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Quick Spoon: When we avoid disappointing others
Episode 348th June 2026 • People Soup • People Soup
00:00:00 00:01:07

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Success doesn't always feel like success.

In this Quick Spoon, Ross reflects on a coaching conversation with someone who appeared to have everything going for them: successful, respected and on track for a remarkable career.

Yet something wasn't right.

As they explored what mattered most, a powerful pattern emerged. Many of their decisions weren't moving them towards what they valued. Instead, they were helping them avoid disappointing other people.

It's a trap that many of us fall into, especially when we're caring, conscientious and ambitious.

Reflection Question

Think about a decision you're currently wrestling with.

Are you moving towards something important, or away from someone else's disappointment?

People Soup: Real conversations about work, leadership, and being human — grounded in behavioural science, with practical ideas you can actually use.

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Transcripts

QS3 when we avoid disappointing others

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[00:00:18] I once worked with [00:00:20] someone who appeared to have everything going for them, successful, respected, on track for a remarkable career, and yet they were [00:00:30] miserable. As we explored what mattered most to them, a pattern emerged. Many of their decisions weren't moving them towards what they valued.

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[00:00:55] Ask yourself, "Am I moving towards something important, or am I [00:01:00] moving away from someone else's disappointment?" That's your Quick Spoon. Until next time, take care.

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