Episode 13: “Chase the Vision, Not the Validation”

Are you stuck seeking approval instead of living out your purpose? In this episode of Change Chasers, we’re diving into why chasing validation keeps you stuck—and how to break free. Get ready to clarify your vision, silence the noise, and take action without needing applause.

Listen now and start chasing your purpose with confidence!

#ChangeChasers #PurposeOverApproval #ChaseYourVision

Faith in Action // Change in Motion

Transcript

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Well, hey, hey, hey. Welcome back everybody. Here we are, episode 12 for the Change Chasers podcast. Really,, really grateful to have some time with you all again. Obviously, we know that this is another episode where we're going to be talking about pursuing growth, living with purpose, and embracing transformation. I'm your host, Mandy, and I'm really pumped about today's topic because I think that it is something that we can all relate to no matter what age or stage of life we're in, and so. We're gonna be tackling a powerful topic called chase the vision, not the validation. Hmm. Does that get anybody else fired up and ready to go chase the vision, not the validation. So with that said, I'll just ask you, have you ever caught yourself? Chasing approval instead of pursuing your purpose? Or am I flying solo on that one? I'll say that if you are human, I think that we all at different times in our life would be able to say, Hmm, yeah, I've been chasing approval over purpose. And so thinking about ways that that just happens in a day-to-day basis. Maybe it's the likes on social media. Maybe it's praise from family or friends, or maybe it's even as simple as needing someone to tell you, Hey, you're doing great. I mean, I think that us being human beings, y'all, we all crave validation sometimes, but living for it, that's what can keep us stuck, distracted, and drained. So today we're going to be talking about why chasing validation can sabotage your purpose and maybe even, hopefully you're gonna walk away from listening to this episode with some encouragement about how to break free from it. So if you're ready, friends, then hey, let's jump right on in and get on it. Doone it. Alright, hot. Take number one. The trap of validation. So the first question is, well, what is validation? Well simply put, it's that feeling of approval or recognition from others. And, hey, while we're. Add it. Let's go ahead and be honest and say, it feels pretty stinking good too, doesn't it? I mean, whether it's a, like on your Instagram post, a compliment at work or someone telling you that you inspire me, we naturally crave that approval. But here's the problem. When you start chasing validation instead of your vision, you lose sight of who you are and what you're meant to do. So with that, I wanna share a quick story. I remember a time when I was so focused on getting positive feedback for a project that I was working on. I was constantly checking for compliments, asking for opinions, and letting the praise or the lack of it control how I felt about myself. But you know what? That project became more about what people thought than what I was actually passionate about. Maybe you also have your own story to share or your project, or even the lack of people even noticing, right? How much hard work that you put in and all of the time that you spend on doing things. And so you might be listening and being like, Hmm, you getting me in my feels'cause. I've been there, I've done that, and I've experienced that as well. And so with saying that, I mean, yeah, maybe you've been there too and changing who you are saying yes when you know that you really, really truly should say no. I remember years ago reading this book by Lisa Hurst that, and they even had a Bible study to go with it. It was great. I did it all. And it said the title of it was Sometimes Your Best Yes. Is a no. And the theme of your best. Yes. And giving your best. Yes. Right. And so thinking through that, I, I just think that this kind of goes with this topic. I believe it's really relative to just thinking that sometimes y'all will get caught up in saying yes when we want to say no or if even if we really should know and we will hide our real opinions just to fit in. We will try to do whatever it is, right. Just to be like, just to be accepted. But living for validation is like running on a treadmill. You're constantly moving, but you're going nowhere. So let's jump in on hot take number two, shifting your focus to vision. So with that said, how do you shift from chasing validation to chasing your vision? I think that it starts with understanding what vision really is. Vision is your God-given purpose. It's that clear picture of who you are becoming and what you are meant to do. It's not based on what people think of you. It's rooted in your core values, your faith, maybe even looking at it as though it's found in your unique calling. Let me give you three practical steps that I think that hopefully may help you out as you start chasing vision instead of validation. Ask yourself, what has God called me to do? Maybe it's creating something, serving others, or growing in a certain area. Get a clear picture of what truly matters to you. Step number two, silence the noise. If you're constantly seeking approval, you're letting too many voices into your head limit your exposure to things that trigger insecurity. Like mindless scrolling on social media or constantly asking for opinions. Step three, take consistent action. Even if nobody notices, even if no one claps for you. My sweet friends listening, I encourage you, keep going. Your vision doesn't need a cheerleading squad. It needs your commitment. And here's a powerful reminder from scripture. It's one Corinthians chapter 10, verse 31, and it says, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. So whatever your vision is, whether it's being a great parent, starting a business, pursuing a ministry, or simply becoming a better version of yourself, do it for God's glory, not for human. Applause hot. Take number three. Real talk and encouragement, and we're gonna be wrapping up here shortly soon. This will hopefully be a a little bit shorter episode for you guys that stay so busy. I know that it's not always easy to try to listen and do all the things, so I'm grateful for the gift of your time and hopefully in this short time together that you're gonna be truly encouraged as I'm always real talking with you. Right. And so I will say that I totally get it. I know that we are humans and we all want to feel seen. We all want to know that we are appreciated, and that's just human nature, right? We're wired for that. We're wired for connection. I. But I wanna encourage you and even challenge you that even though all that feels good and all those endorphins go flying, and you get those dopamine hits and that rush and all that, that it just turns on that good. Oh wow. I'm feeling good about myself type of moments, but unfortunately, it doesn't build momentum whenever those moments are dependent upon someone else's actions towards you or about you. Right? Getting that like how many people like your post on Facebook, if you're a talker, maybe you're into that you're counting views, right? I mean, whatever it is. I want to encourage you though, with not allowing yourself to get so called up in your motivation only coming from people acknowledging your hard work.'cause the reality of it is, is that when you chase validation. You become a prisoner to other people's opinions, but when you chase your vision, I believe that that is when you step in to freedom. So today I want to challenge you spend maybe even if it's just five minutes, writing down your vision. What is it that you are truly passionate about? What has God called you to do? And once you've got your clear vision, then. I would encourage you to ask yourself, am I living for this vision or am I living for other people's approval? Remember, you don't need applause to fulfill your calling. God has already given you everything that you need. Thanks for joining me today on another episode of Change Chasers podcast. I do truly hope that this episode has reminded you to chase your vision, not validation. If this is encouraged you, then please share it with someone else who needs to hear it. Make sure, if you will, that you'll subscribe wherever it is that you like to listen from. That way you'll continue to get updated when new episodes drop. As you guys have noticed, I am trying to put an episode out every week, either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, just kind of depending upon what my schedule allows. And so with that said, I do hope that you are being blessed, and I'll say thank you again for the gift of your time today, and so sweet friends. Until next time, let's keep chasing change and living with purpose.