We want to be liked, accepted, and approved of to some extent. The magnitude will vary from person to person, but it is instinctual. We are social beings and coexist and function well when we are part of a group. We identify with that group and want to belong. Tribes have rules, guidelines, and accepted norms, often called culture, team behaviors, agreements, and acceptable standards. The most self-assured and even celebrated individuals want to be accepted. For example, look at those who cherish the number of followers they have and anguish over each negative comment.
These are all normal reactions, but at what point are we self-compromising to benefit from these norms?
Does the artist or writer create to appease others purely? If they do, what do they lose in the process? Similarly, do you work with a company that defies your values and beliefs merely for the financial reward? If so, at what expense?
It is a dilemma we face each day. It would be wonderful if everything we did were automatically accepted and possibly adored by all who encounter it – our art, writings, and work – but that will likely never be the case.
Who is it that we ultimately seek to appease and gain approval of? If we cannot look back on our day and say, ‘the day was amazing, and I cannot wait to repeat this,’ should we question not only what we are doing but as much for whose approval?
