67. People Pleasing: How to Break Free Without Guilt; 20 Things I Refuse to Feel Guilty About in Midlife Artwork

Mastering Midlife with Heidi

Are you at a place in your life where you think you should have it all figured out by now? Heidi Gustafson is a Board-Certified Hypnotist and Mindset Coach who has taken all her life challenges and turned them into her superpower of creating a life that she loves… and she coaches midlife women to do the same! If you feel like you've tried everything and still don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. From painful divorce to retirement, chronic people pleasing to crushing self doubt, Coach Heidi explores the reasons behind our actions and gives real-world solutions to living a happier, more fulfilling life. She'll teach you how to regain self trust, come to terms with the past, and allow space for your future. Midlife can be your best years yet. Stop merely surviving and get ready to thrive with Coach Heidi!

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Mastering Midlife with Heidi

67. People Pleasing: How to Break Free Without Guilt; 20 Things I Refuse to Feel Guilty About in Midlife

July 14, 2025 • Heidi Gustafson

Are you constantly feeling guilty for saying no, putting yourself first, or just needing a break? I used to feel that way too. Guilt whispered that I was selfish, lazy, or letting people down. So I kept over-giving, over-doing, and over-apologizing… until I finally said "enough."

I faced decades of saying yes when I meant no, repressing my own needs, and living under the weight of other people’s expectations. In this episode, I’m diving into the 20 things I finally stopped feeling guilty about—and how each one helped me:

Break the cycle of people‑pleasing in midlife
Overcome guilt and shame around setting boundaries
Reclaim my time, energy, and self‑worth, and
Live more joyfully—without resentment

If you're tired of feeling invisible, drained, or like you don't deserve simple pleasures (like rest, choice, and pride in your own life), this episode is for you.

If you'd like to know more about what coaching with me looks like, please email me at heidi@masteringmidlifewithheidi.com or schedule a free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/heidi-gustafson/30min

Specific YouTube video mentioned in episode: "This people-pleasing habit destroys your confidence"

More resources on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MasteringMidlifeWithHeidi

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Heidi Gustafson

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