A Message You Didn’t Expect

Amid the noise of daily life—emails, to-do lists, and endless demands—this isn’t about productivity or the next big thing. This is about you.

Gratitude is often focused outward, recognizing others, accomplishments, or what we have. But today, let’s take a moment to reflect inward and recognize you.

Life can bring challenges—navigating tricky conversations, managing expectations, or simply carving out a moment for yourself. Wherever you find yourself right now, know this: you’re doing incredible work.

The growth you’ve committed to, the courage you’ve shown in reclaiming your voice, and the boundaries you’ve worked to set—it all matters.

A Moment to Honor Yourself

Take a breath and honor your journey. Gratitude isn’t just about others; it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come and the strength within you.

So, here’s a moment just for you:
Thank you for showing up for yourself. Thank you for your courage. And thank you for being part of this community.

You are seen. You are valued. And you are enough.

If you missed our last post on Overcoming the Fear of Judgment, check it out here for practical steps to quiet self-doubt and build self-trust.

Is People-Pleasing Holding You Back?

People-pleasing isn’t necessarily a bad thing—as long as you are pleased with your actions, too. It becomes a problem when you’re constantly focused on pleasing others while neglecting your own needs. When we say “yes” to others out of a fear of rejection, a desire for validation, or a wish to avoid conflict, we’re actually saying “no” to ourselves.

At its core, people-pleasing is rooted in self-doubt. We may worry that we’ll disappoint others or that they’ll think less of us if we don’t go along with their requests. While it might feel easier in the moment, the cost can be high: burnout, resentment, and a weaker sense of self over time.

Understanding People-Pleasing as a Mask for Self-Doubt

For many of us, people-pleasing is so deeply ingrained that it can feel automatic. Here are some signs that self-doubt might be hiding behind your people-pleasing tendencies:

• You often say “yes” when you want to say “no”: If you frequently agree to things out of fear rather than desire, you’re likely prioritizing others’ needs over your own.

• You feel drained or resentful: When we ignore our own needs to please others, it can leave us feeling exhausted and disconnected from ourselves.

• You’re afraid of conflict or letting people down: Self-doubt can lead us to avoid any situation where we might disappoint others, which can hold us back from setting boundaries and expressing our true selves.

Try This Doubt Disruptor

If you feel caught in the cycle of people-pleasing, here’s a simple practice to start reclaiming your voice:

Before responding to a request, pause and ask yourself: “If I could respond freely, what would I really want to say?” This check-in helps you become aware of your true feelings, even if you still decide to say “yes” in the end. By practicing this small pause, you’re building a habit of honoring your own needs—one step at a time.

Progress Takes Practice

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. You might still find yourself saying “yes” out of habit, and that’s okay. The more you practice tuning into your emotions, the easier it will become to set boundaries. Progress takes practice, and every small step helps you get closer to making choices that feel true to you.

If you missed our last post on Self-Doubt as Perfectionism, check it out here for more ways to tackle self-doubt head-on.