Letting Go Of Wanting Your Own Approval

Ever had a time in your life when those closest to you disapproved of your behavior? It is very uncomfortable is it not? In a moment, peace of mind can vanish in a puff of smoke and you crave approval more than anything else. This time in the wilderness seems to last forever and when it is finally over the newly earned approval of your peers feels just great.

This wanting approval can get out of control though. We can easily extend this need for approval to all people we come into contact with in our life. When we want and need approval we encounter this lack of approval everywhere we go; the waiter does not smile when he takes your order; the checkout operator hardly looks at you; and your boss only compliments your work when the moon is full and the first Tuesday of the month precedes a wet weekend!

All of a sudden life is a struggle, a constant battle to get other people, all people, to like you and to approve of you. And the more you want this approval the less you seem to get it.

What is the solution? The answer is to not be concerned about what other people think of you. This can be achieved by approving of yourself completely despite your past indiscretions, failings and errors of judgment. When you totally accept and approve of yourself you will have little interest in how other people view you. If they like you *Great*, if they do not, that is their choice and their loss.

There are many ways to boost your opinion of yourself. I recently discovered that just letting go of wanting your own approval works really well. Simply ask yourself the following question:

Could I let go of wanting my own approval?

Sounds too simple to work. I know! It works if and only if you ask the question with your attention on your feeling response not on the answer that pops into your head. Our goal is to let go of the limiting feelings, this is not a mental exercise.

Spend twenty minutes concentrating on this question. Ask the question again and again, and each time just notice your feeling response before asking the question again. After twenty minutes you can expect to feel lighter and more at peace with yourself. Your breathing may also change and it is likely to become deeper and more relaxed.

The effect of letting go of wanting your approval is that you release the limitations that stop you from approving of yourself and you are left with what you wanted - your own approval.

You can also ask yourself the question, could I let go of wanting my own approval?... anytime you need to communicate at your best to make a good impression. Just say it softly to yourself under your breath or quietly inside your head. Ask the question, notice your feeling response, and repeat the process again and again.

By approving completely of yourself you will not be concerned with winning the approval of your listeners and ironically people will tend to reflect this approval back to you since they will take you at your own value.

Now, go and prove this for yourself!

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert and published author. Subscribe FREE to his upbeat newsletter and get a FREE e-book, which reveals secret strategies for supercharging your communication skills. To join send an email to: AbolishShynessToday-subscribe@topica.com< br> http://www.topica.com/lists/AbolishShynessTo day/

In The News:

Yahoo! News: Top Stories

President-elect Barack Obama speaks about the economy at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.,  Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)AP - President-elect Barack Obama warned of dire and long-lasting consequences if Congress doesn't pump unprecedented dollars into the national economy, making an urgent pitch Thursday for his mammoth spending proposal in his first speech since the election.



Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., right, accompanied by House Budget Committee Chairman Rep John Spratt, D-S.C., left, takes part in a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington,  Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)AP - President-elect Barack Obama's proposed tax cuts ran into opposition Thursday from senators in his own party who said they wouldn't do much to stimulate the economy or create jobs.



Palestinians throw stones at an Israeli watch-tower during a protest against Israel's offensive in Gaza, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Thursday Jan. 8, 2009. Militants in Lebanon fired at least three rockets into northern Israel on Thursday, ripping through a crowded nursing home and threatening to open a new front for the Jewish state as it pushed forward with a bloody offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed about 700 people. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)AP - The U.N. halted deliveries to the Gaza Strip on Thursday after gunfire from an Israeli tank killed an aid truck driver, and the threat of a wider conflict arose when militants in Lebanon fired rockets into northern Israel.



Pedestrians walk past Generations Menswear on 8th Ave. in New York Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. Retailers are reporting dismal sales for December, confirming fears that the holiday season was the weakest in four decades.  (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)AP - Retailers reported dismal sales figures for December on Thursday as even Wal-Mart Stores Inc., one of the bright spots in the industry, finally buckled under the pressures of the deteriorating economy.



President-elect Barack Obama makes remarks on the nations economy, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)AP - Congress has officially declared Barack Obama the next President of the United States after tallying electoral college votes in a centuries old tradition.



A sign instructs job seekers at the California Employment Development Department in Sunnyvale, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009. The country lost nearly 2 million jobs through November and more bad news is expected this week when the government releases data on weekly jobless claims and December unemployment. No matter how bad those numbers are, and economists expect at least another 500,000 jobs were lost last month, the pain is stretching into 2009.  (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)AP - The number of people continuing to seek unemployment benefits has risen sharply, according to government data released Thursday, indicating that laid-off workers are having a harder time finding new jobs as the recession enters its second year.



In this Jan. 5, 2009 file photo, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff leaves U.S. District Court in Manhattan after a bail hearing in New York. A defense lawyer for Bernard Madoff is expected to submit written arguments Wednesday to a judge who is probing whether the disgraced Wall Street financier should be jailed before trial. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)AP - Prosecutors said Thursday that investigators found 100 signed checks worth $173 million in Bernard Madoff's office desk that he was ready to send out to his closest family and friends at the time of his arrest last month.



Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer delivers the keynote address Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009, at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)AP - Microsoft Corp.'s next version of the Windows operating system is almost ready for prime time. That's one message Chief Executive Steve Ballmer delivered on the eve of the official opening of the International Consumer Electronics Show.



Maureen O'Conner places a vase of flowers and a sign by the entrance to the Jumbolair Aviation Estates where actor John Travolta and his family  live Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 near Ocala, Fla., while Roberta Arnes, right, pays her respects to the Travolta family for the lose of their son.  The Travolta family is back in their home in the complex after returning from the Bahamas, where their 16-year-old son, Jett, died at the family vacation home in Grand Bahama. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)AP - John Travolta and family were expected to host a private memorial service Thursday for their son, 16-year-old Jett Travolta, at their gated-community home in central Florida.



This Sept. 7, 2007 file photo shows Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz tipping his hat to fans as he leaves the game after giving up a hit to Washington Nationals' Ronnie Belliard, ending Smoltz's bid for a no-hitter, during the eighth inning of a baseball game at Turner Field in Atlanta. Smoltz has reached a preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox, a stunning end to his long career with the Atlanta Braves. The deal was expected to be finalized later Thursday Jan. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith, File)AP - John Smoltz has reached preliminary agreement on a contract with the Boston Red Sox, who also agreed Thursday to a one-year contract with outfielder Rocco Baldelli.



President-elect Barack Obama arrives with Nancy Killefer, his appointee as White House Chief Performance Officer, during a news conference at his transition office in Washington, January 7, 2009. (Jason Reed/Reuters)Reuters - President-elect Barack Obama sought to rally support on Thursday for a massive fiscal stimulus package by warning that the United States could remain mired in recession for years without bold action.



A Palestinian boy looks at the al-Noor mosque destroyed after an Israeli air strike in Gaza January 8, 2009. (Mohammed Salem/Reuters)Reuters - Palestinians faced even grimmer conditions in the Gaza Strip on Thursday after a U.N. aid agency halted work, saying its staff were at risk from Israeli forces fighting Hamas militants, after two drivers were killed.



A customer shops at a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Rogers, Arkansas, June 5, 2008. (Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters)Reuters - Wal-Mart Stores Inc and other top U.S. retailers delivered disappointing December same-store sales and profit warnings on Thursday, sparking fresh recession concerns that hit stock and currency markets.



Bernard Madoff is escorted from Federal Court in New York January 5, 2009. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)Reuters - A search of accused swindler Bernard Madoff's office desk revealed he had signed checks totaling more than $173 million ready to be sent, U.S. prosecutors said in court papers on Thursday asking a judge to jail him.



Oleh Dubyna, the head of Ukrainian state energy firm Naftogaz, arrives at the European parliament Foreign Affairs Committee in Brussels January 8, 2009. (Francois Lenoir/Reuters)Reuters - Russia said on Thursday it would restore gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine once international monitors were in place, but Moscow and Kiev remained at odds over the terms of any supervision.



People walk past the Bank of England in central London, January 8, 2009. (Rob Bodman/Reuters)Reuters - Economic weakness in Europe worsened and disappointing sales from Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, knocked financial markets lower on Thursday, strengthening the case for government stimulus and new rate cuts.



Reuters - A criminal probe into the CIA's destruction of videotapes showing harsh interrogations of terrorism suspects is almost finished, court papers made public this week show.

A man looks at a large screen displaying India's benchmark share index on the facade of the Bombay Stock Exchange building in Mumbai, January 7, 2009. (Punit Paranjpe/Reuters)Reuters - India's Satyam Computer faces a crisis of "unimaginable proportions," its interim chief executive said a day after the chairman revealed profits had been falsely inflated for years.



Palestinian youth inspect a destroyed kindergarten following an Israeli air strike overnight in Gaza City. Rockets fired into northern Israel from Lebanon have sparked a new military alert as Israeli jets carried out mass strikes on smuggling tunnels in Gaza.(AFP/Mahmud Hams)AFP - Rockets fired into northern Israel from Lebanon on Thursday sparked a new military alert as Israeli jets carried out mass strikes on smuggling tunnels in Gaza.



A woman looks at a pressure gauge on a gas pipe in the Ukrainian city of Boyarka. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday said Moscow will resume gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine after it has struck an agreement with Ukraine on the transit, Russian news agencies reported.(AFP/File/Sergei Supinsky)AFP - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday said Moscow will resume gas supplies to Europe via Ukraine after it has struck an agreement with Ukraine on the transit, Russian news agencies reported.




Great Communication Skills

Having good communication skills in the workplace is important. This article will... Read More

Four Steps to Attracting More Good Luck

The Luck Factor rips apart the notion that luck is something that... Read More

Improve Your Conversations By Watching Talk Show Hosts

If you want to learn how to be a good conversationalist, a... Read More

Follow Your Passion

The key to a successful life lies in following your passions. When... Read More

Finders Keepers

Do you remember your younger years when you and your friends played... Read More

Follow Your Dream

If you have a dream, follow it. No matter how wild, outrageous,... Read More

What Did I Do? Will Someone Tell me?

There are many systems, psychology analyzes and personality typing in order to... Read More

Body Language

Body language is fascinating. People rarely recognize how much information they give... Read More

The Mind - What An Amazing Universe

You are what you think;The experts say we barely use 10% of... Read More

What Characters Teach Us about Character

Character is that which defines us; it's what people will remember about... Read More

How The Power of Attraction Can Help You Get What You Want?

"Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by... Read More

The Chi of New Homes: Feng Shui-ness and Destiny

When my wife and I were searching for a new Las Vegas... Read More

Manifest Your Desires Using Natural Hypnosis

Seth, the very high level, spiritual teacher and guide channeled many years... Read More

Power Affirmations Are Not Enough

I hope this article finds you safe and well. I'm sure you... Read More

Manifesting Money

You are a money magnet. Money is flowing to you twenty four... Read More

Are You Killing Your Beautiful Dream?

And the real sad part is that the people involved give in... Read More

Visualization: Attracting Your Dreams and Desires

Visualization is an essential tool for attracting your dreams and desires. To... Read More

Success -- There Are No Secrets

There Are No Secrets To SuccessAs you strive toward accomplishing your goals... Read More

Create a Climate for Success by Mastering Your Total Image - Part 3

In the first parts of this series, we introduced the concept of... Read More

Achieving Your Highest Potential: The Journey Begins With Self Awareness

We live in a world filled with beliefs, values, and negative paradigms.... Read More

The Mirror Man

Lady Twilight felt angry. It was one of those days when she... Read More

Lottery Winners Lose It All

You have heard it time and again. Lottery Winners lose it all... Read More

My Assignment ... If You Didnt Create It, Then Its Not Yours!

Life consists of lessons. Living is continual learning. Therefore, if you take... Read More

What the Samurai Can Teach Us About Self-Improvement

A Seventeenth Century Samurai maxim states:"A man who has attained mastery of... Read More

Create Your Best Life

"You can create what you want in life; first you have to... Read More

Can You Change a Man?

Recently, at a public function where I was the Toastmaster, an elegant... Read More

Appreciating and Communicating Your Value

It's a common scenario. Although the specific circumstances may differ, the challenge... Read More

Your #1 Path to Hidden Power

Imagine that you could boost your confidence, courage, and compassion by 100%... Read More

Letting Go Of Wanting Your Own Approval

Ever had a time in your life when those closest to you... Read More

Get a New Attitude

One of the first and foremost things to do to change your... Read More

How to be Successful in Life or Small Business!

Not everyone is programmed to be a successful businessperson, many people make... Read More

Law of Attraction - What You Project You Receive

Do you know anyone who always seems to have bad luck? Nothing... Read More

You?re Right to an Abundant Life

We are all part of the universe. The universe is a living,... Read More

Our Fascination with Pop Culture and What It Says About Us

I took a look at the top 500 hits on the Internet... Read More

The Edge of the Moon

Hello, Moon.There you hang, a thin white sliver that cradles a large... Read More

How To Invite Positive Change In Your Life

Gnothi seauton,, said Socrates. "Know thyself."These words remain as true today as... Read More

The Law of Attraction - Make it Work For You

The Law of Attraction responds to whatever vibration you are sending out... Read More

4 Helpful Ways To Beat Shyness

Over half of all adults identify themselves as shy. Shyness can get... Read More

What Does the World Owe You?

Sometimes many of us feel like we've made deposits into society, yet... Read More

Paradigm Shift

Good Morning! It's the Island outlaw here again. You know after my... Read More

Once Upon A Time There Was No Money

Once in a while a book comes along that can change your... Read More

Maximizing Your Potential - How To Optimize Your Off-Peak Performance?

We human beings naturally have two kinds of state that exist in... Read More

What Do You Want This Year?

Christmas is all around us, and many people are making up wish... Read More

6 Great Ways To Improve Your Social Skills

If you are looking for a way to improve your social skills,... Read More

Looking to Where the Grass is Greener?

I've written this article specifically for individuals contemplating change with the idea... Read More

Communication Quiz: Are You a Great Communicator?

Communication, which occupies approximately 70% of our waking hours, is what many... Read More

The Big Secret

"Within you is the power to change your life"Lately I've been doing... Read More