Episode 25: Stop People-Pleasing and Start Choosing Yourself

In this episode of Courage is Built Here, Justine opens Pathway Five, Do the Work, with a powerful conversation about what it means to stop people-pleasing and start choosing yourself. She invites Mary Pat Jacobs to share her journey of stepping into entrepreneurship after being laid off and learning to take risks without having everything figured out.

Mary Pat shares how starting her business required her to move through fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt while continuing to take action. She reflects on how courage is built through small steps, connections, and a willingness to put yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Together, Justine and Mary Pat explore the deeper layers of people-pleasing, including the realization that avoiding disconnection with others often leads to disconnection from yourself. They talk about rewriting identity, embracing a beginner’s mindset, and giving yourself permission to learn as you go.

They also discuss the importance of support systems, coaching, and therapy, as well as the challenges of navigating social media and staying aligned with your values in a noisy, fast-paced world. Throughout the episode, they return to the idea that doing the work is ongoing and requires intentional, courageous choices every day.

Key Takeaways

• Pathway Five, Do the Work, is about actively rewriting old stories and living in alignment with your values.
• Starting a business requires courage, risk-taking, and willingness to act without having all the answers.
• Being laid off can become an opportunity to choose yourself and pursue a more aligned path.
• Courage is built through small, imperfect steps, not waiting for the perfect moment.
• People-pleasing often stems from a desire to avoid disconnection with others.
• Choosing others over yourself can lead to disconnection from yourself.
• A beginner’s mindset creates space for growth, learning, and imperfection.
• Support systems, coaching, and therapy are essential tools for building courage.
• Creating from love, values, and purpose feels different than operating from fear or scarcity.
• Social media and constant information can distract from intentional living and require boundaries.

About the guest

Mary Pat Jacobs is a leadership and HR coach and consultant who works with individuals and organizations to support growth, alignment, and more effective ways of working. After spending many years in corporate, she transitioned into running her own business, where she helps leaders and teams develop skills that improve both their professional and personal lives.

Connect with Mary Pat

• Website: https://www.marypatjacobs.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marypatjacobs/