The Recalibration

#138 When Applause Isn’t Enough: The Ache Behind Approval


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You’ve earned the applause — so why does it still feel off? In this episode, we explore why affirmation can’t anchor your identity, and how obedience, not approval, is the path to real peace.

You’ve said yes when everything in you whispered no.
You’ve chased the next achievement, the next “well done,” hoping it would finally feel like enough.
And yet… something inside still aches.

This episode of The Recalibration is for the high-capacity human who’s done everything right — but quietly wonders why applause still feels hollow.

Julie Holly brings emotional clarity, biblical insight, and deep identity wisdom as she explores why social validation can’t hold what only obedience can anchor. You’ll hear a vulnerable personal story, a powerful contrast between Peter and Jonah, and the deeper reason so many high performers struggle with approval addiction — even after success.

Inside this episode:

  • Why people-pleasing often begins as a safety strategy
  • How Peter’s denial and Jonah’s resistance both stem from identity misalignment
  • The nervous system’s role in approval-seeking
  • Why performance drains but presence restores
  • Why obedience — not applause — is the only secure anchor

Today’s Micro Recalibration:
Obedience isn’t just about saying yes — it’s about choosing alignment even when it costs you something socially. That could look like disappointing others, releasing an image you’ve curated, or following God's whisper instead of the crowd’s cheer.

Where am I saying yes to people but no to God?
Write down one place you’re called to obey — even if it costs approval.

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The RecalibrationBy Julie Holly

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