Rob AndersonLead Coach/ Principle Owner, Stand Sure Coaching · Spending time in collaborative conversations with clients

Choosing Yourself Over Approval #shorts

31 Jul 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:22

In this motivational YouTube short, Rob Anderson reflects on past decisions that, while authentic, cost him friendships and relationships. He recounts a recent incident where someone expressed a preference to stand rather than sit next to him—a comment that would have devastated him years ago. Instead of reacting with anger or trying to win approval, he feels peace and recognizes that personal growth isn’t measured by external validation but by staying true to oneself. Anderson urges viewers to stop seeking others’ approval, invest in their own path, and choose self‑acceptance over trying to please others.

Chapters

Hey, I really hope that this changes how you see rejection. A few years back, I made decisions that were right for me, not to intentionally hurt anyone, but I know those actions did, and the new direction I took. But I had to create a new path and live honestly, and those choices cost me several friendships, several relationships. Now fast forward, last night at an event for a close friend, Someone I used to care about was overheard to say, I would rather stand than sit next to Rob. You know, years ago, that would have wrecked me. I would have replayed it. I would have maybe even tried to fix it, maybe try to earn my way back in. Last night, oh my gosh, it was so different. I felt peace, no anger, really no energy wasted on it. You see, growth It's not measured by how many people approve of your life. It's measured by whether you abandon yourself to keep them comfortable. The people meant for you won't require you to shrink. If you're tired of earning approval, well, maybe it's time to choose yourself, your path, your self-investment over the approval of others. Hang in there.