October 11, 2024 | Episode 2

Description: Are you caught in the endless chase for validation? Whether it’s from social media, friends, or even your own self-talk, the need for approval can feel overwhelming—and the Internet’s solution of *self-validation* just doesn’t work for everyone. In this episode, I dive deep into why internal validation isn’t the magical fix it’s made out to be and why chasing external validation is a normal, human experience.

But here’s the truth: the ultimate validation doesn’t come from people or even yourself. It comes from something far greater—your Creator. I’ll share the reasons why faith is the missing piece in the validation puzzle and offer hope for those who feel stuck in the cycle. 🤍

If you’re ready to stop chasing temporary approval and want to learn how to ground your identity in something unshakable, this episode is for you! 💪🏽

Show Notes

Summary

One of the biggest problems of today is our ever-changing identities.  Everyone is trying to figure out who they are.  It’s a fair question, because it makes sense that who you are will determine your choices and, thus, the future you’ll have.

Our 20s have become such an overwhelming time.  We’re pressured into having loads of fun, getting a foothold in our career, and finding someone to settle down with, all while discovering who we are!  It’s honestly too much.  

The one truth we’re correct about is that discovering your identity sooner rather than later will make the future much clearer. 
In this episode, I talk about a lot of the conflicting information we’re being fed by society.  If you have loads of self-help books on your shelves, but you’re still disappointed, overwhelmed, and ready to give up, then this episode is for you!

“Your identity is the most powerful force in your life.  It determines your habits, influences your decisions, and predicts your future. Who you are determines how you act and behave.  Everything stems from your identity.”- James Clear

1. Temporary identity “labels”

When you ask someone who they are, it’s amazing how many people will respond with their job title.  Some will say they’re a mom.  Some people feel overshadowed by famous or powerful parents and will introduce themselves as their child.  

Our obsession with labels and fitting in has us identifying by our race, sexuality, and gender.  Some of these labels are unchangeable, while others are constant, but ALL are superficial.  They don’t actually get to the depth of who we are.  We have reduced ourselves to superficial identifiers to fit in.

2. Our conflicting self-help advice

One of the biggest problems is the fluffy self-help advice being pandered to the public.

We have people who are fighting low self-esteem with positive affirmations, with no regard for truth.  These affirmations and positive self-talk have been so heavily ingrained into our society now that it has produced a group of overconfident and entitled people.

We’re fighting imposter syndrome on one side and narcissism on the other, all because we want people to have good vibes only. Truth becomes unnecessary.

3. Where do our self-beliefs come from?

Early childhood

On the outside, we have rejected the truth, but inside there is a battle.

We’re told to crush limiting beliefs, but who’s to say they are true or not?  Many of our beliefs, whether we like it or not, are the result of the environment we were raised in.  Our parents played a vital role in our beliefs about ourselves.  It’s hard to just believe the words from our therapist of 3 weeks because they have a degree.

Deep down, some question these false, positive affirmations, knowing their behavior doesn’t align with them at all. 

Evolution vs Creation

We were fed evolution as the source of our beginnings, but it has stripped us of human dignity, making our lives purposeless and of no more value than apes. Friedrich Nietzsche, philosopher and critic, saw the dangers in Darwinian evolution, but his desire to get rid of God as the originator of the Earth was more important.

Without a God, it’s hard to think one has a purpose if human life doesn’t have a purpose.

4. You don’t have to change your identity yourself

Identity and mindset shifts are hard work and circumstantial.  Self-help books are made for the masses.  They don’t meet you where you are.  You could be in a hard place and not have the ability to help yourself. The self-help industry doesn’t care if you fall through the cracks.

Jesus Christ, on the other hand, offers to do the hard work for you, by saying “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28) He offers permanent and complete change.

Some of the character changes Jesus will help you achieve:

• A compassionate heart
• Kindness
• Humility
• Patience
• Putting up with other people
• Forgiving people who have wronged you
• REAL LOVE ❤️🤍- it brings everything else together

Give it a try 💪🏽🤍

🤔 Rethink evolution!  Rethink the beginning of humanity.  Try to imagine life from the eyes of a Benevolent Creator. If you can believe there is a God who loves you, you can believe you were created for a purpose.

Resources

Scripture Verses

Genesis 1:27 | Jeremiah 1:5 | Ephesians 2:10 | 2 Corinthians 5:17 | Colossians 3:9-10, 12-15