Welcome to this this video as I explore the downside of trying to be nice and why leaning into kindness may be the best option long term. Many of us have been conditioned from a young age to be “nice,” often at the expense of our own well-being. However, it is essential to understand that being kind—rather than just being nice—can lead to more authentic relationships and a thriving business.
In this video I share my personal epiphany about the pitfalls of always trying to be nice. They reveal how this behaviour has hindered both my personal and business growth, and discuss the importance of setting boundaries and communicating honestly which is hard when ‘nice’ has been your strategy for 45 years! It does not come easily but it really is super important to break this cycle.
I am using an experience I have had with an underperforming employee, where the fear of confrontation led to constant praise despite poor performance which then had a negative impact on my business which I didnt see at the time. This “niceness” not only failed to help the employee improve but also could have lost me my business if it can continued.
By focusing solely on being nice, the we attract individuals who benefit from exploiting this trait, which increases the necessity of establishing firm boundaries at the start of a relationship. This habit impacts personal and professional relationships which in turn impacts our overall growth, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift towards kindness.
Recognizing the damage of perpetual niceness, I am committing to embodying kindness—communicating clearly, setting boundaries, and hopefully fostering a healthier personal and professional life which will in turn help me build my business.
For those who are empathetic and sensitive like me then you will know the struggle we go through in business and personal life with this desire to please others. Embracing kindness can help us unlock our true potential and contribute uniquely to the world.
I invite you to evaluate your own approach: Are you being nice at the expense of your own well-being, or are you setting clear boundaries and being kind? Join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth. Embrace your uniqueness and thrive for your own sake and for the benefit of the world.
