Approve of Yourself

Do not look for approval except for the consciousness of doing your best.
- Andrew Carnegie

A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.
- Mark Twain

The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white.
Neither need you do anything but be yourself.
- Lao Tzu

If you find yourself unwilling to take actions that others disapprove of,
you have lost control of your own life and have given your destiny to others.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

One of the natural, but unfortunate, human characteristics is the sense of a need for approval.
It is wonderful to show your appreciation of others and to thank them whenever possible.
It is also pleasing when others show appreciation and thank you.
But making any significant life choices based on whether or not others approve
sets one on a course of emotional destruction.

Make your important choices in life based on your values and your long-term objectives
rather than on a need for approval.

Further reading: Thinking for Yourself

Blaze Your Own Trail

Dealing With Rejection

Stand Tall and Proud

How To Not Care What Others Think