People Pleasing 101

The first thing to remember when pleasing others is that you, as a being, are completely unimportant. Your wants, your needs, and your desires are all second rate to those around you.
Here's a few helpful hints to encourage a healthy understanding of How To Be A People Pleaser.

It's Not You, It's Definitely Me
Those around you are more important, more entitled, and most of all, more deserving.  It's hard to imagine putting yourself last-dead last-but it's the only way to gain praise from others.  You're one job is to make sure they are happy...in every way.  And because they expect this behavior, they're more likely to underrate your efforts.  You must then present yourself in a manner where they are right and you are wrong.

The Task At Hand
Work is best accomplished by keeping your eye on the prize and your work ethic in line.  -Meaning, do what they ask of you...and then some.  Always make sure to go the extra mile, but only at your expense-not theirs.  And strive to meet as many unreasonable expectations as they may have.  You never know when they'll ask more of you based on your performance.

When In Doubt, Say Yes
We all understand the constraints of one's tasks.  Whether they're for business or pleasure, they require a lot of time and a lot of effort.  So make sure, as the people pleaser, you leave no load for others.  Put yourself and your own tasks on the back burner.  Even if they pile up, it's not like they're important.  Right?

WAIT.......WHAT?????

Did that all just sound completely ridiculous to you?  Yea, it was kind of the point.  But, we are all guilty of  it.  Both sides of it.  Each and every one of us are seeking out people to please, and expecting others to meet our needs for us.  It's part of the life cycle.
As people we are built with the need to seek feedback and praise.  We do things to bring joy to others, lighten loads, and help improve lives.  It's our nature.  It's what we were made to do.  But when this cycle is broken there's always someone who's sowing more than they will ever reap.

For some, we need to learn to be more selfish.  We need to understand that, by neglecting ourselves, we cannot truly help others.  When we wear ourselves so thin that there is almost nothing left, we become no good to anyone-especially Numero Uno.  Now, that doesn't mean you can't help others.  We actually become better people by helping those around us.  It just means that sometimes, it's ok to say "No."

For others, you need to learn to take on your own responsibilities.  Buck up, and get the job done-for yourself.  You will never truly be able to appreciate things unless you put forth the effort.  That doesn't mean that you can't ask for help.  It just means you need to take responsibility and try to work things out on your own first.

All in all, there's something here for everyone to learn.  Life wouldn't be worth living if there was no one to live it for.  As we care for others, we know they will care for us in return.

With that said, who do you aim to please?