Addicted to Praise ?

Mirza Ghalib said:
                       फिर शौक़ कर रहा है ख़रीदार की तलब 
                      अर्ज़े  मताए अक़्लो दिलो जां  किए  हुए 

               Phir shauq kar raha hai kharidaar ki talab
               Arze mataaye aql-o-dil-o jaan kiye huye 

Every artist - painter, poet, singer, musician or magician is always looking for a 'buyer'; an admirer - 
someone to understand and appreciate his or her art work. 
Not only the artists, it applies to all of us. 
We all want to be liked, valued and appreciated. 
This is part of the human nature. There's no doubt that we feel encouraged and become more motivated 
by praise - especially from those who matter to us in some way. But it's also easy to become addicted 
to praise. 
Enjoying and feeling encouraged by praise is one thing but becoming addicted to praise and constantly expecting it, is another and harmful - as it will boost our ego and become hindrance to the spiritual growth. 
Therefore, savor compliments without needing them. 
Enjoy performing well - even if no one notices. Give your best without expecting validation.
As we mature spiritually there is less need to have our self-respect boosted by praise and special attention 
from others. As our thought processes become more compassionate and less self-centered or self-obsessed, 
we feel increasingly satisfied with ourselves and our lives - and feel no need to draw attention to our 
successes or complain about our problems.

                                                   'Rajan Sachdeva'