How to know you did a good job (without asking for approval)

548. In a culture of likes, reviews, and constant comparison, deciding if you’ve "done well" can feel impossible. This week, interim host Dr. Ellen Hendriksen unpacks the trap of tying your value to others’ approval. She explores when external evaluation works and when it emphatically fails. She also shares three simple questions to help you define success on your own terms. Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack. Find Dr. Jade Wu on her website. Find a transcript here . Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter , or

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How to know you did a good job (without asking for approval) is an episode from The Savvy Psychologist's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Mental Health by Macmillan Holdings, LLC.

This episode is 8:22 long.

This episode was published on Jan 21, 2026.

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