the hidden cost of saying ‘yes’ ❌


Samson is a people pleaser.

He always says 'yes' when he really wants to say 'no'.

He’s tuned in to what everyone else needs but is out of touch with his own needs.

His knack for reading the room stems from a childhood need to remain hyper-vigilant.

But it’s taking a toll.

Samson is on the path to burnout.

He overcommits, leading to 80-hour workweeks, and feels resentful towards colleagues who enjoy their weekends. Yet, he shies away from tough conversations about boundaries.

Despite this, everyone sees Samson as the go-to guy—kind, helpful, though often missing deadlines.

If you see yourself in Samson, remember: you can't tackle this alone.

People-pleasing behaviours, developed in childhood as a way to feel safe and secure, require deep exploration and understanding to change.

It's about recognizing how you get trapped in this cycle and finding ways to break free—with professional support from a coach or therapist.

However, you can take a practical step today: prepare scripts to assert your boundaries.

Here are some that have worked for me

🖐️ I won’t be able to make that meeting.

🖐️ I’m focusing on a deep work session this morning and won’t be available until 1pm.

🖐️ I appreciate your thoughts, but I have a handle on this situation

🖐️ I need some time to think this over. Let’s talk tomorrow.

🖐️ That is not my experience.

🖐️ I am up against several deadlines for this week. Check back with me on Monday.

🖐️ This approach isn’t working for me. Here’s what I need.

Scripts may sound rather simplistic, but trust me, having these rehearsed will give you a better chance of pulling one out when you need one.

If you feel called to do deeper work now like Samson, I have some great news.

🌟 I'm opening two exclusive coaching spots this summer🌟

Schedule your chemistry call with me now let's start this journey together.

Your wing woman

Catherine

Catherine Stagg-Macey

I'm an executive coach, podcaster, DJ. I'm the wing woman for lonely leaders wanting to unleash their leadership potential💥 (and their teams). Weekly leadership tips, funny stories, and snippets from the Unsaid @ Work podcast.

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