Embrace Your True Self: The Path to Breaking Free from People-Pleasing

Welcome to the Glow Up Guide Collective, the place where millennial women come to unleash their power, overcome self-doubt, and step into the brightest version of themselves. Hi, I'm Morgan Bruner, your go-to personal growth bestie and self-improvement coach, here to guide you towards a life that truly excites you.

Do you ever feel like you've lost touch with who you really are? Maybe you've been caught in the cycle of being what everyone else wanted you to be, only to find yourself wondering where your own voice went. Trust me when I say, you're not alone. I was once the ultimate people pleaser, bending and twisting myself to fit the mold others expected of me.

But here's the grave truth: we aren't here to live according to others' expectations. We're here to be authentic—our true, stunning selves.

Understanding People-Pleasing

The struggle to break free from people-pleasing and form a strong self-identity is real. It's not just about wanting acceptance, although that's a part of it. We'll dig deep into how childhood experiences shaped your identity and conditioned you to seek validation. The crux of it all is this: seeking approval at the expense of self-approval causes us to lose sight of who we are meant to be. ( read that again.)

Signs You Might Be a People-Pleaser

If you're constantly changing yourself to be liked, avoiding conflict even when it's necessary, or unsure of what you truly desire, take a moment to reflect. These are signs that you're prioritizing others' needs at the cost of your own happiness.

Steps to Becoming Your True Self 

Let's outline a path to breaking free from these chains:

Set Boundaries: Though challenging, setting boundaries is crucial. They protect your time, energy, and identity. You don't need anyone's permission to live life on your terms.

Say No Without Apologies: "No" is a complete sentence. Practice saying it without over-explaining yourself. Your needs are valid and important.

Make Choices for You: Before following through with a decision, ask yourself, "Is this for me, or am I trying to please someone else?" Aligning choices with your own values is key.

Be Unapologetically You: Embrace your individuality. Speak your truth and wear what makes you happy. When you stop trying to blend in, you stand out as the authentic, vibrant you that the world needs.

Personal Reflection

I remember the days when I felt trapped living for others. I sought to make those around me happier, thinking it would lead to more love. But it only brought me exhaustion. I discovered that happiness is internal—not dependent on how others perceive me. Once I stopped trying to be everything to everyone and embraced who I truly am, life transformed. While some people drifted away, those who truly mattered stayed and respected me even more.

Conclusion

If this made you feel something within you, I want to hear about it! Share your journey towards self-discovery. Tag me on Instagram @Glowupguidecollective with your story of embracing your true self.

Together, let's continue to grow, glow, and become the best versions of ourselves. Your glow-up is already in motion, so keep moving forward, one bold step, one mindset shift at a time. Remember—the world needs the real you.