Everyone has his or her own perceptions about life. And most of the time the pressure from the surrounding molds people's mind. It's like programing the brain with codes of success definitions.
That's why, for instance, there's this running for forming a family and grow old. But others don't have the passion for it.
It's common to see couples observing a guy sitting on a bench alone, and feeling pity for him. They mix loneliness and pain. Anyone can be alone but it doesn't mean he feels lonely.
Success is the ultimate realization toward the desire printed in our heads. It can't have any value for others, but for us, it can mean everything. And I think here lies the cause for constant approval.
Some of us just dwell too much in receiving the blessing or make everyone around us to understand our decisions and goals. But that's useless. We're different by our own experiences and personalities. So instead of obsessing for approval, let's obsess about getting what we want.