Do you find yourself always trying to make others happy, even if it means putting your own needs aside? If so, you might be a people pleaser. But don’t worry, there are ways to change this habit and focus more on yourself while still maintaining healthy relationships. Here are some helpful tips to get started:
One of the first steps to stop being a people pleaser is to set clear boundaries. This means knowing what you are comfortable with and what you are not. It’s important to learn how to say “no” when necessary. By doing this, you can prioritize your own needs and well-being. Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes.
Taking care of yourself is crucial. Practice self-compassion by being kind to yourself and recognizing your own worth. Engage in activities that make you feel good and boost your self-esteem. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with friends, make sure to do things that you enjoy and that help you value your own opinions and desires.
It’s important to have people in your life who appreciate and respect you for who you are. Surround yourself with friends and family who support your decisions and encourage you to be yourself. This will help you feel more confident and less pressured to please everyone around you.
Here are a few more tips to help you on your journey:
By following these tips, you can start to break free from the habit of people pleasing and focus on building a life that makes you happy. Remember, it’s important to take care of yourself and prioritize your own happiness.
Pair up with a classmate and take turns practicing how to set boundaries in different scenarios. One of you will play the role of a friend asking for a favor, while the other practices saying “no” politely but firmly. Discuss how it felt to set boundaries and what you learned from the exercise.
Create a self-care journal where you list activities that make you feel good and boost your self-esteem. Each day, write about one activity you did for yourself and how it made you feel. Share your experiences with the class and discuss the importance of self-care.
In small groups, discuss the importance of having supportive people in your life. Share stories about times when friends or family supported you and how it impacted your confidence. Create a list of qualities that make someone a supportive friend.
Write a short essay reflecting on why you might feel the need to please others. Consider any underlying issues and how they affect your behavior. Share your insights with a partner and discuss strategies for addressing these issues.
Create a class board where everyone can post their achievements, big or small. Celebrate each other’s successes and recognize your own strengths. Discuss how acknowledging achievements can help reduce the pressure to please others.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
“Struggling to stop being a people pleaser? Discover these effective tips to prioritize yourself and build healthier relationships.
1. Set clear boundaries and learn to say no when necessary to prioritize your own needs and well-being.
2. Practice self-compassion and self-care to build your self-esteem and value your own opinions and desires.
3. Surround yourself with supportive people who appreciate and respect you for who you are, rather than trying to please everyone around you.”
Boundaries – Limits that a person sets in order to protect their personal space, emotions, and responsibilities. – Setting boundaries helps you maintain healthy relationships by ensuring that others respect your personal space and feelings.
Self-compassion – Being kind and understanding to oneself in instances of pain or failure, rather than being harshly self-critical. – Practicing self-compassion can help you recover from setbacks more quickly and maintain a positive outlook.
Self-care – Activities and practices that individuals engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and maintain and enhance their health and well-being. – Taking time for self-care, like reading a book or going for a walk, is important for maintaining mental health.
Relationships – The connections and interactions between people, which can be based on love, friendship, work, or other social commitments. – Building strong relationships with friends and family can provide support and happiness in your life.
Support – Assistance and encouragement provided by others, especially in times of need or distress. – Having a strong support system can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Confidence – A feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of their own abilities or qualities. – Developing confidence in your abilities can lead to greater success in school and personal life.
Needs – Basic requirements for a person’s well-being, including physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. – Understanding your own needs is crucial for making decisions that lead to a fulfilling life.
Happiness – A state of well-being and contentment, often characterized by positive emotions and life satisfaction. – Pursuing activities that bring you joy can increase your overall happiness.
Worth – The sense of one’s own value or importance as a person. – Recognizing your worth is essential for building self-esteem and making positive life choices.
Esteem – Respect and admiration, typically for oneself, which contributes to one’s overall self-worth. – High self-esteem can empower you to take on new challenges and believe in your potential.
