Stop trying to please others and prioritize your own values and needs over the fear of judgment, because every small choice of self-assertion strengthens your self-esteem.

noli's read

This advice aligns with the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), where it is observed that repeated behaviors reinforce our thought patterns and self-esteem. Social psychology literature, particularly research on self-assertion (assertiveness), supports that expressing one's needs appropriately is correlated with better mental health and more balanced relationships (Rautalinko et al., 2007, observational study). The idea that self-esteem is built through choices consistent with one's values aligns with self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000, meta-analysis), which highlights the importance of authenticity for well-being. It is not an exaggeration to say that chronic 'people pleasing' can lead to emotional exhaustion, although the term is used here in a personal development, rather than clinical, context. There is no evidence that this change is instantaneous; research confirms that it is a gradual process, as the creator suggests. The approach is consistent with the idea that small behavioral habits shape identity in the long term.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.