People-pleasing masquerades as being helpful, but in reality, it fulfills our deep need to belong and gain social acceptance. At first, it feels noble—saying yes and being agreeable, but overtime it chips away at your identity.

This is especially true in the work environment, where performance and likability are often intertwined. The desire to be seen as a “team player” can lead you to overextend, overcommit, and overlook your own boundaries. Gradually, your ideas, your preferences, and even your leadership potential get buried under the weight of trying to be everything for everyone. The key to change is awareness.

Download the FREE Success Cost Tracker and track your time and emotional cost for a week.