3 exercises to try when people pleasing kicks in

07/29/2023

First off, self-proclaimed people-pleasers have a special place in my heart. A lot of the students who I’ve supported as emerging social workers struggle with people-pleasing.

I feel like it shows the extent to which humans can go to show care and protection for others even if it jeopardizes us in ways we know and may not know. I've learned that you probably don't want to be doing as much bending as you are so here are the 3 exercises to try.

#1) Values-alignment

What principles guide you? By articulating the values that we choose for ourselves, we cause use those values in times of decision-making or when we’re unsure of what is the “best choice” aligned with our integrity, as defined by us.

Need help with this? Check out How to turn Values into Action

#2) Where are the receipts?

I feel like this exercise could be useful for those of us who can be our own worst critic and believe that every negative thing we think is true. This exercise asks, “what proof do you have to think these things?”

#3) Worst-case Scenario Planning

While for some, positive vibes and thinking may be the magic pill to help manage their worries, for others it’s facing those worst-case scenarios and considering how we might respond that helps to activate that inner knowing and resilience.

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