01 September 2023

The Pitfall of People Pleasing: Why It’s Stunting Your Growth

Let’s dive into a topic that hits close to home for many of us – people pleasing. If you’re nodding your head right now, you’re not alone. Today, we’re going to explore the detrimental effects of people pleasing on your business growth and why it’s high time to kick this habit to the curb.

**The People Pleasing Conundrum**

First things first, let’s demystify this concept. We often find ourselves trapped in the cycle of people pleasing, especially in industries like health and wellness where our innate desire to help and care shines through. We’re naturally drawn to go the extra mile, to ensure our clients are beyond satisfied, to be known as the experts they can trust. This is all wonderful, except when it starts to spiral out of control.

**The Over-Delivery Dilemma**

As we venture deeper into people pleasing territory, a common pitfall emerges; over-delivery. It’s like a slippery slope – the more you do, the more is expected, and suddenly you’re waist-deep in what’s known as “scope creep.” Your offerings expand, your efforts multiply, but guess what doesn’t grow? Your compensation. You find yourself doing more for the same pay, and resentment starts to creep in.

**Boundaries: The Key to Healthy Relationships**

Picture this: someone asks to “pick your brain” or requests you to go above and beyond the services you provide. If you’re a chronic people pleaser, you might hesitate to decline. Why? Because you’ve been programmed to think that saying “no” equals disappointing others or tarnishing your reputation. This is where boundaries come into play.

**Setting Expectations and Priorities**

Boundaries are like a guiding compass for your business and your life. By clearly communicating expectations from the get-go, you empower yourself to deliver your services effectively without overextending. Whether it’s limiting communication channels, defining response times, or establishing the scope of your offerings, it’s all about setting the stage for a healthier, more sustainable working relationship.

**The Power of “No”**

Saying “no” is a superpower. It’s not about rejecting opportunities; it’s about making strategic decisions that benefit you, your business, and ultimately your clients. In a world that often celebrates saying “yes” to everything, the real strength lies in knowing when to decline. By selectively investing your time and energy, you unlock the potential for genuine growth.

**The Cycle of Self-Care and Growth**

As entrepreneurs, we often put our clients and business ahead of our own needs. But the truth is, neglecting yourself actually hinders your ability to deliver exceptional service. Prioritising self-care and setting healthy boundaries not only prevents burnout but also enhances your capacity to positively impact others.

**The Challenge of Change**

Breaking free from the people pleasing trap isn’t easy. It requires self-reflection, conscious decisions, and sometimes, external support. Seek mentorship or coaching to navigate the shift from over-delivery to strategic service. Remember, transforming your mindset takes time, but the rewards are more fulfilling, focused work and business growth.

The path to business growth is paved with clear boundaries and strategic decisions. Saying “no” doesn’t make you any less caring or dedicated; it empowers you to deliver with purpose and focus. Remember, you’re not just here to please – you’re here to thrive.

With the right help and support, you can say goodbye to ‘people pleasing’ Do you seek to be surrounded with the right community and mentorship? To share experiences and gain inspiration from hundreds of other experienced business owners? Then join our exclusive private community group Treat Your Business: The Group For Clinic & Studio Owners

But if the thought of doing so is overwhelming or you don’t know where to start: Go here to book your free business and marketing audit with me today. We’ll start out by chatting about where you are on your business journey right now, and what your biggest challenges are…

Then we’ll look at where you want to be and come up with a clear plan to create more time, money, and freedom in your business.

No catch…

No hidden agenda…

Let’s talk. Let’s map out a different way of you doing business.

Katie