Be True to Yourself
This might be hard at first, but you can start by trying to stay true to your feelings and needs. Avoid doing things just to look good – whether for family members, friends, or colleagues. Listen to your inner voice and stick to what feels right for you. If you find yourself on the spot, hold your ground and politely refuse to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
Choose Your Battles
Remember that it’s okay to say No. People-pleasing can be deeply ingrained into our systems due to many reasons. If the prospect of letting someone down seems overwhelming, start small. Pick your battles carefully. You don’t need to start saying no to everything. Identify the situations that make you the most uncomfortable or the most unreasonable requests. Refusing to go along with things isn’t selfish, it’s you taking care of yourself.
Healthy Boundaries
Most people pleasers don’t understand the concept of boundaries. But you must recognize patterns and draw the line somewhere. Start noticing all the things that make you feel unhappy, out of these things, identify some that are deal-breakers. It’s a simple strategy that gives you clarity and confidence about unacceptable behaviors.
Trust Your Instincts
We meet many people along the way, some are good and some are bad. It’s important to drown out the noise and listen to what your gut tells you about people. Is your inner voice telling you a person is toxic? Trust it. You don’t need to abandon relationships completely. But it’ll make you more cautious. When the people for whom you’ve been trying your best make you anxious, remember to put yourself first. You deserve happiness too.