Key Activation #27: 5 Ways You’re Constantly Overriding Yourself (Without Even Realizing It)

Dear Beautiful Soul,

You’ve probably heard about overriding yourself before. The “classic” signs get all the attention: saying yes when you really want to say no, skipping meals to finish work, or pushing through exhaustion like it’s some badge of honor. We all know those are draining.

But there’s another layer, the subtle stuff that slips under the radar… the ways you quietly push yourself aside without even noticing. I see these all the time in my clients, and they’re just as exhausting - even if nobody else notices.

Here are 5 hidden ways you might be overriding yourself, and some guidance on how to stop starting right now:

1️⃣ Not setting boundaries with family, friends, or coworkers
It’s not just about saying “no” outright, it’s letting people’s moods, expectations, or even subtle demands dictate your energy. If you constantly bend to keep the peace, you’re signaling to yourself that your needs aren’t important.

Stop it now: Start small. Even a gentle boundary like, “I need 10 minutes before we start,” or “I can help after 5 PM” counts. Honor it every time. Each small “yes” to yourself rewires your energy for respect, clarity, and yes… peace of mind.

2️⃣ Ignoring your intuition to avoid conflict
That little gut nudge telling you something’s off? Ignoring it because you don’t want to rock the boat is classic self-overriding. It might feel easier in the moment, but over time, it chips away at your trust in yourself.

Stop it now: Practice a pause. Ask, “What do I really feel here?” Even small acknowledgments like “I need to think about this” honor your intuition. Speaking your truth in gentle ways is not rude; it’s necessary.

3️⃣ Putting your hobbies, growth, or creativity on hold
I see it all the time: people who love painting, writing, moving their bodies, learning new things… but tell themselves, “I don’t have time.” Let me tell you, putting your passions on hold is a subtle way of saying, “I come last.”

Stop it now: Schedule it. Even 15 minutes matters. Treat it like an important meeting with your most important client: YOU. Creativity, growth, play - they’re not optional. They’re energy medicine.

4️⃣ Feeling anxious when you try to prioritize yourself
If carving out time for yourself triggers guilt or worry, that’s a huge sign you’ve been putting everyone else first for too long. Feeling “selfish” doesn’t mean you are, it means you’re out of practice at honoring yourself.

Stop it now: Reframe your self-talk. Instead of, “I shouldn’t,” say, “I need this to show up as my best self.” Tiny wins count: a quiet walk, a solo cup of tea, a 10-minute pause to breathe. Little by little, you teach yourself that you matter too.

5️⃣ Constantly multitasking and never slowing down
Being busy all the time can feel productive, but sometimes it’s just a way to avoid tuning into yourself. You’re so focused on checking off tasks or keeping everyone else happy that your own energy gets buried.

Stop it now: Choose one thing at a time, or do nothing for a set period. Yes, really - nothing. Feel how your body and mind respond. Slowing down isn’t laziness; it’s reclaiming your energy and showing up fully in your life.

These five are less obvious than the usual “overworking” or “saying yes too much,” but they are just as draining. Awareness is the first step. Once you notice where you override yourself, you can start reclaiming your energy, your intuition, and your joy - starting today.

Take a moment today to notice which of these five signs shows up in your life. Pick one small action to honor yourself today and notice the shift - it’s the little things that add up to big change.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Little by little, with awareness, compassion, and practice, you reclaim your energy, your voice, and your joy. And trust me - you are worth it.

With Love and Clarity,
Hannah