I think what I means is if you ONLY do things for validation, especially from people who don't believe in you, you will never feel good enough no matter how much you achieve.

Instead, you must choose to validate yourself for your own accomplishments, and only then will you find sustainable motivation.

Examples: Should you eat right and exercise to look good for others? No, you should do it because you want to feel good and healthy.

Should you continue doing a thankless job? No, but if you know in your heart you are doing something noble for others and that is all that matters, then you will find it is worth doing.

Did that clear things up?