Unhook From Approval Addiction

Ever order the sushi to keep the peace when all you wanted was the burger? That tiny moment says everything about approval addiction—how our brains chase praise like a survival resource and how that chase slowly shrinks our lives. We unpack why the dopamine loop makes people-pleasing feel like oxygen, then show how to break it with simple, believable steps that rebuild confidence from the inside out.

We start with clear, relatable stories that highlight the hidden costs of the “easy yes”—exhaustion, quiet resentment, and an identity built on applause. From there, we translate neuroscience into action: naming triggers, staying present with discomfort, and learning to self-approve so your brain releases its own reward instead of waiting for claps. Steph shares the pivotal reframes that turned childhood gold stars into adult sovereignty, including permission statements that anchor new beliefs in your body and tiny, real-world acts of authenticity that stack into a sturdy sense of self.

You’ll learn how to choose one repeat scenario, surface the truth beneath the habit, and ask the question that cuts through noise: what would I do if approval wasn’t on the line? We also explore the difference between fitting in and belonging, and how to gather people who can hold your no without punishment. The result is a practical path: pick the moment, name the fear, grant permission, embody it, take one small action, and repeat. Approval is nice, but it’s not oxygen. Your worth isn’t a vote, and your voice doesn’t need a standing ovation to be valid.

If this spoke to you, follow Pocket Full of Mojo, share it with a friend who’s tired of living for gold stars, and leave a review with one thing you’re no longer apologizing for. Your future self will thank you.

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