Too many people are seeking validation from outside themselves in vanity metrics, belonging to a group, embracing an identity or ideology.

This is coming at the expense of mental health, and strong internal self-esteem rooted in individuality and accomplishment.

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What you are looking for is most likely not outside yourself... inside you is what you need if you start the journey of self-exploration, and the practice of self-care, and set the standards of self-discipline.

Build your confidence by building your competency & accomplishments.

When you work hard at something you are passionate about and can see your growth (not how people feel about it but seeing yourself improve for your own sake), you learn how to take pride in your work, without needing the praise of others to validate it or you.

Embrace a reasonable level of stoicism in the face of hardship. It's not about suppressing your feelings but seeking to understand them better and take a measured reaction to things as they happen.

Social media reduces our impulse control, temper it with slower reactions.

Make your self-care a bigger priority than the need to be part of something, especially if it comes at the expense of your self-respect.

Look inward and also develop your own thoughts and beliefs rather than embracing those that allow you to belong or be with others.

If you like/love yourself enough, you won't need to rely on looking to others to validate you because you will know that you, by yourself are enough. It's not about rejecting others but knowing that you won't compromise for acceptance.

Commit to pursuing a life of meaning, that allows you to respect yourself as a person of value, in your own way, and on your own terms.

Do so from a place of the certainty that your principles and practices make you a person who you deem to be worthy and deserving of more.