One of the mistakes I made early on in my career and life was placing the desire for approval and positive feedback over results.
In other words, the opinion of those around me was the key focus area NOT the laser-focus required to test ideas, try new things and get results.
It wasn’t long working with top business people that it became obvious this was a mistake.
Chasing approval, feedback and the need to be liked ABOVE getting results is wrong for several reasons:
You Control Results, You DO NOT Control How Others Respond To You
By putting all of your focus and energy on trying to convince, persuade and entice people to agree or like you comes at the MAJOR cost of wasting precious time on developing ideas, putting those ideas into action and doing the things necessary to get better results. In fact, the fear associated with having someone NOT provide you with positive feedback prevents you from trying things that will ultimately lead to bigger results in your business and life.
Getting Results Leads To Approval Anyway
Not everyone will approve of or support you when you become a results achiever, but those who matter will. When you put your emphasis on getting results and those results matter to you and those around you, the right people will be attracted and come into your life while the others will be left behind. On the other hand, if you bend over backwards to get approval, the bond between you and those around you is built on a very weak foundation and those you attract will not necessarily be aligned with what is best for your life.
Approval Doesn’t Matter…
In the end, your convictions, beliefs and contribution matter FAR more than anyone’s approval. It stands to reason that if you seek to go where 99% of others have not yet gone, it will be impossible for them to approve of your journey because it will be one they do not understand. In many cases, you simply haven’t proven yourself or convinced others that you have what it takes…until you dig down and demonstrate that within yourself, approval won’t come so there is no sense waiting for it.
Your Belief, Conviction And Confidence Is What Matters
Nobody makes it to the top of their industry, sport, or life based solely on the approval of those around them. First, it takes an unbounded, unstoppable inner confidence and belief that you will achieve what you set out to reach. Next, it takes commitment and discipline on your path to reaching that summit. Having people along the way who approve, teach and help is important but only once you have that inner passion and belief yourself.
If you have not yet reached your SUMMIT in business and in life, reflect on which you focus more…seeking approval before getting results or on working your way through the “dirty” underbelly of taking action and learning your craft until you achieve results and add value to the people around you?
When you reach the latter, approval and prestige will come and when it does – it will be sweet!
