Episode 1246 – Put Yourself First: The Secret to Avoiding Burnout in Business
Are You Giving Too Much?
Many business owners, especially in the cleaning industry, are natural givers. They love to help others, often at their own expense. In a recent episode of Grow My Cleaning Company, Mike Campion and guest Suzanne Bandick tackled this issue head-on. They explained how people-pleasing can lead to burnout, stress, and even resentment. The key takeaway? If you don’t take care of yourself first, you won’t have anything left to give.
The Hidden Dangers of Saying "Yes" Too Much
People-pleasing isn’t just about being nice—it can hurt your business, relationships, and even your health. Suzanne shared that when we constantly put others first, we risk self-sacrifice, stress, and frustration. When we say “yes” to everything, we may not have time for what truly matters, like growing a business, taking care of our health, or spending time with family. The result? Exhaustion, resentment, and feeling stuck.
Change Your Mindset: Boundaries Are a Good Thing
The first step to breaking the people-pleasing cycle is to change the way you think about boundaries. Many people believe saying “no” is selfish, but it’s actually the best way to serve others long-term. Mike pointed out that being “nice” isn’t always helpful—true kindness means being honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. Setting limits doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you a stronger, healthier leader.
Six Steps to Take Back Your Power
If you’re ready to stop people-pleasing, Suzanne shared six actionable steps:
- Set Clear Boundaries – Let people know when you’re available and stick to it.
- Start Small – Practice saying “no” in low-stakes situations.
- Prioritize Your Goals – Decide what’s important to you before saying yes to others.
- Use Positive Self-Talk – Remind yourself that taking care of yourself helps you help others.
- Give Yourself Time – Don’t say “yes” right away—take time to decide.
- Be Firm with Your Decisions – You don’t need to explain or apologize for setting boundaries.
Long-Term Success Over Short-Term Approval
At the end of the episode, Mike left listeners with this powerful thought: It’s better to have people love you forever than like you in the moment. Learning to set boundaries won’t just improve your business—it will make you a stronger, happier, and more successful leader. Ready to take the next step? Visit GrowMyCleaningCompany.com for more resources.