At one point in life, we seek to be validated by others, to be proven to be true of what we claim we are. As much as validation from others doesn't change who we are, it makes us proud because we automatically believe the people who validated us see us as a special being, and may likely place us in a position of advantages. Sometimes, it doesn't work as we have imagined. On the contrary, we may be seen as people who are desperate in seeking approval or attention and rather than being praised, we end up being looked down upon.
To be validated in itself is not a bad idea, the ways we seek for such validation and the people whom we seek the validation from is what matters. There are many who had become a puppet in the hands of people they seek validation from, and there are many who had lost themselves trying to act in ways that would gain them acceptance from others and this only make one look worse than he tries to present himself. No one knows us better than we know ourselves, and as long as we accept ourselves checked with moral behavior, then there's no need trying to make someone believe you - your actions should be enough.
It's better to seek internal validation than external validation. The external is important, but the internal validation is more important than how society tries to squeeze you into its mold. Seeking external validation would only result in you becoming the like of your validators, a different version of who you truly are. The reason why people seek external validation most times is to have societal acceptance, most often neglecting their genuineness and hiding on the cover of praise while being used. Whatever that is good, whatever that is truthful, whatever that is noble, whatever that is of good report, whatever that has a virtue in it, seek after this, and internally.