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10 Ways to Overcome an Unhealthy Pursuit of Praise to Be Your Own Inspiration

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Using praise as recognition isn’t a new concept. Look back to when you were in primary school and the number of gold star stickers for doing a good job on your homework. The childhood conditioning to expect positive reinforcement and for some, depended on it for success. Being constantly praised can be addictive. The danger in the love of being praised enables people to become conditioned to act a certain way to seek incentives. You become engrossed in seeking extrinsic motivation– the dangling carrot –  to deliver results.

You crave others “liking” your thoughts, photos and accomplishments. You experience an adrenaline rush to your brain, as you are fed praise you so desperately crave. It makes you feel a false sense of being more loved, connected than you are. People who attribute their results to environment or circumstances are viewed as having an external locus of control. You tend to believe you have little power or influence in your successes or failures.

People who view outcomes as being influenced by their own choices and action have an internal locus of control. You take responsibility for whatever happens and are more resilient in the face of ongoing change. You do anything for the simple satisfaction of accomplishment. You are driven by an internal desire to create value even when not asked of you.

Getting too much positive reinforcement can be crippling if constant praise is necessary to perform well. Let me share with you 10 ways to overcome an unhealthy pursuit of praise:

1. Be your own inspiration

Instead of waiting for another person to pat you on the back, keep your own file of accomplishments and kudos. Gather the evidence of how you met your specific goals through a time log as a way of tracking your accomplishments. When you need a boost, tap into your own line of credit and give yourself the gold star.

2. Give all the credit away

Celebrating someone else’s success or giving away praise to a group of peers, creates ripples within the workplace. Another way is to ask one of your team members for help. Without realizing it, you are offering praise by showing respect for someone’s knowledge and experience by acknowledging that you trust their judgement on a task.

3. Accountability is the magic

Invest time in conducting an accountability self-assessment. Rate yourself on each of the statements to determine whether you have an internal or external locus of control. “I am responsible for my learning to be successful, my manager should provide me all the information l need to do my job, my colleague’s behavior prevents me from performing exceptionally in my role and my commitment is the driver of my success”.

“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” – Carol Burnett

4. Upgrade your standards

Eliminate the need for external praise by setting personal goals and standards. Your personal accomplishments build your self-worth and encourage you to take on more challenges. Company leaders take notice on your professional strengths and how you drive results. Spend time with mentors exploring how you can improve your work habits

5. Praise is like sugar

You gorge on the chocolate chip biscuits, the Nutella laden pizzas and fairy floss to satisfy your hardwired cravings. Social media is the same. With every “like” and retweet, every selfie, share or filter, you are overfeeding your mind as you walk around with a boundless source of praise, taking a bite every single day.

Today, the praise bar is so low that the feedback you get is meaningless, but you want it anyway. You crave praise that requires little energy to acquire. No deep thought or real effort. The more you get, the less you feel it and the more you seek to attain the satisfaction.

6. Escape the Willy Wonka land of praise

Praise isn’t always a bad thing. When you aren’t inundated with praise every day for every little thing, it means more when you finally do get it. You work harder for it and its quality rises exponentially. Praise earned is richer and more satisfying than praise thoughtlessly given away. Disconnect from social media for 2 days and see how you feel. Reassess how you use your time and what sort of praise you truly value.

7. Define what you what to achieve

Investing in what you want to accomplish detracts from your need to seek constant validation from others. Define what your end of year review would say about you, perhaps write your own eulogy highlighting your achievements and turn them into goals. Break down your big widely audacious goal into doable steps and focus on the progress.

8. Trade in the flattering sidekick

Praise addiction can drive you to form connections with people who feed your ego and withhold honest feedback. Seeking people who think you are fabulous has limited use. Actively asking quality questions such as “what can l do better? What might l work on next time to take me to the next level?”, allows you to delve deeper in how you can add more value in the future.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

9. Small doses

What’s good for you in small doses can be bad for you if you have too much of it. Everything requires appropriate dosage. Over-praising can imply something is exceptional then that makes it the exception to what is within the range of normal or acceptable. Constantly praising you for not disobeying all the health and safety rules implies that disobeying these rules would be more normal for you. You don’t want healthy behavior to be exceptional.

10. Benchmark of excellence

Making a huge deal out of anything someone achieves or attempts, encourages praise addiction. Praising children for turning up to school, not being disruptive or completing their assignments is poor preparation for a life of real excellence as you turn ‘normal’ into excellent.

Genuine excellence thus loses its value. Focus on praising what is within the person’s control. For instance, praising someone on their commitment to hard work. It implies that success was something they could consciously influence. Highlighting how fabulous they are for completing something gives them no meaningful information about their contribution.

The right kind of praise at the right time with the right quantity can help you develop the habit of excellence. An uncontrolled diet of praise won’t do you or anyone else any favors.

What’s one thing strategy you can put in place to become your own inspiration?

Angela Kambouris used to work with high risk kids in the streets of Melbourne, now she has her own consultancy business and writes for large publications. As a leadership coach and business leader having spent over 20 years in the field of vulnerability and trauma, she has built a high-level career as an executive and transitioned into a business owner. She has spoken on stages and worked with thousands of people in self-development, leadership, mindset, human behavior and business. Love to travel, experience difference cultures and mastermind with leaders and expert authorities in personal development and business all over the world. Connect with her through her website http://angelakambouris.com/ or through her Facebook.

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From Hustle to Hookup: Why High Achievers Prefer Direct Dating Apps

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Why Time is the Ultimate Currency for High Performers

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurs, executives, and ambitious professionals, time is not just money — it’s everything. High achievers optimize their schedules for peak productivity, cutting out inefficiencies wherever possible. This mindset doesn’t disappear when it comes to dating. Traditional romance, with its long dinners, flirty text exchanges, and emotional unpredictability, often feels like a poor return on investment. These individuals aren’t against connection — they simply prefer direct, streamlined methods.

That’s where a good sex app comes in. Instead of spending weeks navigating mixed signals, successful people can quickly align their desires with someone on the same page. No guesswork, no wasted time. When they want intimacy, they want it clearly and without unnecessary friction. The clarity offered by direct dating platforms is not just convenient — it’s empowering.

Embracing Honesty Over Rituals

High achievers tend to value brutal honesty — in business, in goals, and in relationships. They’re not interested in emotional games or manipulative dynamics. That’s why many of them are embracing a more straightforward approach to intimacy through apps that focus on honest intentions. The ability to say, “I’m looking to Find A Fuck Buddy” without judgment or pretense is a powerful form of emotional efficiency.

This doesn’t mean these individuals are cold or emotionally unavailable. On the contrary, many are seeking connection — just not under the weight of outdated expectations. Traditional dating rituals often feel like scripted performances, designed more to impress than to connect. By contrast, using a sex app allows people to be upfront about what they want, fostering authenticity from the very first message. That kind of directness is a breath of fresh air in a world full of masks.

Efficiency Meets Desire: The New Standard

In the same way that high performers optimize their fitness, finances, and habits, they now optimize their love lives too. Local sex platforms and direct dating apps are not a fallback — they are a strategy. They offer a way to integrate intimacy into an already full life without derailing it. By filtering out mismatched interests early, these apps save emotional and mental energy, which ambitious people prefer to invest elsewhere.

This new approach doesn’t diminish the value of intimacy — it refines it. With a sex app, users can cut through the noise and connect with someone who shares their needs. Whether it’s a one-time encounter or a casual ongoing connection, there’s value in shared intention. High achievers don’t want to play guessing games — they want results, even in their personal lives. The rise of direct dating platforms simply matches that mindset.

A Shift in Relationship Values

Success-oriented individuals are not rejecting relationships — they’re redefining them. For many, connection no longer needs to be tied to commitment. Emotional closeness and sexual fulfillment are seen as valuable in their own right, whether or not they lead to something long-term. This is especially true among those who have already experienced the stress of work-life imbalance and are looking for ways to avoid it in the future.

By seeking local sex encounters or choosing to Find A Fuck Buddy, these individuals prioritize autonomy and emotional clarity. They want to feel desired and connected without sacrificing their independence. And in doing so, they’re creating a new narrative — one where relationships are based on honesty, not obligation. Where two people can come together, enjoy the moment, and part ways with mutual respect and zero drama.

Burnout Recovery Through Authentic Connection

One of the most overlooked reasons high achievers turn to direct dating apps is emotional recovery. The burnout that often comes with high ambition leaves people craving connection that feels real, immediate, and pressure-free. After intense days of negotiations, deadlines, and constant responsibility, there’s immense value in vulnerability — even if it’s temporary. A simple, honest night of intimacy can serve as an emotional reset.

Through a trusted sex app or local sex connection, many find exactly that — a space where they can let go without judgment. It’s not about indulgence; it’s about survival. In these moments, high performers don’t need someone to fix them or validate them — they just want to be human again. And in a strange twist of modern culture, hookup platforms are offering exactly that: a fast but meaningful route back to emotional balance.

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Work Hard, Play Real: Balancing Ambition with Authentic Intimacy

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The Rise of the Hyper-Driven Lifestyle

Modern life rewards productivity, long hours, and relentless ambition. We celebrate the hustle — staying late at the office, building side projects, and optimizing every minute of the day. For many ambitious people, success becomes an identity. But this drive often comes at a cost: emotional burnout and isolation. In the pursuit of professional goals, personal relationships can become secondary, if not neglected entirely.

Still, human connection is essential. As work becomes more demanding, the need for genuine intimacy becomes more pronounced. People are no longer willing to sacrifice personal fulfillment for career success — they want both. That’s why many are turning to find sex near me as a way to experience real connection without compromising their time or goals. It’s not about being careless — it’s about being intentional in every area of life.

Redefining Fulfillment Beyond Work Titles

Success used to mean climbing the corporate ladder and retiring with a gold watch. Now, success is more holistic. It includes health, freedom, meaningful experiences, and real human bonds. Ambitious people are starting to question the old belief that career achievement must come at the expense of a satisfying personal life. They want connection — not necessarily traditional romance, but something honest, present, and emotionally nourishing.

Local hookups provide one avenue for this. They offer a space where people can be themselves, free from the expectations of formal dating or performative roles. It’s not about detachment — it’s about staying emotionally awake while keeping your freedom intact. When approached with clarity and mutual respect, these interactions can deliver both pleasure and presence. And in a world that values efficiency, that kind of intimacy feels especially refreshing.

Authenticity Over Pretense in the Age of Overload

Busy professionals don’t have time for games. After a long day of meetings, deadlines, and problem-solving, emotional honesty becomes more attractive than ever. Traditional dating — with its ambiguity, delayed communication, and social performance — often feels like another job. This is why authenticity is the new currency of connection. Whether you’re building a business or just trying to stay afloat, you want relationships that are real, not rehearsed.

This is where the appeal of local hookups fits in. There’s no pretending, no drawn-out courting rituals. Two people connect, express their needs, and agree on the terms — clearly and respectfully. The emotional labor is reduced, and what’s left is something genuine. These moments don’t always lead to long-term bonds, but they often leave people feeling seen and validated — which is more than many traditional relationships manage to offer.

Emotional Clarity in a Noisy World

In a culture that constantly demands our attention, clarity is a rare gift. Between inboxes, social media, and the never-ending list of “shoulds,” it’s easy to lose track of what we actually want. Local hookups, when engaged in mindfully, offer a practice in clarity. They force us to ask important questions: What am I really looking for? What makes me feel good? What am I not getting in my day-to-day life?

These answers don’t just apply to dating — they ripple into other parts of life, including work, purpose, and self-worth. When someone can say, “This is what I need tonight,” it shows emotional intelligence. It shows courage. In a paradoxical way, casual encounters can foster emotional growth, because they ask us to be present, to communicate clearly, and to leave our masks at the door.

Balancing Drive and Desire Without Guilt

Ambition and desire don’t have to be in conflict. In fact, they can fuel one another. Feeling fulfilled in your intimate life can provide energy, creativity, and emotional stability — all of which enhance performance at work. But society often tells us that pleasure must be earned, or that successful people should “rise above” such basic needs. That’s outdated thinking.

Choosing local hookups isn’t about being lazy or superficial. It’s about honoring your human nature while respecting your goals. It’s about not waiting for the perfect partner to feel desired, connected, or alive. And for many people, this approach is sustainable. It lets them work hard and play real — without guilt, without compromise, and with a deeper understanding of themselves along the way.

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The New Rules of Modern Intimacy: How Local Hookups Are Changing Relationships

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The Rise of Instant Connection in the Digital Age

In today’s world, intimacy has taken on a new, digital-first form. Technology has revolutionized the way people meet and connect, removing traditional barriers and allowing spontaneous relationships to flourish. With just a few taps, individuals can explore local hookups without the need for lengthy courtship or emotional commitment. This rapid shift has challenged older ideals of romance, but it has also empowered people to be more honest about their desires. The notion of intimacy is no longer bound by long-term promises — instead, it can be something spontaneous, consensual, and deeply personal.

Apps and platforms that promote the meet and fuck culture are gaining popularity among young professionals, busy creatives, and people tired of traditional dating. Rather than wasting time on meaningless small talk, users can directly express what they want — and that clarity is reshaping modern dating. This new era favors transparency, efficiency, and a desire to reclaim one’s time and agency in the realm of relationships.

Redefining What Intimacy Means Today

Intimacy no longer equates to exclusivity. Many people today find emotional fulfillment outside of traditional partnerships, and casual connections can be just as meaningful — albeit in different ways. Emotional honesty, consent, and shared experiences form the foundation of this new version of closeness. It’s not uncommon for individuals to seek out partners through a sex site not because they’re disinterested in love, but because they’re redefining love altogether.

For some, a passionate night shared with someone met through a local hookup can offer as much growth and reflection as a months-long relationship. These connections can challenge people to be more vulnerable, to express their needs, and to recognize what intimacy means for them — without the pressure of commitment. The shift is not about avoiding love, but about exploring it in more authentic and fluid ways.

Empowerment Through Choice and Boundaries

One of the greatest benefits of this shift is the sense of empowerment it brings. Platforms promoting meet and fuck culture give individuals — especially women — the ability to assert their needs and define their boundaries with clarity. Consent and communication are at the core of these interactions, and users are increasingly valuing honesty over pretension. Saying “this is what I want” has become an act of courage, not shame.

Through the lens of casual dating and hookups, many people are learning to speak up for themselves in ways they never did in more traditional relationships. The anonymity and openness of a sex site can provide a space for experimentation, confidence building, and self-discovery. It encourages emotional resilience and teaches the importance of knowing what you want — and being okay with wanting different things at different stages of life.

The Psychology of Casual Connections

What draws people to local hookups isn’t just convenience — it’s also the psychological freedom they offer. Traditional dating often comes with heavy expectations, emotional labor, and fear of rejection. In contrast, casual encounters are based on clear intentions and mutual desire. This removes much of the ambiguity that causes stress in conventional dating scenarios.

Interestingly, the simplicity of these arrangements can lead to greater emotional clarity. People engaging in the meet and fuck lifestyle often report higher levels of communication, mutual respect, and awareness of personal boundaries. While these relationships may not last long, they leave participants with valuable lessons about authenticity, personal values, and human connection. In many ways, these experiences can serve as stepping stones toward more fulfilling relationships — of any kind.

Will Casual Ever Replace Commitment?

Despite the rise of casual intimacy, long-term relationships are far from extinct. What’s changing is the journey people take to get there. Local hookups and sex site culture are providing people with space to explore, experiment, and understand themselves before entering serious relationships. This new dynamic allows for emotional maturity and prevents settling for unsatisfying connections born out of fear or loneliness.

Many modern couples now begin their relationship from a casual standpoint and evolve into deeper connections naturally. The stigma surrounding hookup culture is fading, especially as society embraces the idea that intimacy is not one-size-fits-all. People are starting to value emotional compatibility over societal norms, and in doing so, they’re rewriting the love stories we used to believe were universal. The path to intimacy is no longer linear — it’s customizable, empowering, and refreshingly real.

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How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others and Find True Happiness

Comparison is the thief of joy; it robs us of our happiness, self-esteem, and peace of mind

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How to stop comparing yourself to others
Image Credit: Midjourney

In today’s hyperconnected world, it’s easier than ever to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn constantly bombard us with curated highlights of other people’s lives, making it seem like everyone else is happier, more successful, and more fulfilled than we are. (more…)

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