Are You a People Pleaser?

If you think you are a people pleaser or constantly find yourself going “above and beyond” for others but feel that they never come through for you…then read on!

I believe one of the things that God has called me to do is to lead and build. I belong to the Light of Jesus community.

While it’s a Catholic community, we welcome everyone. ( I’m a preacher by the way. I lead this community, The Feast Mandaluyong Shaw, which caters young professionals. )

We hold our service every Tuesday, 7:30 PM (Philippine Standard Time)

Something strange happened to me one time…

A co-servant told me straight to my face.

“March, your jokes are too corny. They aren’t funny. They are so lame!”

It was as if she was telling me, don’t crack jokes again because your jokes are not pleasing to the ears. (who doesn’t get offended by that, right?)

Life must go on…

But here’s the thing…

Another servant told me one time after the service… 

“You know bro, that was the first time I laughed at your joke. That was the first time.”

Yup, he said that with conviction! 😉

The following week though, the same person told me the same phrase…

“That was the first time I laughed at your joke. The others just sound lame.”

Guess what? Week after that, same person after I preached told me…

…Yes, yet again!

“That was the first time I laughed at your joke. “

(I know this sounds redundant but yep, it happened 3 times.) 😀

Now that sounds like a joke to me. LOL!

Like dude, seriously? I get it. I hear feedbacks that my jokes are corny.

The human that I am, I sometimes get offended. I mean, who doesn’t?? Not to mention that my love language is words of affirmation.

Other people, on the other hand,  commend me for my jokes. And I’m grateful for that!

Here’s the thing though…

Whenever I prepare my preaching (or any talks for that matter), I really do my best that I intentionally insert jokes.

That’s already my best effort.

I want to give people the best experience. You know why?  Because for me, God is using me as His instrument in delivering His word.

And I get it, I can never please everyone.

But does that mean I need to stop cracking jokes?

Of course not!

You see…

The expert in anything was once a beginner.

I may not meet others expectation for now, but I need to do what I gotta do.

Here’s what matters for me…

What matters is I give it my best shot every time..

RELATED: One Step at a Time: Your Missing Sauce to Winning at Life

Heck, Michael Phelps, (the most decorated Olympian in the history of Olympics) did not wake up one day as a great swimmer.

…Manny Pacquiao, did not just wake up one day as one of the best boxers!

…Even Michael Jordan started somewhere.

I can go on and on.

Here’s my point?

No matter what you do, people will always have something to say. And if you try to please everyone, nothing will happen to you.

Just do what you gotta do. You may fail for now, but it’s okay. That means you’ve tried.

Some people will laugh at you. So what??

That means they start noticing you.

Just do what you gotta do. One day, it will all pay off!

Just start. And once you start, just give everything you can. Give it your best shot!

This is not to say that you don’t listen to people’s feedback. Take it as a challenge.

Because for as long as you give your best every time, then there’s nothing to be ashamed of. 

Other people may not appreciate your effort, but God sees everything. Now, go ahead and spread your wings like eagle and fly.

You are meant to do great things! Soar high!