Approval Isn’t Freedom - Alignment Is

Trying to be liked by everyone is exhausting. So is over-explaining, over-apologising and second-guessing every decision.

For a long time, I didn’t even realise how much of my energy was going into being understood. Saying yes when I wanted to say no. Editing myself so I wouldn’t disappoint someone. Replaying conversations, wondering if I said the “right” thing.

It’s subtle but chasing approval quietly drains your energy, your confidence, and your sense of self.

The Hidden Cost of Approval

Every time you reshape yourself to please others, you lose a piece of your authenticity. You start living on other people’s terms - waiting for their nods, their validation, their reassurance and that external approval becomes your compass.

But the truth is, approval doesn’t equal belonging. It just means you fit into someone else’s comfort zone for a while. As a life coach, I’ve seen this pattern play out with clients who seem “together” on the outside but feel disconnected on the inside. The constant people-pleasing, the fear of judgment, the pressure to be perfect - it all leads to burnout, not connection.

What Happens When You Stop Needing Everyone’s “Yes”

When you stop chasing approval, you start returning to yourself. You begin to notice what actually feels right - not what looks right.

And that’s where the shift happens:

• You get your clarity back because your choices stop being filtered through other people’s opinions.

• Your confidence returns because you trust your own voice again.

• You come home to yourself and that peace is far more powerful than anyone’s praise.

Approval Isn’t Freedom - Alignment Is

Freedom isn’t about getting everyone to agree with you. It’s about learning to stand in your truth even when they don’t. Because the moment you stop living for external validation, you finally create space for authenticity, purpose and peace.

So if you’ve been shrinking to keep everyone comfortable - here’s your reminder: You don’t need to be universally liked. You just need to be authentically aligned.