--- title: Who Are You Trying to Please? description: Stop trying to fit into everyone else’s mold. The need to please can hold us back, at work and in life. I’m sharing lessons on shifting focus to God’s approval, standing firm in faith, and letting go of the pressure to shrink. It’s time to show up as the person God called you to be. image: https://orvinkimbrough.com/hubfs/unsplash-image-fHqCbwxcogo.jpg --- [![image 1-1](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image%201-1.png?width=1500&height=625&name=image%201-1.png "image 1-1")](https://orvinkimbrough.com/) - [Books](https://orvinkimbrough.com/books) - [NIVRO AI](https://orvinkimbrough.com/nivro-ai) - Content - [Blog](https://orvinkimbrough.com/blog) - [Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-move-podcast/id1790945701) - About - [Meet Orv](https://orvinkimbrough.com/about-orv) - [Contact](https://orvinkimbrough.com/contact) - [Media and Testimonials](https://orvinkimbrough.com/media-testimonials) [Join The Thriver's Path™](https://orvinkimbrough.com/begin-the-thrivers-path) [![image 1-1](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image%201-1.png?width=1500&height=625&name=image%201-1.png "image 1-1")](https://orvinkimbrough.com/) [Join The Thriver's Path™](https://orvinkimbrough.com/begin-the-thrivers-path) [![image 1](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image%201.png?width=114&height=48&name=image%201.png "image 1")](https://orvinkimbrough.com/) - [Books](https://orvinkimbrough.com/books) - [NIVRO AI](https://orvinkimbrough.com/nivro-ai) - Content - [Blog](https://orvinkimbrough.com/blog) - [Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-move-podcast/id1790945701) - About - [Meet Orv](https://orvinkimbrough.com/about-orv) - [Contact](https://orvinkimbrough.com/contact) - [Media and Testimonials](https://orvinkimbrough.com/media-testimonials) [Join The Thriver's Path™](https://orvinkimbrough.com/begin-the-thrivers-path) [![image 1-1](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image%201-1.png?width=1500&height=625&name=image%201-1.png "image 1-1")](https://orvinkimbrough.com/) [Join The Thriver's Path™](https://orvinkimbrough.com/begin-the-thrivers-path) - [Books](https://orvinkimbrough.com/books) - [NIVRO AI](https://orvinkimbrough.com/nivro-ai) - Content - [Blog](https://orvinkimbrough.com/blog) - [Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-move-podcast/id1790945701) - About - [Meet Orv](https://orvinkimbrough.com/about-orv) - [Contact](https://orvinkimbrough.com/contact) - [Media and Testimonials](https://orvinkimbrough.com/media-testimonials) [Join The Thriver's Path](https://orvinkimbrough.com/begin-the-thrivers-path) # Who Are You Trying to Please? ![](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hubfs/unsplash-image-fHqCbwxcogo.jpg) # *I believe all human beings share a desire to be liked. We long for respect, and in many cases, we hope to be admired. This desire, natural as it is, often pushes us to compromise how we show up. We hold back parts of who we are. We soften our words, conceal our true viewpoints, and sometimes shrink ourselves to fit the mold of others’ expectations.* This is especially true in the workplace, where the stakes feel higher. Your perspective can directly influence the success of a project, or even the trajectory of the company. And yet, how often do we silence that inner voice for fear of rejection or criticism? I’ve lived this tension. Over the years, I found myself seeking approval from peers, leaders, and colleagues, each with their own unspoken criteria. During my first year in leadership at the bank, I jumped through hoops, constantly shifting and reshaping myself to win favor. But the reality was, the target kept moving. One person’s approval rarely translated to the next. The desire to get along, to be agreeable, and to avoid friction is understandable. Scripture even encourages us to live peacefully with others. But Galatians 1:10 lays it out plainly: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This verse cuts to the heart of the matter. Our ultimate audience is God. His approval is the only one that truly matters. If our actions align with His will—if our hearts are in the right place, we have no reason to fear. I often counsel leaders who are successful but unfulfilled, unoptimized, because they’re unsure how to please their boss or navigate the workplace. They find themselves contorting into someone else’s image, afraid to stand firm in their values. Here’s what I remind them: **Your job is not to please man. Your job is to be faithful to God.** When you stay aligned with God’s vision, He opens doors no man can close. He surrounds you with people of influence, people who recognize your value, even if your immediate manager doesn’t. But that kind of favor requires faithfulness. It takes standing firm, even when the winds of opinion shift. This doesn’t mean we abandon humility or kindness. We are still called to live by the Golden Rule , **“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”** Integrity, decency, and respect must shape how we operate. But at the end of the day, ourgaze must remain fixed on God, not the approval of those around us. The truth is, no matter what you do, someone will criticize you. Some will misunderstand you. Some may even resent you. **And that’s okay.** **Act boldly.** Stay aligned with the vision God has given you. God didn’t call you to be small. He called you to stand tall, to be a giant in faith, purpose, and calling. But you will never rise to that level if you’re chasing the ever-changing approval of others. Keep your eyes on Him. I’m reminded of a line from Eminem’s “Not Afraid” that echoes this truth: **“All those who look down on me, I’m tearing down your balcony.”** It’s not about rebellion. It’s about refusing to live under someone else’s ceiling when God has called you to soar. So, I leave you with this, **Stop shrinking. Stop waiting for permission to be who God made you to be.** **Speak up. Stand firm. And remember, you’re not here to win the approval of man. You’re here to walk in the favor of God.** #FaithOverFear #GrowthMindset #BeBold #SundayReflections #orvinkimbrough In what ways have I been holding myself back because of the fear of what others might say? How can I focus on real impact instead of just appearances? ###### Reflection Question: #### Hi, I’m Orvin Kimbrough, volunteer, board director, chairman, and CEO. I help professionals move from feeling stuck to being strengthened by reshaping how they think, lead, and live. My work focuses on confidence, leadership, and influence through mindset shifts, expanded networks, and bold, values-aligned action. My perspective is rooted in lived experience, from growing up in foster care to leading complex institutions as a CEO and shaped by faith, resilience, and a deep belief in human potential. ![Rectangle 19461](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rectangle%2019461.png?width=398&height=353&name=Rectangle%2019461.png) ## Books for Every Stage [***Twice Over a Man***](https://www.amazon.com/Twice-Over-Man-Doggedly-Determined/dp/1955711348/ref=sr_1_3) A memoir often described as a leadership guide wrapped in an honest, relatable story of perseverance, healing, and growth. It explores how pain can be reframed into purpose and how ordinary people build meaningful lives through courage and clarity. [***More Than a Conqueror***](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.ingramspark.com%2Fb%2F084%3Fparams%3DTxWdcxD48kMFq4JCl6q8N6xELUyUMvOOCcW8D1h28GM%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVWZPbHNLOWlreXEwNzVvaHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4Xnzp0DAi0TCjDdZU_d_z_jvXeZTzpmqX-jTYytn_JY7PbHR96V0zDdVgJAg_aem_zCiXf98tO_kzMsGKgsMfBA&h=AT2QcqQJfTGgJz_YzXF6uc5IrcqJpsQEkTFQWwxM90T-Qi70KY-OAOrZRaagju1LRB1gtGF_hkJ-uCEFeUW-mCEb55f7NOgga0uO9gPChQlba2XFdkHePj9jDAWGRsSehJkwWeT566MqrhHI&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT24IZs-rVDDTL6Ga7AaNVlaFWXrL_28ayVIUMWzqHHrZcNzcgZTpt_4HcYiIWYJ659NVuqX1e9Rk0C-fq-9xfi_4A-8Imeky5zW740lVcTEtoYn2b7xLKb9wvqTtrHeaJUta7Ck1XukJvfZ32YvekN0qbnpUTcguibwtCoXAbTaXOGmZxNWzJFbxZ1L_SJ5hDLKWIVoFw) Written for teens and young adults, this book encourages confidence, resilience, and identity formation during the years when self-belief is being shaped. [***Ward and the State***](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.ingramspark.com%2Fb%2F084%3Fparams%3DwdqQ7FopuaJaqQkUZSG1sFLjjMSN5sVtNQLMjmvFom3%26fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVWZPbHNLOWlreXEwNzVvaHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5_NsTCZ-_KHsrXmHc1VU3zjdg3q2V4d2LJrEAXyTk6oUnOwXASQz2e7opqzg_aem_en3qxyK4EFHDmFHING2rGw&h=AT3ljrY7ibgL7UyEHSLeOeid0aW-uXxvRfjpFw6K0ZHN1SYBT2vzMVP2Uc8-TxwQ-lO80FPTLIbPqnzeJwW_JGwatIzAOZtEpEkZEUpNUdwGMqKjs5yEZfe7Jxkzu2MZ3eS_feyEOrIpqiGu&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT24IZs-rVDDTL6Ga7AaNVlaFWXrL_28ayVIUMWzqHHrZcNzcgZTpt_4HcYiIWYJ659NVuqX1e9Rk0C-fq-9xfi_4A-8Imeky5zW740lVcTEtoYn2b7xLKb9wvqTtrHeaJUta7Ck1XukJvfZ32YvekN0qbnpUTcguibwtCoXAbTaXOGmZxNWzJFbxZ1L_SJ5hDLKWIVoFw) A children’s book that gently introduces big ideas like belonging, courage, and hope, helping young readers see themselves as more than their circumstances ## INTRODUCING: The Thriver’s Path™ **This blog is part of** [***The Thriver’s Path™***](https://orvinkimbrough.com/subscribe-the-thrivers-path-premium)**—a growing ecosystem of writing, courses, reflections, and community designed to help people of all ages reframe their thinking, reclaim their agency, and take their next meaningful move.** ***→ Ready for your next move?*** **Explore more writings, resources, and ways to engage at** [**orvinkimbrough.com**](https://orvinkimbrough.com/)**, or join the conversation inside the** [**Thrivers Club™ community**](https://mustard-grouse-mzyf.squarespace.com/community)**.** ## Enjoyed this post?  Stay connected and continue the journey with insights on leadership, growth, resilience, and intentional living delivered straight to your inbox.  ![Typing+Blog+Still](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Typing+Blog+Still.jpeg?width=1500&height=844&name=Typing+Blog+Still.jpeg) ### Subscribe to the Leadership Insights Newsletter and receive: [Subscribe to Newsletter](https://41k5yn.share-na2.hsforms.com/2Y4mhNSCrQXaitFYV-64IqA) - ![](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hubfs/check-icon.svg) Thought-provoking reflections and leadership perspectives - ![](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hubfs/check-icon.svg) Practical strategies for personal and professional growth - ![](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hubfs/check-icon.svg) Monthly insights and inspiration - ![](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hubfs/check-icon.svg) Early announcements and updates from The Thrivers Path™ Tags: [Community](https://orvinkimbrough.com/blog/tag/community) [![image 3](https://orvinkimbrough.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image%203.png?width=88&height=84&name=image%203.png "image 3")](https://orvinkimbrough.com/) - - - - - - - [Home](https://orvinkimbrough.com) - [Blog](https://orvinkimbrough.com/blog) - [About](https://orvinkimbrough.com/about-orv) - [Give Back](https://orvinkimbrough.com/give-back) - [Get in Touch](https://orvinkimbrough.com/contact) - [Privacy Policy](https://orvinkimbrough.com/terms-of-use-privacy-policy) Subscribe to our newsletter. 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