How to Stop People Pleasing as a Working Mom (with Michelle Gauthier)

Have you ever said yes… and instantly felt that pit in your stomach? In this conversation, I sit down with Michelle Gauthier to unpack how people pleasing quietly fuels overwhelm, steals your time, and keeps you stuck in a cycle of overcommitment. We get real about why ambitious women default to yes, how it impacts your success, and the simple “love and fit” tool that helps you finally make decisions that actually align with the life you want. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, this one will hit home. In this episode, we unpack: Why people pleasing is at the root of overwhelm for so many working moms The hidden cost of saying yes when you actually mean no A simple 2-question “love and fit” test to make aligned decisions Why saying no actually leads to more success, trust, and confidence How to stop over-apologizing and communicate with clarity and intention Work with me: Ambitious & Balanced: www.rebeccaolsoncoaching.com/ambitiousandbalanced Book your Break Free From Stress Strategy Call (with free Quiz!): www.ambitiousandbalanced.com/break-free-from-stress Connect with Michelle: Freebie: Why Are You Feeling Overwhelmed Quiz: www.michellegauthier.com/home-1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/michellegauthiercoaching Podcast: www.michellegauthier.com/podcast Key Points 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meet Michelle: Coaching and Parenting Insights 04:30 Navigating Overwhelm as Moms 07:00 People Pleasing: Roots and Personal Stories 10:00 Recognizing the Signs of People Pleasing 13:00 The Love & Fit Tool Explained 17:00 Making Decisions With Clarity & Alignment 21:00 Saying No: Practical Tips and Rehearsal 24:00 Stopping Apologies & Building Confidence 27:00 Overcoming Discomfort & Becoming Assertive 30:00 Why Saying No Fuels Success 32:00 Addressing Fear, Identity, and Honest Communication