Needing Approval Can Be Wrecking Your Health—Here’s How to Stop
People-Pleasing May Be Destroying Your Health—And You Might Not Even Realize It
Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, you never truly feel at home in yourself? Like you’re constantly seeking approval, pushing harder, or striving to be “good enough”?
What if the “cost” isn’t just the stress—it can be wrecking your health in ways you might not even realize?
How do I know this is true? I lived it and almost died from it.
I Learned That Your Body Feels What Your Mind Hides
When you live for others' approval, your body knows. And it responds—often in ways that take years to notice.
Chronic Stress: The constant pressure to meet expectations weakens your immune system.
Anxiety and Burnout: Overextending yourself to feel “worthy” leaves you emotionally drained.
Sleepless Nights: Self-doubt keeps your mind running when it should be resting.
Physical Pain and Fatigue: Suppressing emotions leads to muscle tension, headaches, and exhaustion.
I was promoted into a position that seemed like a great step up the ladders. Howvever, it was a role I wasn’t ready for. No training, no preparation—just the crushing pressure to prove I belonged. I worked nonstop, convinced that my worth depended on my success. I worked myself into the ground - almost literally!
The stress? The pressure I put on myself to not disappoint others. The sleepless nights? Endless.
Then, my body shut down. A serious health crisis nearly cost me my life.
That was my wake-up call.
Because here’s the truth: The more you chase external validation, the further you disconnect from yourself. And eventually, your body forces you to listen.
Why We Seek Approval (And How It Traps Us)
We’re taught to believe our worth is something we earn through achievement, pleasing others, or meeting expectations.
So we hustle. We overextend. We ignore our own needs.
But the more we look for acceptance outside of ourselves, the more we lose our sense of home within ourselves.
The real answer? Coming home to yourself.
The Hidden Signs You’re Stuck in the Approval Trap
You Struggle to Say No – You feel guilty prioritizing yourself.
You Overanalyze Everything – Constantly worrying about what others think.
You Fear Disappointing Others – Even at the cost of your well-being.
You Push Yourself to Exhaustion – Working harder than necessary just to prove yourself.
You Feel Resentful and Unappreciated – Because deep down, you’re running on empty.
If any of these feel familiar, your body is waving a red flag.
How to Break Free and Reclaim Yourself
Prioritize Your Needs First – Your well-being matters as much as anyone else’s.
Let Go of the Need to Prove Yourself – You are enough without seeking validation.
Practice Saying No (Without Guilt) – Boundaries protect your energy and peace.
Listen to Your Body’s Signals – Exhaustion, tension, and stress are messages.
Trust That the Unfiltered You Is Enough – True peace comes from self-acceptance.
Are You Ready to Stop the Cycle?
Your body is keeping score, and if you don’t listen now, it will force you to later.
If you find that you can’t break the need for approval cycle, I can help you.
Schedule a Free Strategy Session with me when you are ready to stop sabotaging your most important relationships. Use the link on my website www.pauldfitzgerald.com.
Because the real you? The unfiltered you? That’s where peace lives.