Internal Validation is defined as the process of acknowledging and affirming one’s own feelings, values, and achievements, without seeking approval from others.
When a person is pursuing their desired career path, they most often focus on external validation seeking the approval from peers or leadership. While seeking external validation has importance to build rapport and relationships, not having the understanding of the balance is quite damaging. External validation often over powers internal validation which creates insecurities causing you not to show up as your authentic self. You often show up as the representative of what is most pleasing to others who only validates you when you are operating in what’s comfortable or convenient to them. You are essentially destroying your self respect and confidence, which is limiting your individual developmental growth.
Internal Validation is built in the way one treats themselves when no one is watching. The words you speak over your life that you believe about who you are regardless of outside opinion. The love you show yourself with self care techniques that you schedule like a ritual or sacred time. The way you celebrate your wins that are not publicly acknowledged or noticed, will you buy yourself the flowers you desire? Will you take the classes you have always wanted to take to learn a different language or plan the trip to visit the place you have always wanted to experience? Implementing such activities that fulfill self satisfaction have been shown to assist in communicating efficiently and make better decisions in group settings by contributing more value while building confidence. Find the balance between internal and external validation once you have mastered the art of internal validation.