⸻

At some point, every one of us becomes “the bad guy” — the person who says no, sets a line in the sand, or disappoints someone who wanted a little too much. And truthfully? That’s a good thing.

In this episode, Brett breaks down why being willing to let people down is essential if you want to keep your sanity, your focus, and your self-respect. Because saying yes to everything doesn’t make you a better leader, coach, or friend — it just makes you a doormat.

We’ve all seen how it happens: someone asks for a small favor here or there, and before you know it, your time, energy, and attention are getting siphoned off in a hundred directions that don’t serve your goals. This conversation is about drawing the line, protecting what actually matters, and remembering that you’re not supposed to serve everyone.

Sometimes, being the “bad guy” is what keeps you effective, grounded, and able to keep doing the work that actually helps people long-term.

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

People pleasing -  we’ve all seen it before (whether we recognized it or not) - constantly being agreeable, always saying yes, never setting any boundaries - all to the point of self-destruction.  If you haven’t experienced it yourself, it’s likely you’ve witnessed someone else demonstrate these behaviors.

And although it may have short-term benefits, we know that these self-destructive tendencies are not sustainable, and can lead to mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion and burnout.

If this is something you think you might struggle with, or if you know someone who does, today’s episode provides a wide variety of perspectives on what “people pleasing” can look like in the day to day world, a number of root causes, and a handful of different solutions you can use to help you manage these behaviors.

More specifically, I dive into:

Referenced Resources:

E210: Assertiveness: How To Ask For What You Want & Get What You Need

E207: How Perception Impacts Communication & Relationships

E208: Robert Greene: Mastering Human Nature and Facing Your Flaws

E200: What To Do When Trying To Help Makes Stuff Worse

E176: When Positive Thinking Doesn’t Work

E22: The Value of Self-Doubt

E130: How Understanding Drives Helps Build Buy-In

Quiz: What Drives You?

Online Course: Valued - mentioned in today’s episode regarding opportunity cost, this life-time access course help you to identify your values and take control of your career

Other AoC Resources:

1:1 Virtual or Group Mentoring/ Staff Development

Group Mentoring (The Coalition)

Online Courses

Live Events

Request Us As a Speaker

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

You don’t need a reason, a holiday, or the “right time.” Just reach out. Call someone you haven’t talked to in five or ten years. Shoot a text. Reconnect. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, and the truth is, life’s too unpredictable to assume you’ll always get another chance.

This one’s short, direct, and human. No fluff. Just a practical reminder to stop overthinking it and make the damn call. The returns—personally and professionally—are worth it.

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Instagram - @dclancyphysio

Company Resource Page:

Event Page: https://www.essentialskills.ie/

Book - Essential Skills for Physiotherapists: A Personal and Professional Development Framework

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Let’s be honest—most workshops leave you with a notebook full of tips and no real plan for change. Ours are built different.

At Art of Coaching, you won’t just sit and take notes. You’ll engage in real scenarios—role-plays, peer feedback, video breakdowns, and live evaluations—designed to help you sharpen your communication, think on your feet, and handle tough conversations with more clarity and control.

Whether you’re dealing with a passive-aggressive coworker, trying to be more assertive without burning bridges, stuck in tension at home, or just tired of second-guessing yourself socially or professionally—we can help.

This is potent personal and professional development that actually sticks. No fluff. No filler.

We offer multiple pricing tiers and discounts—reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help make it work for you.

Upcoming Workshops:

🔗 artofcoaching.com/events

Real Coaching for Real Life

Let’s be honest—everyone says they want growth, but putting in the work? That’s where most people just stick to what’s comfortable..

That’s why we created a mentoring service built for the real world. Whether you’re stuck on a professional decision, starting a business, writing a book, dealing with pressure at home, or just trying to get out of your own way—we can help.

This isn’t therapy. And it’s not a rah-rah, feel-good session either. It’s direct, tailored coaching from people who’ve been in the trenches—leaders, operators, educators, business owners. Our team of 15 comes from a wide range of backgrounds, so you’re matched with someone who understands your world and knows how to push you forward.

Everyone needs a coach.

🔗 artofcoaching.com/mentoring

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb