November 12, 2025

23. People Pleasing & Approval Addiction (PT 1): Break Free by Renewing Your Mind

19 minutes

Do you constantly feel responsible for everyone’s happiness? Does your peace disappear the moment someone’s disappointed with you?

In this episode of the Day One of Sobriety Podcast, we’re tackling one of the most common yet overlooked habits—people-pleasing and approval addiction. You’ll discover where it begins in the brain, what Scripture says about finding your worth in God (not people), and how to use a neuroscience-backed tool to rewire your thoughts for peace and freedom.

🔑 Key Episode Insights

Why people-pleasing is more than kindness—it’s a coping mechanism wired for safety, not love.

How the fawn response in your brain links approval with protection and love.

The difference between people-pleasing (needing to be liked) and codependency (needing to be needed).

How the Catch–Shift–Thank–Release tool helps you take approval-seeking thoughts captive and renew your mind.

Why awareness is the first step to healing—and how you can rewire your brain to live from truth instead of fear.

🧠 Why This Matters

People-pleasing feels selfless—but it’s actually self-erasing. Every time you chase approval, your brain releases a quick hit of dopamine that temporarily soothes anxiety but reinforces a toxic cycle. Spiritually, it pulls you away from your assignment and silences the still, confident voice of God.

Freedom begins when you recognize the pattern and renew your mind with truth. You can’t renew what you won’t acknowledge—and awareness is your first act of healing.

🛠 Practice the Catch–Shift–Thank–Release Tool

Catch — Notice the thought that drives your urge to please or fix: “If they’re happy, I’m safe.” Bring it into the light; you can’t renew what you don’t first notice.

Shift — Replace the lie with truth: “My safety is in God’s love, not people’s opinions.” Each time you shift your focus, you form new neural connections aligned with peace instead of panic.

Thank — Gratitude calms your nervous system. Say, “Thank You, Lord, that I’m already accepted and loved by You.” Gratitude rewires your brain for safety and trust.

Release — Breathe deeply and surrender the lie. Pray, “Father, I release this need for approval. Fill me with Your peace.” Releasing turns control into surrender and fear into faith.

Each time you walk through these four steps, you’re retraining your brain to think like Christ—catching what’s false, shifting to truth, thanking Him for His love, and releasing what no longer belongs.

🔗 Related Episodes & Links Mentioned

🎧 Listen to: In This World but Not of It: How to Renew Your Mind and Live Set Apart

Free 14-Day Devotional - Break Free From People-Pleasing available inside the Mind Renewal Community or as a Day One of Sobriety Insider.

👣 Your Next Steps

Become a Day One of Sobriety Insider and get podcast devotionals, reflection guides, and renewal tools delivered straight to your inbox each week.📍 Join Here

Engage with Other Overcomers inside our growing Facebook community — Mind Renewal Solutions Made Simple. This is where healing becomes a shared journey of faith, neuroscience, and encouragement. 👥 Join the Community

Download the Free 14-Day Devotional - Break Free From People-Pleasing. This exclusive resource is available only inside our Mind Renewal Solutions Made Simple Facebook Community or to our Day One of Sobriety Insiders. It will help you spend two intentional weeks renewing your mind around God’s truth and learning how to live loved, not driven by approval.

Go Deeper with 1:1 Coaching Support. Learn how to break destructive thought patterns and rebuild your life on biblical truth and mind renewal science ▶ Mind Renewal Coaching

📩 Connect with Me

📧 Email: [email protected]

🎙 Podcast: Day One of Sobriety Podcast

📝 Blog: Day One of Sobriety Blog

📘 Facebook: @day1ofsobriety

📷 Instagram: @day1ofsobriety

⚠️ Disclaimer

The Day One of Sobriety podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult your physician or doctor for all medical advice and counsel.

...more

View all episodes

By Brenda Kennison - Mind Renewal, Recovery & Spiritual Coach

1212 ratings