How people-pleasing blocks your abundance (and what you can do)

Are you someone who always puts others first, often at the expense of your own needs? If you find yourself constantly saying "Yes" when you mean "No," feeling guilty for taking time for yourself or seeking approval from others to feel worthy, you may be stuck in a cycle of people-pleasing. While it can feel like the 'right' thing to do, over time, this habit can drain your energy, chip away at your self-worth, and ultimately block your ability to manifest the abundance you deserve in life.

The hidden cost of people-pleasing

At its core, people-pleasing is rooted in the belief that our worth comes from external validation - from making others happy or meeting their expectations. While this can bring temporary approval, it often leads to feelings of resentment, frustration, and a sense of incompleteness. Why? Because constantly giving to others without receiving in return leaves little space for you to focus on your own dreams, desires, and needs.

One of the biggest consequences of people-pleasing is that it keeps you stuck in self-doubt. When you’re always looking for approval from outside sources, you may lose touch with your intuition and inner voice - the very tools that help you create the life you truly want. Without these guiding forces, manifesting abundance in areas like career, relationships or personal growth can feel impossible.

How to break free and reclaim your worth

Breaking free from the cycle of people-pleasing isn’t about becoming selfish or disregarding others. It’s about setting healthy boundaries, learning to prioritise yourself, and giving yourself permission to say "No" without guilt.

Here are a few ways to start:

Recognise your patterns

Take note of when you’re saying "Yes" out of obligation rather than desire. Reflect on how it makes you feel afterwards. This awareness is the first step toward change.

Set clear boundaries

Boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and mental well-being. Practice saying "No" in a respectful yet firm way, and remember that you don’t need to justify or explain your decisions.

Reconnect with your desires

What are your dreams? What brings you joy? Start giving yourself permission to explore your own needs and goals, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

How EFT tapping can help

If you’re struggling with people-pleasing or low self-worth, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT tapping) can be a powerful tool to help you shift these ingrained patterns. EFT combines talk therapy with tapping on specific acupressure points, helping you release the emotional blocks and limiting beliefs that keep you stuck in old habits.

By working with EFT, you can break free from the need for constant external validation, strengthen your sense of self-worth, and open the doors to manifesting abundance in your life. Whether it’s improving your confidence, setting boundaries, or allowing yourself to receive more, tapping into your own inner power can lead to lasting change.

Take the first step today. If you’re ready to stop people-pleasing and start manifesting the life you truly want, explore how EFT can support you on your journey toward self-worth and abundance.