
#41: People Pleaser? How To Say No With Clarity & Confidence
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
About this episode
Do you keep saying yes -- when every part of you wants to say no?
Three of the biggest self-sabotaging behaviours I see in high-achieving leaders I work with -- what I call the 3P's -- are people pleasing, perfectionism and procrastination.
Today, we're diving into people pleasing -- a topic that comes up in nearly EVERY client conversation.
One client shared they were struggling to complete a project. The reason? Diving deeper, we discovered the work didn’t energise or interest them.
My client had agreed to collaborate on the project as a favour to the other person. But it wasn’t work they WANTED to do. No wonder it was a challenge to stay motivated!
This is the perfect example of what happens when you fail to set boundaries or say NO. You say yes out of obligation -- because you feel you owe others something. And you become frustrated, apathetic or resentful as a result.
Even though I have strong boundaries, I found myself putting the needs of clients ahead of my own priorities and schedule. Over time, I’ve learnt the importance of setting boundaries with MYSELF -- and respecting my own time too.
Struggling to say NO? In today’s episode, I’m sharing a simple 5-part framework to help you say no with clarity and confidence.
You'll learn:
- The REAL reasons behind people pleasing and hidden consequences of struggling to say no and set boundaries
- How to respond when you immediately say yes to any request, so you avoid committing to something you'll regret later
- Why every yes is ALSO a no -- and the key questions to ask so you say yes to what matters most and no to what doesn’t
- A practical way to assess opportunities, so you know when to say yes or no and make decisions with confidence
- How to say no gracefully -- with exact scripts you can use to protect your time, energy and priorities
So hit play NOW -- and let’s dive in!
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave me a 5 star rating and review. It helps more people find the podcast and benefit too!
Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars and then select ‘Write a review.’ Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
LINKS:
Need help saying no or figuring out what you want in your career? Check out the Ignite Your Career program for high-achievers who want to take ownership of their careers with clarity, confidence and a strategic plan.
If you’re interested in working together, I invite you to book a call with me.
Learn more about my services for individuals and organisations at staceyback.com or connect with me on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

RECAST: 5 Signs You Need To Take Ownership Of Your Career Now (In Changing Times...
The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

FREE September Masterclass: 3 Strategic Shifts To Take Ownership Of Your Career...
The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

#73: Why You Fear Failure Despite Your Success (And What It's Costing You Right...
The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back

#72: Healthy Ambition Vs Hustle: How To Manage Overworking NOW Before It Leads T...
The Career By Design Podcast with Stacey Back