Approval has to come from within. If we are in constant fear of criticism or the need of others' approval, we fall victim to living their lives and not our own. Most people would rather us be safe than to take risks, be average than great, live smaller than larger, etc... After all, most family and friends just want to protect us, but they can also deter us in following our dreams. Others' opinions, criticisms and approval are a projection of their reality, not yours. If you don’t have your own approval, you need to let go of needing everyone else’s approval and go for whatever will make you happy. We only get one shot, our approval of self matters most, and as such, we must be willing to live our own life.