Episode 157: Permission to Succeed is NOT required!

By Sarah Walton | January 3, 2023

People who tend to fail in advancing their own lives are the ones constantly seeking permission from others.

Can we break open this idea that you need the approval of other people to kick some assets?

It’s really important to release this need for approval and validation.

You’ll be surprised at the many ways you ask for permission every day. It’s not always as direct as waiting for likes and hearts on social media or waiting for someone to acknowledge your work.

Do you ever find yourself asking: Am I acceptable? Is this good enough? Do I fit in? Will I fit in? Will I ever be good enough?

People who don’t advance rely too much on other people for their level of self-care, for permission to be happy, and to understand the level of success they should or should not achieve.

I’ve talked about this a bit before when I mention those unspoken rules from childhood that we carry around with us. They might be things like, if you’re successful, no one will really love you. It’s selfish to make money. Until we really examine those unspoken rules they can get in our way.

And let’s be honest, seeking a gold star – whether it’s from a friend, lover or colleague – means you probably aren’t focusing on what you’re here to do.

Let's really talk about the fact that you aren't focusing on what you are here to do if you're seeking other people's approval.

Noticed the people who've really succeeded, whether it's in your industry or anything else, like health or romance. I want you to really step back and think how often did they seek permission from the world?

Here's the deal, the masses aspire to mediocrity. Let that sink in. The masses aspire to run home and watch Netflix as fast as possible. Let me get out of my company pants and forget my thoughts, forget my dreams, and forget my ambition. I just want to watch Netflix and we become numb. That's what the masses do.

One of my favorite quotes is, “it takes nothing to lead an ordinary life.” Nothing. It takes nothing to hit the snooze button instead of workout. That's easy. It takes nothing to watch TV instead of write that book you've always wanted to write. It takes nothing, but it costs you everything.

We want to look at who you're asking permission from and why are you seeking permission? People who really expand themselves and really live their lives on their own terms don't limit what they think is possible based on how many other people agree with them. That's where the power is, that's where all the magic of life is.

I want you to think about your life right now. Think about all of the times where you have blown your own damn mind, and I bet you it was not sitting on the couch watching TV. I will bet you it was not hitting snooze.

I bet it was the time you were uncomfortable and you pushed forward anyway. It was the time when you set a goal you didn't know how you were going to achieve, and you did it anyway. It was the time where you worked harder than you thought you ever could and you still had energy.

This is your vision, is your dream. This is your idea. Get started! What the hell are you waiting for? You have permission. Give it to yourself. Get uncomfortable and do the hard things.

Let’s get to it!

Other Game On Girlfriend podcast episodes you might want to check out:

Stop Explaining Yourself and Kick Overwhelm to the Curb

Why Zig-Zagging Your Path Means More Success with Susan Hamilton Meier

How to Have It All Without Going Crazy with Romi Neustadt

3 Questions to Get Out of Your Box and Unstuck

You can check out our podcast interviews on YouTube, too!