How to Stop Being a People Pleaser

At the heart of being a people pleaser lies a common fear: the fear of being disliked.

You may believe that if someone dislikes you, it’s a reflection of your value or worth.

But pause for a moment—do you like every person you’ve ever met? Of course not.

So why expect everyone to like you all the time?

The truth is, being disliked is not only inevitable but also a normal and acceptable part of life. In fact, it may even be essential for personal growth, success, and genuine happiness.

To truly be yourself often means taking actions or making decisions that may upset others. Whether in business or personal life, the path to success sometimes involves saying no, setting boundaries, or making moves that won’t sit well with everyone.

Trying to keep everyone happy only holds you back, stifling your growth and limiting your potential. Worse yet, prioritizing others’ desires over your own dreams leaves little room for you to pursue the life you actually want.

The irony is that people-pleasing doesn’t even achieve what you think it does.

You may believe that by pleasing others, you’ll avoid conflict or gain their affection.

However, avoiding problems often causes them to grow larger and more complicated. And when you fail to assert yourself, people may lose respect for you over time—not love you more.

The antidote to people-pleasing is understanding that it’s okay to be disliked.

Embrace your individuality and recognize that not everyone’s approval is necessary.

By prioritizing your own growth and being true to yourself, you’ll not only find greater fulfillment but also foster deeper, more authentic relationships with those who truly matter.

-Mark