Elizabeth Bentley, MBA, PCC’s Post

Validation is a double-edged sword! On one hand, a keen sense of validation was a huge part of what got us to this point of being a High Performer (HP). However, searching for constant validation is addicting and exhausting. Stop and think of it for a moment... Think back (or forward) on some of the conversations you have with those who you must work with to attain the results you need in your life. We hang on every word to make sure we are making a good decision, that they approve of what we are doing, and that we are in a good position so we can get the outcome that we want. Now, multiply this by all the people you must be in good standing with to "get what you want out of life," and it can get quite overwhelming can't it? This is how validation is the part of the sword that HARMS us over time. What to do about it! RELAX. Yes, I said it. That's the Inner Work part, and it takes time, trust, and guidance.

Success is built on determination not validation.

I am excited to be part of the 40th Society of Quality Assurance Annual Meeting in Colorado! Quality assurance professionals from around the world have converged to celebrate our shared commitment to excellence. As the life science industry continues to evolve, it's essential to adapt and embrace change. Gatherings like this allow us to learn from each other, and the exchange of ideas sparks creativity, progress, and innovation. At the SQA Annual Meeting, we're not just attendees; we're catalysts for transformation. Each conversation, workshop, and session contributes to our collective growth. Let's celebrate the past 40 years of rock-solid quality, but also look forward. What changes lie ahead? How can we shape the next 40 years? Remember, it's not about resisting change; it's about harnessing its power. #shapingthefuture #SQA2024 #EmbraceChange

I used to thrive on validation. It was my fuel. The praise The approval The attention I wanted to be liked. To be seen as the best. To be the one people noticed. Every compliment felt like a hit of reassurance. And every time I got that validation, It kept me hooked. But beneath the surface, it was never enough. No matter how much validation I got, There was always this emptiness. A sense that something real was missing. I was resisting the change I knew I needed. The change to let go of others' approval And start seeking my own. That shift was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Letting go of the need for constant praise, And learning to be okay without it. To be enough without the applause. It wasn’t instant. I didn’t suddenly stop caring what people thought. But slowly, I started to let go of the need for validation. I began to trust myself more. To validate who I am, not who I was pretending to be. And the surprising part? The less I chased others' approval, The deeper my connections became. The more I started to truly feel seen. Not for what I could do, but for who I am. If you’re caught in the cycle of needing validation, I understand. It’s easy to get stuck there. But take it from me, an ex-validation addict... When you let go of the need to be liked by everyone, and start liking yourself instead. That's where life truly begins. Can you relate?

Exam results aren’t the be-all and end-all📚 Your results today will not define your long-term success in life🙌 Our CEO, Gareth, shares some insight into his journey on SQA results day, highlighting how it hasn’t been the smoothest journey to get to where he is today…

For years, I sought validation from others to feel secure and valued, both personally and professionally. The constant need for approval led me down a path of people-pleasing, but it never brought lasting fulfillment. It was only when I embraced internal validation and built confidence in myself that I found true freedom and peace. In my latest article, I share my journey and offer valuable tips on breaking free from the cycle of seeking external validation.

Come by our Peel Workshop next week for product testing & development! Message for more information!

If external validation is your only source of nourishment, you'll be perpetually hungry. In simple terms, If you find yourself always waiting to feel good based on what people say about you, what you do or your self-worth, you'll never be satisfied! Chasing external validation is an unreliable and unsustainable way to build self-confidence. Here's why: 📍It is out of your control: You can't control other people's think or say 📍 It's a never-ending cycle: The more you seek validation, the less fulfilling it becomes. So, what's the alternative? ↪Focus on self-validation: Don't wait for anyone's approval to recognise your worth or celebrate your wins. ↪Recognize your strengths: What are you good at? What truly matters to you? Focus on achieving those things and take pride in your accomplishments. ↪Practice self-compassion: Be your cheerleader. Be kind to yourself even when you make mistakes. No matter how many accolades you receive, if you're not big on Self-worth Self-esteem and Self validation, the need for external approval will always linger! You're enough, just as you are! P.S. What are other tips for building self-validation? Share in the comments. Repost to help someone build their self-worth.

True freedom comes when we no longer seek validation from others. It’s about trusting ourselves, knowing our worth, and making decisions based on our values, not on the approval of others. When we reach this point, we become resilient, grounded, and empowered to live authentically. Embrace the journey toward self-assurance, for it’s in that space where real growth and purpose are found. Keep moving forward, trusting in your own path. #freedom #validation #selfworth #truevalues #resilient #grounded #empowered #liveauthentically #embracethejourney #selfassurance #realgrowth #purpose #keepmovingforward #trustyourownpath #lifeisshort

How might seeking external validation hold us back? This mindset can limit our potential and self-belief. Take a short 1-minute quiz below to find out if external validation is holding you back ⬇