Whom Are You Trying to Impress?

At some point in our lives, each of us has paused to wonder—why am I doing this? Is it for myself, or is it for others?

When we peel away layers of ambition, effort, and daily striving, this question keeps returning: Whom am I trying to impress?

The Trap of External Validation

From childhood, we are trained to look outward for approval. A good grade impresses parents. A new achievement earns praise from peers. A promotion signals success to colleagues. Without realizing it, much of our energy goes into polishing an image for the world outside.

But here lies the trap—external validation is never permanent. Today’s applause fades tomorrow. The standards keep shifting. What seemed impressive once soon feels ordinary. Chasing approval becomes an endless race with no finish line.

A Childhood Dream

I remember my own dream as a child. A little “me,” climbing onto a stage, when my name would be announced, facing the lights, and hearing the sound of applause echoing in the hall. That clap—those approving hands—made my heart soar.

Though I used to get these dreams, when I look back at my childhood, I never did anything for applause.

As I grew, I noticed that the world's negative judgments affected me, and I slowly drifted to impress the people who would judge. This would soon become too heavy for me to be connected to my peaceful self.

I started to ponder: What made me not bother about approval when I was a child? And what changed now? The answer I received was: The non-judgmental, unconditional love that I had received at my parental home.

The Quiet Alternative

For a person to perform their best, each one needs a non-judgemental environment, which will turn the question inward: Am I impressing myself? Am I true to myself? .....in the sense of alignment.

• Did I act with integrity?

• Did I stay true to my values?

• Did I give my best in this moment?

• Did I grow, even a little, from yesterday?

This kind of self-accountability is quiet, but it is lasting. It does not depend on shifting opinions.

A Story to Reflect

I once heard of a painter who, after finishing his artwork, placed it in a busy market with a sign: “If you find any mistakes, mark them.” By evening, the painting was full of marks.

The next day, he put another painting with a new sign: “If you think something can be improved, kindly improve it yourself.” The painting remained untouched.

The world is quick to judge, but rarely ready to contribute. Which is why the true measure of worth cannot come only from outside.

Impress by Being, Not Showing

So, whom are you trying to impress? If it is the world, you may find yourself restless, anxious, and endlessly adjusting. If it is your own conscience, you may find peace—even if no one else notices.

And sometimes, the paradox is this: when you stop trying to impress others and simply live authentically, you end up inspiring more people than you ever did by chasing approval.

A Gentle Reminder

The world may or may not applaud you. But your inner self is always watching. Make choices that impress that witness within.

Because at the end of the day, the only lasting validation comes when you can look in the mirror and say: “I did not betray myself.”

Building A Home Within

Life can be messy. 

There’s noise everywhere—work pressure, family responsibilities, endless news, expectations at home and workplace, and notifications. And while we often dream of escaping to a quiet place or hiding under a blanket, the truth is: the world outside will always have some chaos, and we cannot often find a hiding place.

That’s why it’s so important to build a home inside yourself; a place where you feel safe, steady, and at peace, no matter what’s happening around you.

This inner home is where you can go when you’re tired and need to catch your breath. It’s where you find guidance when you feel confused. It’s the space where you can be yourself without judgment, without the need to please anyone.

How do you build it?

• Start small. Sit quietly for a few minutes every day. Just be in silence.

• Find your own ritual—maybe it’s journaling, meditating, praying, or simply listening to your favorite calming music. Do it regularly; it becomes like coming back home.

• Let go of what weighs you down. Grudges, regrets, and constant comparisons clutter your inner space. You don’t need to carry it all. How to do that? Talk to your mentor/someone you respect and love. Read good books.

• Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself the way you would comfort your best friend. Your inner home should feel warm, not critical. How do you do that? Note down affirmations that work for you and practice saying them.

• Protect your peace. Pay attention to what drains you—too much news, endless scrolling, toxic conversations. Close that door.

How do you enter this space when life feels too much?

Pause. Take a slow breath. Picture yourself stepping into a quiet room inside your heart—a place filled with warmth and light. Nobody can disturb you there. Over time, you’ll know this space is always open for you.

The world may not calm down. But you can.

When you build a home within, life’s storms don’t shake you as much—they just pass by.

Maybe it’s time to start building yours today.

Self Esteem: Believe In Your Own Worth

Self-esteem: Is it about thinking you’re better than everyone else? No! It’s about knowing you matter and living in a way that reflects that truth. When your self-esteem is strong, you don’t need constant approval, and life feels more meaningful. But building it takes some practice.

Here are a few ways to nurture your self-esteem:

• Let the world know why you are here – and do it with passion. Everyone has a purpose. Don’t hide your gifts or ideas; share them with all your heart.

• Spend time with supportive people. Be with those who cheer you on and remind you of your strengths, not those who constantly pull you down.

• See mistakes as lessons, not failures. Every stumble is just practice for walking better next time.

• Know what you can change – and what you cannot. Focus your energy on what’s in your control and make peace with what isn’t.

• Be helpful and kind. When you make a difference in someone else’s life, you also remind yourself that you matter.

• Set expectations that make sense. Don’t demand perfection; aim for progress.

• Take time to explore yourself. What do you enjoy? What makes you come alive? The more you know yourself, the more confident you feel.

• Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone has a different story and timeline. Your journey is your own.

And remember—you don’t have to do this alone. Ask for support when you need it. Talk to friends, mentors, or professionals who can guide you. Reaching out is not weakness; it’s wisdom.

Self-esteem grows when you treat yourself with the same care you’d offer a loved one. Start today. The world needs you exactly as you are.