Working for Mastery vs. Working for Validation
Every day, whether we realize it or not, we’re motivated by one of two forces: the pursuit of mastery or the pursuit of validation. One focuses on growth, the other on approval. I have personally found that the difference between the two can determine how much joy, meaning, and progress we experience in our lives.
Working for Validation
When I work for validation, my eyes are outward. I notice that I chase praise, applause, titles, likes, or approval from others. It’s the “Did I do good enough?” mentality. At first, it feels VERY satisfying, recognition is a natural human need, however the problem is, it never lasts so I keep searching for more.
Validation is like pouring water into a leaky bucket. No matter how much we fill it, we keep needing more. Our self-worth becomes dependent on outside sources, leaving us anxious, insecure, and often burnt out.
Working for Mastery
Mastery, on the other hand, turns my eyes inward. It’s about getting better, deeper, stronger, wiser. It’s the “How can I improve?” mentality. Instead of comparing myself to others, I am working to compare myself to who I WAS yesterday.
When we work for mastery:
We build resilience. Setbacks are no longer failures; they’re feedback.
We find fulfillment. The joy is in the craft itself, not the applause it brings.
We create impact. The pursuit of mastery naturally leads to innovation, excellence, and long-term results.
I have seen that the greatest athletes, musicians, and leaders aren’t fueled strictly by external praise. We are driven by this inner fire to refine their skills and deepen their knowledge.
What Happens When We Switch
Switching from validation to mastery changes everything for me. We stop chasing approval and start chasing improvement. Our confidence no longer depends on others. Our energy shifts from insecurity to curiosity. Life feels less like a performance and more like this everyday practice.
This switch doesn’t simply improve our results, it improves our relationships, our mental health, and our sense of purpose. We stop asking, “Am I enough for them?” and start asking, “Am I becoming the best version of myself?”
One Way to Switch Today
Here’s one powerful practice to start the shift: Ask better questions.
Instead of asking, “Did they like me?” ask, “What did I learn?”
Instead of asking, “Was I good enough?” ask, “How can I get better?”
Each time we redirect our questions, we redirect our energy, from approval to growth. Over time, this practice rewires our motivation and anchors us in mastery.
The world doesn’t need us to be validated. It needs us to be masterful. When we stop chasing applause and start chasing improvement, we create the life that is both deeply fulfilling and profoundly impactful.