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4 Simple Ways to STOP People Pleasing

personal development personal priorities

Have you ever thought  “Too many people come to me for way too much”?   It’s exhausting!

Whether you are a woman in leadership, STEM, health care, an entrepreneur, or a SAHM – the outcome is the same.

The constant requests keep you in survival mode and so busy – running from here to there – but never actually accomplishing ANYTHING of substance.

It’s time to move from surviving to thriving by incorporating these personal and professional development tips into your daily life.

But let’s start by being abundantly clear on what a people pleaser is.  

A people please is a person who::

✅ Has Difficulty Saying No - which leads to overcommitment and burnout.

✅ Has a Strong Desire for Approval - which results in constantly adjusting their behavior to meet others' expectations and avoiding conflict to maintain harmony.

✅ Avoids Conflict - which leads to passive-aggressive behavior or suppressed resentment, as their true feelings are not addressed.

✅ Has a High Empathy and Sensitivity for others - which can lead to neglecting their own needs.

✅ Exudes Low Assertiveness - which can manifest in difficulty standing up for themselves, leading to being taken advantage of or their contributions being undervalued.

If you said “That’s me” to more than 3 of these things, consider yourself a bonafide People Pleaser.  But you don't have to stay that way.  These tips for balancing your life will help!

Stopping people-pleasing behavior involves setting boundaries, practicing self-awareness, and prioritizing your needs and values. Here are some steps to help you stop people-pleasing:

👉🏾 Recognize the Pattern: Acknowledge that you tend to prioritize others' needs and desires over your own. Recognizing this pattern is the first step toward change.

👉🏼 Understand Your Motivation: Reflect on why you engage in people-pleasing behavior. Are you seeking approval, avoiding conflict, or afraid of rejection? Understanding your motivations can help you address them more effectively.

👉 Learn to Say No: Practice saying no assertively and without guilt when someone asks you to do something that conflicts with your needs or values. Remember that it's okay to prioritize yourself.

👉🏻 Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who respect your boundaries and encourage you to prioritize yourself. Share your struggles with trusted friends, family members, or a therapist who can offer guidance and validation.

Breaking the people-pleasing habit takes time and effort, but it is achievable with patience, self-awareness, and self-compassion. Prioritizing your needs and values can lead to several positive outcomes and personal benefits, like great authenticity and greater respect from others – not to mention your personal and professional development will SOAR!  By not people-pleasing, you foster healthier and more genuine relationships. When you're authentic and assertive, you attract people who appreciate you for who you are, leading to deeper and more meaningful connections. This leads to better communication, productivity, and purposeful interactions.

If these personal development tips were helpful, please share 💞.

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