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PART VII

CONDITIONING CONSIDERATIONS

WHO’S CONTROLLING YOUR CREATIONS

TWENTY-SIX

WHO IS CONTROLLING YOUR

THOUGHTS AND CREATIONS?

Have you ever thought about the power of validation as a new form of obedience training? Likely not, I didn’t either until I found myself changing my rock-solid creation style and preferred colors and styles. I noticed I had begun to change the style of the content I shared and even how I made my quotes for my Instagram page. Why? Subconsciously, I had taken note of which posts performed better and got more likes, and I began making more of them. It wasn’t until I looked at my page one day and said, ‘This doesn’t feel like ME.

validation (verb)

To recognize, establish, or illustrate the worthiness or legitimacy.

Validation exerts a powerful influence, nudging your thoughts and online creations in subtle ways. The quest for approval – likes, shares, feedback – has evolved into a nuanced guide, leading you towards certain content types and away from others. This phenomenon shapes not just what you vocalize but also the narratives you suppress when it comes to your online creations and posts.

Amid this pursuit for validation, it is imperative you do not lose alignment with your true calling, the calling of your soul. The digital threat of obscurity can pressure you to stick to a single niche, anchoring your digital persona to a monolithic identity even when your true passion calls for a change of direction.

This new form of obedience training can be seen in the unspoken rules that govern our online behavior. We are encouraged to create content that aligns with the prevailing opinions and beliefs of our social circles, while avoiding topics that might be considered controversial or unpopular. This pressure to conform can lead to self-censorship, stifling our creativity and suppressing our authentic voices. 

For those who dare to defy these unspoken rules and express divergent opinions, the consequences can be harsh. They may face criticism, backlash, or even exclusion from their online communities. This fear of ostracism further reinforces the power of validation, as it compels us to stay within the boundaries set by our peers and the platforms we use.

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