Writing for Validation? No!

There are many reasons to write. But there are reasons not to write. Validation is one.

If you're writing to seek approval, then you're going to be disappointed. While it's crucial for writers, especially those of us who are technical writers, to build bridges with the audience you're trying to reach, you're not going to find validation from them. 

The audience doesn't care who you are or what you write. Ultimately, they're just looking for information and content they want and they move on once they get it. If they return, it's because they're looking for what they want, not you. Now, some may counter me and say they like certain writers. Is it the writers themselves they seek, unless you're some nut job stalker, or stuff they write? You know the answer to this question.

If you're looking for approval with your company, good luck with that too. You might get some unsolicited advice if you're constantly asking Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) whether your writing is any good or your documentation has any value. They'll let you know if they're not happy.

Taking constructive criticism is one thing. We need it to improve as writers. Writing is an ongoing process. We only get better by doing it constantly and humbly taking feedback. Heck! You can even send surveys to your audience and the SMEs to see how you can improve documentation. After all, documentation is about serving your audience. But seeking validation is another. It's an unhealthy extreme. Validation is a phantom prison!

You're afraid of what others think and you ruminate about the possible criticism or some half-cocked comment from someone. So, you try to appease them and you lose your voice in the process. But in reality, they're not even thinking about you at all.

The fatal problem with seeking validation is it makes you the center of the universe.  But guess what, you're not the center. 

Seeking validation is in the same vein as comparing yourself to others, but it takes it a step further into narcissism. What one really wants is accolades and praise? What someone who seeks validation wants is an echo chamber. Let's be honest. Do any of us go around seeking to find criticism, even if it's constructive? No! We prefer to do things our way. I'm not saying that's right. I'm just saying that's what we tend to do.

So why seek validation for your existence as a writer, particularly a technical writer. Let's keep our heads down and power through to great documentation. Leave the rest up to God. Seeking validation is a big waste of time and energy. Don't do it! Be humble yet confident in your abilities. But if you're writing only because you want the approval of others and want people to extol you, then maybe you shouldn't write at all.