Was It Validation Or Was It Purpose?
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How many decisions have you made because they were right, and how many because they would be noticed?
One of the hardest truths I've had to face is that purpose and validation often wear similar clothing.
Both can lead you to work hard.
Both can motivate action.
Both can create momentum.
But they are not the same.
Purpose asks:
"What am I called to do?"
Validation asks:
"Will they approve?"
Purpose continues when the applause stops.
Validation struggles when recognition disappears.
I spent years believing that because I was helping people, I was always operating in purpose.
But sometimes I was operating in performance.
Sometimes I was explaining too much.
Helping too much.
Giving too much.
Not because it was needed.
But because I wanted reassurance that I was valuable.
The lesson wasn't to stop helping.
The lesson was to understand why.
Purpose is sustainable.
Validation is exhausting.
One creates peace.
The other creates dependency.
The more I learn the difference, the more freedom I experience.
Reflection Question
Would you still pursue the same goal if no one ever acknowledged it?
Scripture
Galatians 1:10
"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?"
🌹 Part of the Green Rose Philosophy Series: What Is Mastering You?