This week, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes, and a topic people continue to ask us about.

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, Brett dives into:

• Quotes that hit - some of the most impactful sound bites I’ve heard on the topic
• What drives you? How our drives can lead us into unhealthy people pleasing behaviors
• The downside to many of the mainstream self-help resources that address the topic
• The necessary self-reflection that has to take place before we can make long-lasting behavioral changes

Host your own AOC Inservice - Tackle leadership challenges with tailored workshops trusted by Apple, NFL teams, and Canadian Special Forces. Gain actionable tools for managing emotions, de-escalating tension, and rebuilding culture. Email us at info@artofcoaching.com to learn more, and visit artofcoaching.com to see how we can help.

AOC Private Mentoring Retreat - Join us in Phoenix for a two-day retreat focused on resetting and crushing your goals. With custom coaching, private suites, and access to exclusive facilities, this experience is built for you. Email info@artofcoaching.com to secure your spot!

Improv Only Workshop - Boost problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork through fun, interactive improv games. Trusted by Google and pro sports teams, this workshop delivers skills that stick. Email info@artofcoaching.com with "Improv Only Workshop" in the subject line.

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

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Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

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We’ve all been there, and watched it happen from afar.

Something happens, and the temperature starts to rise. Tempers flare, and the situation becomes heated. These moments can reveal sides of us we’re not particularly proud of.

How should we respond when life gets tense and others lack empathy or communicate in passive-aggressive ways? What actions can we take to navigate these difficult interactions without making things worse?

To move forward, we must find a way to counter our adrenaline, exude control, and convey compassion. Avoidance is never the answer. The only way out is through.

In today’s practical, real-world episode, Brett discusses:

• • The #1 thing people ultimately want in conflict
  • Conflict archetypes and the importance of knowing which one you are
  • How and when to make concessions without “losing” or admitting fault
  • Why taking a pause or a deep breath isn’t the most practical advice

• BONUS: A crash course in how to NOT piss people off

Want to host your own AOC Inservice?

As a leader, you’ve likely thought, “There’s got to be a better way to handle this.” That’s where we come in. We’ve helped organizations like Apple, Microsoft, NFL and MLS teams, and even the Canadian Special Forces tackle tough topics like managing culture and navigating messy internal dynamics.

Each inservice is tailored to the unique needs of your team. This isn’t a cookie-cutter, feel-good workshop. We deliver actionable tools to manage emotions, de-escalate tension, rebuild culture, and communicate more effectively - tools you can apply NOW.

Email us at info@artofcoaching.com to learn more, and visit artofcoaching.com to see how we can help.

Come spend two days with us at AOC HQ!

This year, we’re thrilled to open our doors in Phoenix, AZ, for an exclusive two-day retreat tailored entirely to you! With a personalized curriculum, access to our gym and pool, private suites, and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, you’ll leave with clarity, focus, and renewed energy to crush your goals.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Email us at info@artofcoaching.com to learn more and secure your spot today.

Improv Only Workshop

Work in a high-stakes environment that demands constant focus? If you or your team need to disconnect and have fun—while building skills like problem-solving, active listening, and creative thinking—this workshop is for you!

Top companies like Google and professional sports teams have hired US to run these workshops, using games inspired by Whose Line Is It Anyway? tailored to meet specific professional goals. They’ve seen tremendous value, and we’re confident you will too.

Interested? Email info@artofcoaching.com with "Improv Only Workshop" in the subject line for more details!

Related Episodes:

E310 | A Key Strategy For Avoiding Misunderstandings

E294 | Why Do I Freeze Up? How To Handle Stressful Situations Like A Pro

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb

Have you ever heard the phrase, "no plan survives first contact," or, "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face"?

These sayings might sound dramatic, but let’s be honest, they ring true. Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, especially when we’re chasing our biggest, scariest goals.

When that happens, we’re often quick to rationalize, intellectualize, or make excuses for why we didn’t follow through. It’s human nature, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. The real question is: how can we stay the course, even when the unexpected happens?

Consistency is the truest measure of excellence and a life well lived. So, how do we tether ourselves to it? How do we make progress and avoid giving ground to the circumstances and stressors, both good and bad, that we inevitably face?

In this motivational episode, we cover:

• The most important component of credibility and how to maintain it
• How to stay consistent in the areas of life where progress and growth are critical
• Building your own daily tracker to hold yourself accountable
• Avoiding the rut and keeping momentum alive, one small task at a time

Have a topic or question you’d like us to tackle on the podcast? Let us know at artofcoaching.com/question. We’re always striving to make our content as impactful and helpful as possible for our loyal listeners.

If you’d like our daily productivity template sent directly to your inbox for FREE, subscribe to our newsletter! Visit artofcoaching.com/begin to be the first to gain access to new courses, event dates, exclusive discounts, and new resources. Click here to stay in the loop!

We’re excited to announce the launch of TWO NEW EVENTS in 2025!

Writer’s Workshop - Whether you’re crafting social media posts, blogs, or even your first book, writing doesn’t have to be a solitary, soul-sucking grind. Choose between personalized 1-on-1 coaching or join a small, live, two-day workshop (limited to 10 participants) where we’ll help take the pain out of penning and show you how to put your unique style onto the page.

Private Retreat at AOC HQ - Join us in Phoenix, AZ, for an exclusive two-day retreat tailored entirely to you. With personalized plans, access to our gym and pool, private suites, and the camaraderie of like-minded individuals, you’ll leave with clarity, focus, and renewed energy to crush your goals.

Don’t miss these opportunities. Email us at info@artofcoaching.com to learn more and secure your spot today!

Ready to take action and improve your professional life?

The Coalition is a mentoring group for anyone serious about growth—no fluff, no pretension. Whether you’re leaving the corporate grind, scaling a business, or making bold career moves, this group is for you.

With two monthly Zoom calls, you’ll gain clarity, accountability, and the support of a driven community to help you take meaningful action.

Applications for the next round starting in 2025 are open now. Apply at artofcoaching.com/coalition.

If you want to uncover what truly drives you—and what moves others—take our FREE Drives Quiz at artofcoaching.com/whatdrivesyou. Unlike traditional tools like DISC or Myers-Briggs, our algorithm is designed to dig deeper, call out any BS, and even flag potential lies or aspirational answers to give you honest, actionable insights.

Learn about yourself, uncover your blind spots, and start by using this game changing tool today!

Related Episodes:

E49 | Productivity That Matters

Follow Us:

Website: ArtofCoaching.com

Instagram: @coach_brettb

X: @coach_brettb