Cara Delevingne explains how the ‘approval process’ made her quit modelling

British model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne left the fashion industry last year to concentrate on her acting career, starring in major film productions such as the movie adaptation of the John Green Novel “Paper Towns,” as well as the highly-anticipated American superhero film “Suicide Squad.” 

Before making her Hollywood breakthrough, she was signed in 2009 by Sarah Doukas at Storm Model Management, the same woman who discovered Kate Moss. Shortly after, she was named Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2012, and once again in 2014.

Delevingne has appeared on the catwalk for the biggest names in the industry including Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, and Moschino.

Although she was considered as one of the most successful supermodels in the industry, she admits that the demands took a toll on her physical, mental, and emotional health.

In an essay published on Time Magazine's Motto last week, she said that years in the business made her succumb to the “Approval Process.” 

“I worked hard to be accepted by the fashion community in ways beyond my physical appearance. In no time, though, I found myself surrendering to the industry’s approval process. I felt like I needed validation from everyone,” Delevingne said.

The English actress added, “As a result, I lost sight of myself and what it meant to be happy, what it meant to be successful. I think it all stemmed from a deep-down feeling of wanting people to like me and love me.”

She admitted that it took years to realize that the modelling industry had made her lose sight of herself and the importance of her own happiness. 

Delevingne spent years trying to get everybody's approval until she had to ask herself, “Wait, what am I trying to do? Who am I doing this for?” After all, there's always going to be someone who will not be happy with whatever you do, no matter the effort you put into it.

Over time, the supermodel learned to reevaluate her life and her future goals without having to resent the fashion industry and the success it has given her for many years.

“I came to realize that work and getting others’ approval isn’t the most important thing. Yes, your career is very important—but it’s not the most important. Of course I was proud of my accomplishments, but I wasn’t genuinely happy... I knew I had to reevaluate my life and my goals for my future. The process didn’t happen overnight, but it was imperative for me to preserve my integrity,” she said.

Furthermore, Delevingne explains, “It’s taken time, but now I realize that work isn’t everything and success comes in many forms. I’ve opened my mind, and now I embrace new things with a childlike curiosity. I’m spending more time doing the stuff I love. And I’ve been able to do better work because of it.”

The British supermodel-turned-actress advises everyone to open their minds to balancing life and work, and focus on responding to one's passion to achieve a new level of fulfillment and gratitude.

Lastly, she said, do your best for yourself and for others.

“I still have so much to learn, but I have realized that beating myself up, feeling guilty and regretting past mistakes will only hold me back. After all, no matter how many people like you and your work, it doesn’t matter if you don’t like yourself,” Delevingne concluded. — AT, GMA News