Beyond External Praise: Why Inner Recognition Fuels True Growth

"If you are ever tempted to look for outside approval, realise that you have compromised your integrity. If you need a witness, be your own."

— Epictetus

Recently, I shared my Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 photos and videos with others. Their reactions were heartening — words of appreciation, encouragement, and admiration.

And I won’t lie — it felt good. Their recognition gave me a surge of self-esteem.

But then, a question crossed my mind:

Would I have felt this level of confidence if no one had acknowledged my achievement?

The honest answer? No.

That realisation was unsettling.

Because regardless of whether anyone noticed, the truth remained unchanged: I had accomplished something. Something that required effort, discipline, and perseverance. And that alone made it worthy of recognition — even if the only person recognising it was me.

Yet, my self-esteem had risen not because of what I did but because others validated it. And that’s not real self-esteem. That’s borrowed confidence, dependent on external approval.

And that’s the trap. The moment recognition fades, so does the feeling of worthiness — even if the work remains valuable. That’s why self-belief matters more than external praise.

The Shift: From External Validation to Internal Belief

It’s time to change this. To believe in the value of my work, independent of applause. To recognise its significance so deeply that even if no one acknowledges it, I still stand firm in my confidence.

Because here’s the truth: When we prepare for something meaningful, we do it alone.

We train in silence. We put in the hours, the sweat, the effort — without an audience cheering us on. And if, during those moments, we don’t believe in the worth of our efforts, progress feels impossible.

Why This Confidence Matters

When you trust in the significance of what you're doing, you move forward with conviction. Your productivity rises, fuelled by optimism rather than doubt. And you get more done — not because someone is watching, but because you know it matters.

But when you second-guess yourself? Every step feels like a mile. Every action is weighed down by hesitation.

So the lesson is clear: The world’s recognition is fleeting. But the confidence that comes from within? That’s what keeps us going.

Do you often rely on external validation to feel cheerful about your work? Do you think that the opinions of others control your joy and self-esteem more than you want? Does the thirst for external praise hamper your work?

If yes, perhaps it's time to pause and reflect. The more you cultivate your own conviction, the less you'll need external validation to feel fulfilled.

I now realise that the only person who can give me confidence is myself.

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