The Sweet Trap of Validation
- executive641
- Oct 20
- 1 min read
The Sweet Trap of Validation
I was walking along the beach in Ballito KZN the other day, I saw a little boy running ahead of his dad, but every now and then he would turn back to see if his father was still there and watching. When their eyes met, he smiled and ran faster.
I laughed. Because I know that feeling. Most of my life I’ve been that boy, running hard, looking back for approval, craving to be seen. Titles, recognition, success, all of it can become a way to hear, “I see you.”
But validation is tricky. It feels good, but it doesn’t last for long. It keeps you running for the next smile, the next nod, the next applause.
In leadership and life, when validation drives us, authenticity will suffer.
The truth is, the moment you start to see yourself clearly, you stop needing the world to clap. Give yourself a break and start seeing yourself clearly. Beautifully made, in love, through love and for love…Made in the image of the Creator.
Many Blessings.
Johan Slabbert.
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