How to Stop People Pleasing in 2026

In this episode of Brave Moves, I dive into why people-pleasing is so common — and so costly — and how to stop it in a way that’s grounded, compassionate, and sustainable.

People-pleasing isn’t about being nice. It’s often a learned nervous system response rooted in fear of disconnection, rejection, or conflict. In 2026, with hustle culture, constant availability, and digital pressure, this pattern is being reinforced more than ever.

In this episode, I unpack the psychology and neuroscience behind people-pleasing, explain why it leads to burnout and resentment, and share practical ways to shift from external approval to internal alignment.

In this episode, I cover:

• What people-pleasing really is (and what it isn’t)
• Why people-pleasing increases anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue
• How approval-seeking affects the nervous system and dopamine response
• The hidden cost of over-explaining and self-abandonment
• The difference between kindness and fear-based harmony
• How to communicate boundaries clearly and calmly
• Why regulation, not willpower, is the key to change

Your Brave Move:

I invite you to pause before saying yes.
 If it’s not a clear yes, allow yourself to respond with “Let me think about it.”
 Sit with the discomfort instead of rescuing it — that’s how self-trust is built.

Here is the book The Body Keeps the Score