Empowered by Appreciation: The Power of Feeling Validated

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right? Where even getting out of bed feels like a herculean task, let alone completing your entire planned day’s work? Do you often feel completely underappreciated and undervalued at work or in personal relationships?

Well, my friend, fear not. I have come bearing good news! Validation is the key to unlocking a whole new level of happiness and success in both our professional and personal lives. In this article, we will delve deep into how feeling validated can empower us with tools that we never knew existed.

What is Validation?

To put it simply – validation means acknowledging someone’s feelings as valid. It’s the act of affirming someone’s thoughts, feelings or emotions seem logical when presented within context. With validation comes a sense of acceptance which leads to feeling valued; reciprocal behaviour towards loved ones signals appreciation given being noticed for positive traits helps build self esteem.

Types of Validation

There are essentially two main types:

• Self-validation: This means accepting our own thoughts or feelings as reasonable.
• External/Other-validation: Recognition from others that our thoughts/motivations/actions make sense.

Self-validation stems from self-esteem while external validation boosts morale since people react positively/improve cooperation when appreciated in meaningful ways based on what they value about themselves; physical appearances/successes etc may come second hand compared to personality positives such us hardworking/team player/social magnetism.

Validation may seem like an invisible force but receiving genuine recognition goes beyond just mere words making people feel their potential has been adequately taken into consideration/discussed openly without censure so they can blossom unhindered.

Signs of Lack Validation

Lack thereof results in negative effects including:
– Negative thinking patterns
– Chronic insecurity
– Relationship conflicts (both romantic & professional)
– Poor communication skills

Why is Validation Important?

According to Psychology today, validation creates “emotional safety and trust” in your relationship. Emotional security enhances ability to be candid/confidential in a way that fosters connection & growth because vulnerable discussions only happen when mutual respect exists toward the speaker/presenter.

In addition it:
– Increases self-confidence
– Reduces stress/anxiety levels
– Boosts motivation/reinforces positive behaviour

Validation works wonders but how does one apply it in their daily lives? It may seem trivial sending kind/positive messages; actively engaging/chatting with colleagues past memories can indeed create meaningful connections while displaying empathy towards an individual’s personal struggles allows them some comfort knowing they aren’t alone more so validated as worthy of concern/sympathy.

Below are practical tips on practising validation:

Listen More Actively

Listening attentively before responding helps build rapport since understanding another’s point of view leads to productive conversations whereby people feel heard which brings positivity/acceptance within themselves + among others instead of instigating negative feedback based on flawed assumptions about how the other person feels/thinks concerning different issues.

Broken record technique used by therapists include rephrasing someone else’s message without including/criticizing any detail about what you think however counterintuitive fosters an environment where real feelings/information needs flow freely without censure or criticism -just comprehension from recipients who empathise meaningfully leaving parties relaxed/happy.

Harness Empathy and Kindnesses

Acts such as thoughtful gestures/gifting spent chocolate bars/others favourite drink/making playlist showcasing eclectic taste etc portray consideration/kindnesses demonstrating that this person values/celebrates your individualism; efforts communicate admiration/respect sharing interests/passions ultimately create bonds promoting reciprocation regarding genuine intent given being noticed for virtues such as kindness/equanimity builds self-esteem empowering individuals to thrive in their daily lives knowing they are valued/appreciated.

Handle Misunderstandings Calmly, Validate where possible

Communication breakdowns have been known to apply salt on an already festering wound which explains why addressing chronically problematic issues with the aim of providing a solution instead of being incensed helps build valuable relationship constructs since it lessens misunderstanding between parties involved – this process is accelerated through acknowledging other individuals fears/trepidations demonstrative affirmations attached validating how important you find them in your life invaluable.

Be Sincere But Not Inflated

Rolling eyes when someone’s brimming hear say regarding their work project/fictional facts seems difficult however giving off positive feedback devoid of substance may cause friction later/engender distrust since people pick up unauthenticity over-time leading to resentment once results don’t match praises given so sincerity plays significant roles helping building trust and long term relations while preventing snarkiness/sarcasm impurities.

While validation can seem like the key to unlocking our ultimate potential as human beings, little has been said about its negative effects if not used correctly. For one, constantly craving external validation ignores self-actualization neglecting necessities for individuals who crave external affirmation; secondly enmeshment also creeps into collective settings whereby people become entrenched personally seeking out compliments even for non-existent processes/actions unlike what objective reasoning would suggest.

Additionally difficulties requiring continuous consent/rewards from significant others stemsfrom need for permission /control over choices thus often applied towards manipulating others making conversations lop-sided leading negative feelings from participants who feel that genuine connection cannot be established because motivations behind acts/demands aren’t pure but based on inflated egos only interested in elevating certain aspects/values deemed useful by poser rather than honesty/integrity fothcoming thru honest give/take interactions.

• Validation Deficits:
• Impairs problem solving abilities
• Causes depression & anxiety
• Leads to negative coping behaviours like substance abuse or self-harm.
• Overboard Validation:
• Promotes Emeshment (enmeshed individuals experience difficulties differentating.)
• Can Disinhibit bad behaviours.

In essence, on-going validation should be done appropriately in a transparent manner that encourages interaction rather than discourages genuineness; overvalidation allows unhealthy co-dependency forming an atmosphere of convenience/acquiescence leading up to resentment/covert hostility thus it’s important as psychologists theorise careful judgment is paramount when trying to regulate behavioral standards/code of conduct for better interpersonal relationships.

Case Study (Jerk Store Manager)

A Jerk store Owner/Area manager at Skim Club Mall, Gina has been known to belittle some employees without realizing how harmful her behaviour can be. Asides from being abusive/insensitive at work often playing favorites among the team acting dismissive towards them too;She often harshly snubs Melinda one young retail associate who solely receives this treatment thereby demoralizing/confusing her about what she is doing wrong.

Determined not willing though,to let this slide and severing connection between herself/Gina however came across three wise steps outlined below

1) Be Specific In Feedback: It makes people feel appreciated if you can articulate with detail why they are useful/fine workers assuring/instilling confidence while providing tips/suggestions for areas improvement instead criticizing/productivity assessment based always negative reactions

2) Address Behaviour Non-aggressively When Possible: Calling out negative official position/title/job description while communicating calmly objectively creates conducive attitudes whereby parties involved don’t feel under duress but respected working through problematic situations together.

3) Celebrate Good News Frequently: Always show appreciation by marking unequivocally positive moments clearly stating impact something has had on wider relationship environment flourishing.

Melinda’s demeanor after all this was confident/relaxed since although no relationship takes away job insecurity – she now has an added layer to keep her afloat even during difficult times.

How To Handle Validation Deficits/Oversights at Work

In professional settings/really, any kind of human interaction the importance of validation cannot be overstated. When we feel seen, heard and valued by our colleagues’ productivity levels increase which in turn satisfies needs allowing better communication/increased sociability leading to feelings of camaraderie/ease; below are several practical steps that can make your workplace one where people feel truly validated:

1)Communicate Frequently

Open communication pathways being able speak frankly while acknowledging the unique weirdness shared traits might bring creates mental headspace acknowledgement not just perceived growing inequitable relations but also cutting down reactionary flares through empathetic understanding.

2) Avoid Criticisms Aimed Solely At People.

Rather than pinpointing what seems like strictly personal issues externalize problems as ones that should involve collaborations fostering relationships based on peer learning advancing intellectual discussions leading up positive change when it occurs.

Blame absence means positing dealing with problem solving aspects instead fault finding mechanisms meaning individuals don’t see themselves in negative perspectives always feeling someone is uprooting bags off ground whilst they’re carrying others..unsustainable work pace.

3) Show Consistent Support

Celebrate positives such us birthdays/projects milestones projecting care/prioritization towards events cohesive good detailed planning guidelines facilitate supportive outcomes non-biased compliment-giving eventually yields long term results because context meanings vary depending compliments given (flattery or sincerity)

Validation thus performs much more important functions beyond just offering general affirmatrix hinging social dynamics from reciprocity promotion building self confidence giving credence truthfullness between parties involved alongside productive mindsets geared towards good intentions around how we choose convey messages affecting validating users in context-heavy environments keeping them happy + confident.