The Approval Detox: How to Stop Seeking Validation and Start Living for You

“There are 8 billion people on this planet. You really gonna let Karen from Accounting shrink your light?”

We’re conditioned to seek approval.
As kids, we wanted gold stars.
As teens, we wanted to fit in.
As adults, we just want to feel seen… but we’re often doing it in all the wrong places.

Whether it’s your parents’ expectations, the algorithm’s opinion of your post, or the invisible pressure to be “the good girl” in every room—you’ve been wired to play to the crowd.

And honestly?

It’s exhausting.

If you’ve ever edited your truth to keep the peace, watered yourself down to be liked, or asked a friend if your dreams were “too much,” this is your wake-up call (and your glow-up ritual).

👑 This is The Approval Detox.

It’s not about becoming cold, indifferent, or rebellious for the sake of it.

It’s about reclaiming your energy, redirecting your worth inward, and relearning how to move through life with your own voice leading the way.

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Lesson 6: When No One Sees How Hard You’re Trying

Ready?

Let’s detox the people-pleasing and reprogram your confidence—Voguegenics style.

💫 1. Reconnect with You Through Growth

Want to stop needing outside applause?
Start impressing yourself.

When you’re growing—mentally, emotionally, physically—other people’s opinions start sounding like static.

Personal growth, no matter how small, anchors your confidence to something internal. Read books that stretch your thinking. Move your body in ways that feel strong. Learn something random just because it lights you up.

Validation hits different when it comes from within.

Every time you follow your curiosity instead of the crowd, you send a clear message to yourself:
I trust me.

📓 2. Journal the Junk Out

People always say “just love yourself,” but never talk about the real work behind that statement.

Here’s the truth: Loving yourself means getting honest first.

And journaling is your private runway for that.

Grab a pen (not just an app).
Put your thoughts down raw.
Ask questions like:

• Who taught me I needed others’ approval to feel worthy?
• What would I do if I wasn’t afraid of judgment?
• What beliefs do I need to release?

Your journal becomes the map out of approval addiction.

💌 Need help getting started?
Download the free Approval Detox Journal — a 7-day glow-up guide filled with writing prompts, space to reflect, and gentle accountability. It’s Voguegenics-crafted, beautifully designed, and ready to change your inner narrative.

🪞 3. Say It Until You Believe It

You are not arrogant for affirming your value.
You are remembering.

Affirmations rewire your brain. Speak them out loud, daily, even if your voice trembles. Especially then.

Here are a few Voguegenics-chic mantras to start with:

• “I do not need permission to be proud of myself.”
• “My voice matters, even when it’s different.”
• “Approval is optional. Self-worth is permanent.”

Stick them on your mirror.
Repeat them when doubt creeps in.
Whisper them before you hit publish on something bold.

And remember: You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful.

🧠 4. Audit the Voice in Your Head

Let’s get real.

If your inner voice were a person, would you even follow her on Instagram?

If she’s tearing you down? She’s gotta go.

The fastest way to unhook from other people’s opinions is to replace the trash talk inside with empowering truth.

Every time you catch yourself thinking:

“I can’t post that—they’ll think I’m full of myself.”

Change it to:

“This message is worth sharing—even if it makes someone uncomfortable.”

Confidence is not loud. It’s consistent.
Keep affirming your value, and one day the old voice won’t even sound like you anymore.

⚖️ 5. Reflect on the Times You Ignored Yourself (and Paid for It)

We all have receipts.

That one time you followed advice that didn’t sit right.
Or stayed in a situation longer than you wanted to because someone else said it was “smart.”

How did that feel?

Not great, right?

Every moment you abandoned your own knowing was a lesson in disguise:
Your intuition is the only approval worth chasing.

Forgive yourself for the times you didn’t listen. And make this promise: Never again will I dim to be digestible.

🌙 You’re Not Here to Be Liked—You’re Here to Be Luminous

Approval is addictive. But you’re not here to live on likes. You’re here to glow from the inside out.

So take the bold photo. Say the hard thing. Decline the invite. Change the plan. Walk away. Start over.

✨ Live like your own opinion is the final word.
Because it is.

📥 Your Next Step: Grab the Free Approval Detox Journal

It’s beautiful. It’s personal. It’s printable.
It’s your 7-day mindset shift to help you silence the noise and turn inward—where your real glow lives.

🔗 Related Reads from Voguegenics:

• Self-Care Isn’t Selfish. It’s Style.
• 7 Ways to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Like a Monster
• The V’Empower Mindset Toolkit

#ApprovalDetox #MindsetReset #SelfWorth #GlowWithVoguegenics #Vempower

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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