The Self-Worth Series: How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Like the Bad Guy

04/17/25 • 49 min

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Why does saying “no” feel like you’re doing something wrong—even when you know it’s what’s best for you?

If you've ever said yes just to avoid disappointing someone—or felt guilty for setting boundaries—this episode is your reminder that self-worth starts with self-respect.

In this powerful conversation, psychologist Dawn Petgrave Smith returns to help us understand:

Why do so many people struggle to say "no" without guilt?
How does setting boundaries strengthen self-worth?
What should someone do if people push back against their boundaries... and much more.

Whether you’re a parent, partner, employee, or leader—your peace matters too.
And guess what? Saying no doesn’t make you less kind. It makes you more honest.

✅ Self-Worth Challenge: This week, say no to one thing that drains your energy, and yes to something that nourishes you. No guilt. No apology.

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For professional counseling click to here: DawnMarieTherapy

You can follow our guest on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

References: Book - 'A Radical Awakening' by Dr. Shefali

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➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

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⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

Why does saying “no” feel like you’re doing something wrong—even when you know it’s what’s best for you?

If you've ever said yes just to avoid disappointing someone—or felt guilty for setting boundaries—this episode is your reminder that self-worth starts with self-respect.

In this powerful conversation, psychologist Dawn Petgrave Smith returns to help us understand:

Why do so many people struggle to say "no" without guilt?
How does setting boundaries strengthen self-worth?
What should someone do if people push back against their boundaries... and much more.

Whether you’re a parent, partner, employee, or leader—your peace matters too.
And guess what? Saying no doesn’t make you less kind. It makes you more honest.

✅ Self-Worth Challenge: This week, say no to one thing that drains your energy, and yes to something that nourishes you. No guilt. No apology.

********

For professional counseling click to here: DawnMarieTherapy

You can follow our guest on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

References: Book - 'A Radical Awakening' by Dr. Shefali

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

Previous Episode

The Self-Worth Series: How to Silence Self-Doubt

1 Recommendations

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want... is the belief that you’re not enough?

In this powerful opening to The Self-Worth Series, we’re dismantling the lies self-doubt tells us—and replacing them with truth.

Our special guest, Dawn Petgrave Smith, a licensed clinical psychologist, joins us to explore:
🔹 Why self-doubt shows up for both men and women in different ways
🔹 How childhood, culture, and comparison fuel feelings of unworthiness
🔹 Tangible mindset shifts to silence your inner critic
🔹 How to rebuild confidence after years of self-doubt
🔹 And why your worth has never been up for debate

Whether you’ve been playing small, second-guessing your decisions, or waiting for permission to feel worthy—this conversation is your wake-up call.

💡 You are enough. Right now. As you are.

✅ Self-Worth Challenge: Reframe one negative belief about yourself into something empowering. Say it out loud. Write it down. Start there.

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For Professional counseling click here

To learn more about MenTell organization click here

Follow Dawn on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

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Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

Next Episode

The Self Worth Series - How to Break Free from Fear & Step into Your Purpose

What if fear wasn’t running your life?
What if the only thing standing between where you are and where you're meant to be... is the courage to start?

In Episode 3 of The Self-Worth Series, we’re confronting the fears that keep us stuck and replacing them with the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

🎙️ Joined again by clinical psychologist Dawn Petgrave Smith, this episode will help you:

Identify the hidden fears keeping you from your purpose
How do fear of failure and fear of success show up differently
Mindset shift that makes you move forward despite fear
Action steps to take TODAY to get you unstuck

Whether you're starting something new or trying to find your way back to yourself, this episode is the motivation and the mindset shift you’ve been craving.

✅ Self-Worth Tip of the Week: Write down one fear that’s been holding you back. Then take one small action in spite of it.

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Resources and Mentions:

For professional counseling with Dawn: DawnMarieTherapy

Follow Dawn on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

Book: ' This Child Will Be Great' - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Poem: ' Equipment' - Edgar A. Guest >>>> Grab a PDF copy here

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Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

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