In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Welsh discusses the critical importance of shedding the need for external approval when pursuing ambitious career and business goals. Welsh, a prominent figure in the online business and creator space, argues that seeking validation from others can be a significant impediment to achieving one’s true potential and building a successful enterprise.
He begins by directly addressing the audience’s potential reliance on external validation:
“You don’t need anyone’s approval. Stop looking for it.”
Welsh emphasizes that this internal shift is the foundational step towards building something meaningful. He asserts that individuals should feel empowered to make bold career choices, leave unfulfilling situations, and pursue their ambitions without undue concern for what others might think.
The Cost of Seeking Approval
According to Justin Welsh, the pursuit of approval often leads individuals to self-censor and compromise their authentic selves. He points out that this is particularly detrimental in the realm of business and personal growth, where unique perspectives and bold actions are often rewarded.
Welsh shares his own experiences as evidence:
“All of my best moves came with disapproval. I walked away from a great career. Shared my opinions online every day. Charged money for what I know. Built alone when everyone said I couldn’t.”
He highlights that despite potential criticism or doubt from others, his ventures, including a business that reportedly crossed $15 million, succeeded. This, in his view, underscores the idea that external opinions are often fleeting and inconsequential to long-term success.
Prioritizing Self and Family
A central theme in Welsh’s post is the idea that one’s primary focus should be on oneself and one’s immediate family, rather than on impressing a wider audience. He suggests that the decisions made with this internal compass are more likely to lead to personal satisfaction and long-term fulfillment.
In Welsh’s view:
“Because the truth is, you’ve got to live for yourself and your family. Be the person you most want to be…for them.”
This perspective encourages a re-evaluation of motivations, shifting from a desire for external accolades to a commitment to personal integrity and familial well-being. He advocates for embracing one’s ambition and pursuing goals without the need to appease those who may not understand or support the vision.
The Path to Building Without Permission
Welsh outlines a two-step process for those looking to emulate this mindset. The first step, as previously mentioned, is to reduce the need for approval. The second, crucial step, is to identify and build what truly matters once that external dependency is lessened.
To aid in this process, Justin Welsh has compiled his learnings into a free guide. He explains the extensive research involved:
“I went through 250+ of my own essays, hours of voice notes, and 10 interviews with people who built 8-figure businesses, and distilled all of the learnings into a 30-page free guide. My field manual on building a $15M business without wrecking your life to do it.”
This resource, according to Welsh, offers practical insights derived from both his personal journey and the experiences of other successful entrepreneurs, aiming to provide a roadmap for building substantial businesses while maintaining personal well-being.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Justin Welsh on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 13, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →