"No puedo pensar en un uso más desperdiciado del tiempo que pasarlo tratando de complacer a la gente."

Trying to spend your time pleasing everyone is pretty pointless. At its core, this idea highlights how exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling it is to live your life based on other people's expectations. Chasing approval from others can drain your energy and prevent you from focusing on what truly matters to you.

Historically, this sentiment has probably been around as long as people have lived in communities. We humans are social creatures, and naturally, we want to fit in. In some ways, it’s evolutionary—being part of a group can mean safety and resources. But in modern times, this urge can morph into an unhealthy obsession with approval. Imagine you're in high school, trying to dress a certain way, talk a certain way, just to be accepted. This doesn’t end in high school—it follows many into adulthood.

Take, for example, the story of Sarah, a dedicated employee who always went above and beyond to make everyone happy at work. She'd stay late to help a colleague, take on extra tasks just to get a nod from her boss, and agree to every social event even when she was exhausted. Over time, Sarah noticed she was burning out. Not only did she feel physically and mentally drained, but she also realized she wasn't even happy. Despite her best efforts, she still faced criticism and felt unappreciated. She was living her life based on others' approval—and it wasn't working.

What can we learn from Sarah? The key is balance. It's good to help others, but not at the cost of your own well-being. Here's some advice: start prioritizing your own needs and setting boundaries. When someone asks for your time or effort, take a moment to think—do you want to do this? Is it good for you? It's okay to say no. In fact, saying no can be empowering. It frees up your time for things that genuinely make you happy and fulfilled.

Now, imagine a different scenario. Think about Mark, a young artist who loves painting. Initially, he tried to paint what he thought would sell or what people said they wanted. But nothing clicked—his heart wasn't in it, and it showed in his work. One day, he decided to paint for himself, to create art that resonated with him personally. Surprisingly, people loved his authentic work. His art became more popular and he found joy in creating again. Mark’s journey teaches us that authenticity, rather than people-pleasing, can lead to genuine connections and success.

So, next time you catch yourself bending over backward to please others, pause and reflect. Are you neglecting your own happiness? Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. Focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment—chances are, you'll end up not only happier but more appreciated in the end.