Getting out of the people-pleasing habit is difficult, but it is necessary for your health and the quality of your relationships. Being a Black woman in today’s society may be challenging enough without contending with preconceived notions and assumptions. If you want to break away from people-pleasing, consider these suggestions.

Find out why you have these people-pleasing habits, and work to change them. It may be due to social pressures, prejudice, or the need to be liked. It will be simpler to fix if you know what is causing it.

Recognize the validity of your emotions and needs, and give them the value they deserve. Please do not ignore them in favor of more pressing matters. Putting as much value on yourself as you do on other people is vital.

Establish limits, and convey them in a firm yet kind manner. Master the art of the firm “no” and never again feel bad about saying it. Remember that setting healthy boundaries and saying “no” is not a sign of selfishness.

Put yourself in the company of positive thinkers by connecting with loved ones and coworkers who accept you for who you are. Good role models and friends who encourage you might help you overcome the temptation to please others.

Self-compassion entails treating oneself kindly and refraining from harsh judgment. Accept that it will take time and effort to stop people-pleasing. Let yourself develop and improve in your own time.

Do not give in to the pressure of preconceptions that others have formed about black women. Throw off these limiting beliefs and celebrate your uniqueness.

Improve your self-awareness by keeping track of the times and places you go out of your way to make other people happy. Pay attention to how you feel and what you are doing. Once you recognize your habits, you may begin to alter them.

Seek professional help if you are having trouble navigating people-pleasing nuances, particularly as a black woman facing cultural standards.

Recognize and honor your successes, no matter how small they may be. Recognizing and rewarding your efforts as they bear fruit helps strengthen your resolve and encourage further progress.

Teach others: If you are in a position to do so, teach others the necessity of respecting others’ boundaries and the damage caused by stereotyping. Through learning, we may build communities that are more accepting and tolerant of one another.

Remember that taking baby steps toward independence from people-pleasing is all right. Accept yourself as you are, put yourself first, and be patient while seeking to create a more genuine and satisfying existence.