If you do these 7 things without seeking others’ approval, you’re more badass than you give yourself credit for

From the Personal Branding Blog

I used to believe that being “badass” meant you had to be loud, fearless, and always the center of attention.

But the more I spoke with mentors, read personal growth books, and observed quietly confident people, the more I realized badassery has nothing to do with noise.

It’s about showing up as your authentic self, no matter who’s watching—or judging.

Whether it’s speaking your mind or wearing the clothes that make you feel unstoppable, living on your own terms can be surprisingly tough when we’re wired to seek approval at every turn.

I’ve caught myself hesitating before trying a new hobby or sharing an unconventional opinion because I worried, “Will people think I’m weird?”

Over time, though, I learned that the real magic happens when you do things without constantly looking over your shoulder.

If you can pull off these seven habits with zero need for a gold star from anyone else, you might be way more badass than you give yourself credit for.

1. You voice your real opinions—even if they’re unpopular

I used to hold back on sharing ideas that went against the grain. 

It felt safer to just nod along, especially when the loudest voices in the room seemed to drown everyone else out.

But I’ve learned that speaking my mind—respectfully yet confidently—opens up honest dialogue.

You don’t need to pick fights, and you don’t need to apologize for what you believe.

Showing that you aren’t hunting for applause or validation makes you more credible. People sense when you’re being genuine versus when you’re just seeking a pat on the back.

Not everyone will agree with your take, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re owning your perspective instead of hiding it.

When you voice your true opinions without waiting for someone else to green-light them, you’re making it clear that your worth isn’t tied to external acceptance. 

That stance doesn’t just feel empowering; it also influences the kind of respect you earn from others.

2. You pursue your passions—even if they seem odd to others

I remember the time I got hooked on cold plunges, of all things. My friends couldn’t fathom why I’d choose to start my mornings by dunking into icy water.

But it turned into a ritual that helped me clear my head and test my mental grit.

Soon, the people who’d initially rolled their eyes began asking questions and giving it a try themselves.

When you follow your own bliss—no matter how “out there” it seems—you’re practicing self-trust. And self-trust is an essential part of living boldly.

If you can dive into a project, skill, or hobby without second-guessing whether it fits someone else’s definition of “cool,” you’re already a step ahead in the badass game. 

Besides, trends come and go, but genuine passion never goes out of style.

Plenty of groundbreaking ideas—like starting a quirky side business or writing a very niche blog—were once dismissed as weird. 

The difference is that the creators stuck with it, ignoring the naysayers, and eventually found their tribe.

3. You choose growth over comfort

I spent years refusing to try certain mindfulness techniques because I was worried I might look silly.

But once I let go of that fear, I realized how much potential I was leaving on the table.

Seeking approval can keep us locked in our comfort zones, afraid to rock the boat or risk failure. 

Yet, truly badass people understand that stumbling is part of the journey to mastery.

When you’re willing to experiment, even if you’re terrible at something in the beginning, it shows remarkable courage.

You’re no longer stuck in that pattern of “Will people judge me?” but rather, “How can I learn from this?”

In her book on mindset and success, Dr. Carol Dweck explains how adopting a growth perspective can transform setbacks into stepping stones.

When you embrace growth without worrying about how you’ll appear to others, you’re basically giving yourself permission to evolve without an audience’s approval.

That leap is where real breakthroughs occur—both in skill level and in self-confidence.

Because if you can learn to thrive in the face of initial awkwardness or defeat, what can truly hold you back?

4. You set (and protect) personal boundaries

I used to feel guilty saying no, as though declining an invitation or request meant I was letting someone down.

But the more I learned about emotional well-being, the more I realized that healthy boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary.

Being able to say, “I need some space,” or “I’m not comfortable with this,” without overthinking how others might judge you, is a sure sign of inner strength.

It shows you’ve got a solid sense of self-worth and don’t rely on external praise to justify your needs.

Boundaries are crucial in sports, relationships, and business. If we’re constantly draining our energy on other people’s demands, we have nothing left for our own goals or well-being.

When you defend your boundaries—even if it makes you look “unavailable” or “stubborn” to some—it means you’re committed to staying aligned with what matters.

True badassery is often quiet and calm, rooted in values rather than in pleasing the crowd.

5. You handle your emotions without staging a performance

Another thing I’ve learned is that real toughness doesn’t mean never shedding a tear. 

It actually requires something more difficult–acknowledging your feelings while maintaining your core sense of self.

It takes guts to admit you’re hurt or disappointed, especially if you’re surrounded by people who expect you to be stoic 24/7.

When you process your emotions without seeking validation (“Am I allowed to feel this?”), you’re practicing real emotional independence.

Approaching your own emotional landscape with curiosity instead of shame or bravado can be more challenging than any tough workout.

It means you’re not suppressing your emotions for appearances or unleashing them purely for attention.

Brené Brown has spoken extensively about the power of vulnerability. In one of her talks, she points out that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s courage.

Being honest with yourself and those around you about where you’re at emotionally can feel risky, but it also creates deeper connections.

Paradoxically, that willingness to be open—no strings attached—is a hallmark of true confidence.

6. You stay consistent with your habits

Consistency might not sound thrilling or sexy or remotely badass-y, but believe me, it’s the foundation of real progress. 

Sticking to your chosen habits—whether it’s a morning walk, a daily journal, or a weekly creative session—shows you value the process more than the applause.

It’s easy to adopt certain routines just to post them on social media, fishing for likes to confirm you’re “doing it right.”

But when you’re consistent for your own sake, you prove that internal motivation drives you more than external approval.

This kind of dedication can be seen in high performers across different fields. 

James Clear often emphasizes the power of small, repeated actions that compound over time into massive results.

If you’re keeping at it day after day, especially when no one’s cheering you on, you’re building discipline that can’t be faked. 

It’s the subtle, steady grind that shapes your future success and helps you become unshakeable in the face of obstacles.

7. You celebrate your wins—even the little ones

We’re often told not to “brag” or to keep our joy under wraps to avoid making others uncomfortable.

But sometimes you need to be your own hype squad and throw a mini-party when you nail a personal milestone.

Celebrating doesn’t mean you’re full of yourself. It’s about acknowledging the progress you’ve made and reinforcing the behaviors that got you there in the first place.

When you can celebrate without fishing for others to say, “Congrats, you’re amazing,” that’s a different level of confidence.

You’re giving yourself the recognition you deserve, and that self-recognition fuels more growth.

I used to think I needed an entire audience applauding before I could feel proud of my accomplishments.

Over time, I saw how draining that was. 

Why? Because it put my self-worth in other people’s hands.

Now, I love the quiet moments where I say, “Yes, I did that,” and bask in the glow for a second before moving on.

That private sense of accomplishment is incredibly powerful—and it belongs only to you.

Wrapping up

Living life on your terms isn’t about rebellion or showing off. 

It’s about doing what resonates with you—even if nobody else notices, even if it contradicts what others expect.

If you’re already doing the things on this list without waiting for someone to say, “Great job,” then you’re more badass than you might think.

You’ve proven you’re willing to listen to your own instincts, value your personal growth, and protect your boundaries.

Keep going, keep experimenting, and keep being unafraid to do things your way.

Sooner or later, you’ll look back and realize how much your life has blossomed simply because you trusted yourself more than everyone else’s opinions.

You’ve earned the right to stand tall in your own awesomeness. The best part? You did it without needing anyone else’s green light.

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