October 01, 2025

Stuck in People Pleasing… Again

42 minutes

I thought I was done with people pleasing. I’d built boundaries, learned to say no, and told myself I was free from it. But when I moved back to Minnesota—and started building my second business—it snuck back in.

I found myself undercharging, over-delivering, and slipping back into perfectionism. The result? Burnout, loneliness, and even physical symptoms like poor sleep, digestive issues, and constant tension in my body.

In this episode of The Self-Loved ADHD Woman Way, I share:

How people pleasing shows up in subtle ways for ADHD women

Why perfectionism is often tied to proving our worth

The physical and emotional cost of staying stuck in these patterns

How I’m working my way out of it—and how you can too

If you’ve ever felt like you should be “over” people pleasing, only to find yourself back in the same patterns, this episode will help you recognize you’re not alone—and there’s a way forward.

🎧 Be sure to listen!

—CHAPTERS—

00:00 Introduction: The Return of People Pleasing

01:16 Welcome to the Podcast

01:53 Personal Struggles and Realizations

03:54 Entrepreneurial Challenges and People Pleasing

07:20 The Impact of Moving Back to Minnesota

10:23 Burnout and Physical Symptoms

15:09 Recognizing and Addressing People Pleasing

23:50 Setting Boundaries and Overcoming Perfectionism

39:59 Conclusion and Journal Book Experience

✨ Mentioned in this episode…

Ready to Finally Stop Playing Small? Check out my Journal-Book Experience is Here!

💡The Self-Loved Woman Way: How to Stop Playing Small with ADHD is a tangible journal book plus sensory items for a self-love ritual that all comes in a keep sake box. This guided experience helps you release what’s been holding you back, regulate your nervous system, and finally move forward — in a way that honors your brain, your energy, and your life.

Order your copy here: https://jenbarnes.org/stop-playing-small/

✨ If you found this episode helpful…

Please follow, subscribe, and share it with another ADHD woman who needs support!

💛 Connect with me on social media!

Youtube: @Jenbarnes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbarneslicsw/

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health or medical advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice or psychotherapy.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency please contact emergency services in your area. If you are in the USA, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis line or 911 for a medical emergency.

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