I don't really know much about the particulars of how to become popular,however; I know one thing for sure. If you let go of wanting approval, it'll be much easier to win approval.
I use the Sedona Method to let go of feelings. You can order the book or the course to learn how, but I'll show you right now how to do it.
This is what you do when a negative feeling comes up:
(answer honestly now!)
Could I allow this feeling to be here?
Could I let this feeling go?
Would I let it go?
When would I let this feeling go?
If that doesn't work there is something more powerful. It will help you get the results you want and will change the way you feel from negative to positive.
Principle: Whenever you feel bad, you are focusing on what you do not want.
Start to focus on what you want. Make a one minute movie where you see yourself getting the results you want. Whenever you feel bad, switch your focus over to this movie and you will change how you feel.
You can always tell what a person is focusing on by the results he gets. If a person is always depressed, you can bet that he/she is focusing on it. If a person is billionaire, you can be sure that he/she focuses on money,investments,businesses,etc very often. I'm sure you get the picture.
Good luck bud.