These next two lessons take into account how you behave around others – to your own detriment. It’s harder to love yourself when you seek the approval of those around you instead of trusting yourself, or compare yourself to them instead of believing in yourself.

Today, we’ll look at approval-seeking behaviours.

No one is sure how the need for approval developed. Some social scientists believe that it evolved from a survival advantage that group acceptance provided. It was challenging to survive 10,000 years ago, and maybe impossible to survive alone. Those that crave acceptance had a better chance of remaining with the group and survival.

In this day and age, though, approval-seeking behaviour is self-sabotaging. Trying to impress others is exhausting and minimises your own importance and individuality.

Download your lesson and stepping stones below to free yourself from the need to receive approval from others.