Trying to please others and make others happy is not a bad thing. Being considerate and loving towards others is a very positive quality that you should never lose.
However, if your tendency to people-please negatively impacts your life, it is something that should be analyzed and worked on. For some, the act of people-pleasing puts their own needs and wants behind the needs and wants of others. We all need to focus on ourselves at times.
Your needs are important, and neglecting those needs and wants can dramatically and negatively impact your mental health. If you want to change your people-pleasing tendencies, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
#1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
An essential part of mental health is figuring out why you are doing what you are doing. Why do you feel the need to try to please everyone, even at your own expense? Are you worried relationships will end if you stand up for yourself? Do you struggle to focus on your own feelings?
When we can learn to pause and acknowledge our feelings in the moment, we can better understand our core struggles.
#2. Set Boundaries
Creating boundaries can be difficult sometimes, depending on the relationship. You may feel as if you are mean or uncaring. The truth is that boundaries are critical when it comes to successfully coping with mental health struggles and addiction.
Work with a mental health professional to better understand what boundaries will most benefit you and your situation.
#3. Consider Your Own Needs
Your needs matter. Learning to focus on your own mental health can be a process. You are worth the effort.
Constantly putting others’ needs ahead of your own can be a defense mechanism, one that can be challenging to work through. Work with your mental health professional to learn the skills and tools you need to better work through your struggles.
Constantly placing others’ needs ahead of your own can negatively impact your mental health. For some, learning to focus on your own mental health and needs can be a process. Try to acknowledge your own feelings as you begin to work through why you feel the need to please others constantly. Then work on setting healthy boundaries so that you can work on your own struggles. Here at The Guest House, we know how challenging it can be to change your thought processes and routines. We are here to help and support you along the way. Call us today at (855) 483-7800.