"عندما تحاول أن تعيش لإرضاء الجميع ينتهي بك الأمر إلى عدم إرضاء أحد بما في ذلك نفسك"

Trying to make everyone happy is like chasing your own shadow—impossible and exhausting. When you spend all your time and energy trying to satisfy others, you neglect your own needs and desires. Eventually, nobody ends up truly happy, least of all you.

Historically, the pressure to please everyone isn't new. Think about ancient leaders who tried to cater to every faction. They often ended up losing their grip on power because they couldn't satisfy all the diverse demands. A more personal context might be your own experiences from high school, where you tried to fit into different friend groups. Remember how draining it was to constantly switch personas? You probably ended up feeling disconnected from everyone, and most importantly, from yourself.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Take Sarah, a marketing manager, for instance. Sarah's boss wanted her to increase the company's online presence, her team wanted less micromanagement, and clients demanded quicker response times. Desperate to be everyone's hero, Sarah worked late nights, took on extra projects, and was always available. But here's what happened: her work quality dipped because she was spread too thin; her team felt neglected despite her efforts, and clients were still dissatisfied because she couldn't give them the undivided attention they wanted. In the end, Sarah was burned out and unappreciated. She pleased no one, including herself.

So how can you avoid Sarah's pitfall? First off, prioritize. Identify who and what truly matters in your life and focus your efforts there. It's okay to say no. People will respect you more for setting boundaries than for overcommitting and underdelivering. Next, communicate your limits clearly. Let others know what you can and can't do. This way, you manage expectations right from the start. Lastly, check in with yourself regularly. Are you happy? Fulfilled? If not, something's got to give.

Imagine you're at a family dinner. Your mom wants you to move back home, your dad thinks you should go into the family business, and your sibling needs help with their kids. You're at a crossroads. If you try to please everyone, you'll end up back in your old room, working a job you hate, and babysitting on weekends. Now imagine standing your ground. You tell your mom you love your independence, explain to your dad that your passion lies elsewhere, and let your sibling know you can help out occasionally but not regularly. It’s tough at first, but as time goes on, they start to respect your choices. More importantly, you feel authentic and true to yourself.

In essence, living to please everyone is a losing game. It’s like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it—no matter how much effort you pour in, it never satisfies. So, prioritize what matters, set boundaries, and communicate clearly. Your happiness isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for a fulfilling life.