THE YES MAN SYNDROME - pursuing professional development | Podcast Video

The Liberation of Letting Go: Learning to Prioritise Happiness - The Yes Man Syndrome

Personal development as an entrepreneur

A significant lesson has emerged in pursuing personal growth and professional development: the impossibility and futility of attempting to please everyone. This realisation, though seemingly simple, marks a critical turning point.

The Yes-Man Syndrome

For years, the role of a 'yes-man' has been adopted, whether in professional careers or social circles. This often involves bending over backwards, accommodating uncomfortable requests, and stretching too thin, leading to persistent dissatisfaction and overwhelming feelings.

The Turning Point

The unsustainable approach leads to exhaustion and a lack of personal time, underscoring the sacrifice of happiness for others' satisfaction. This is not just a minor hiccup; it's a fundamental issue affecting mental and emotional well-being.

The Day Everything Changed

Remembering the day the decision was made to stop being a people pleaser is terrifying and liberating. Saying 'no' might feel unnatural initially, but it aligns with setting boundaries, being selective with commitments, prioritising personal needs, and aligning choices with values and long-term goals.

Impact on Career and Social Life

This change profoundly affects professional life and social interactions in careers like recruitment, where interpersonal relationships and client satisfaction are crucial; being honest and upfront fosters healthier, sustainable professional relationships. Clients and colleagues respect time and expertise more when limits are clearly communicated.

Socially, the transformation leads to more genuine relationships, less transactional and more appreciative of personal qualities rather than what one can do for others. It's a refreshing change that deepens social interactions.

Continuous Learning

The journey of self-improvement is perpetual, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities to learn more about oneself and interactions with the world. This experience teaches the importance of self-respect and valuing happiness, applying this lesson daily in all life aspects.

Learning to prioritise happiness takes much work. It requires constant vigilance and a willingness to unlearn the deeply ingrained habit of people-pleasing. However, the freedom and growth from this decision have been advantageous.  While making everyone happy is impossible, focusing on personal happiness is a great place to start.

Check out the podcast where two entrepreneurs talk about the "Yes Man Syndrome" Tavis Shearer, FREC Founder and Managing Director at TRS Resourcing and George Mann Founder and Managing Director at GEM Resourcing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C6-mVUcP0mM/