “Will they like me?” or “Will they look at me?” or, “What will the world say?”
Why Approval Becomes Addictive
The feeling of approval is a good one because it’s immediate comfort. A kind word, a public thank you, or a social media like can make someone feel appreciated. But the problem arises when self-worth is tied only to those reactions.You feel kind of confident when you have people behind you. When they ignore you, the doubt begins to mount up. You start not to hear your own wise advice. You start to choose what seems acceptable instead of what you know is right.The teachings of Krishna break the pattern. He emphasises the need to be proactive and take consistent action instead of reacting to the public.
Krishna’s Lesson for Today
A thought today based on the Gita can be read as:Don’t let your actions be driven by a desire for approval, but by Dharma.What this means is that you should behave in a manner that’s moral, truthful and meaningful. Disagreeing with someone doesn’t mean you should change your values. Don’t make a show of every decision to other people.There are always people with different opinions. When you find success, some will congratulate you. There will be some who are hesitant before you start. There’ll be people who misunderstand you, no matter how hard you try. If you keep adapting your life to please everyone else, you can lose your own sense of direction.
Approval Is Not the Same as Respect
You can get a temporary approval. Respect is deeper. You may be meeting the expectations of others and gaining approval. Respect is promoted by courage, discipline and truth in action.Krishna’s wisdom is calling you to cultivate an inner calm. A man who knows his duties does not require the applause of the ages. He can take feedback, but he’s not a slave to it.This is not to say you should disregard advice. Good guidance helps. But advice is meant to enhance your judgement, not to substitute for it.
A Thought to Write Today
Put this in your diary:I’ll not sell my integrity for a moment’s approval.You might want to look at it before you make a big decision. Let this be a reminder that your worth is not dependent on the opinions of those around you.The message of the Bhagavad Gita to the approval-seekers is clear. Carry yourself with dignity. Live with integrity. And stop letting others decide your self-esteem.
