On the latest "Wake Up With Dee" morning show, Host Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler spoke with educator, consultant, and author Dr. Marion Christopher Pugh about mental health, culture, and the impact of people-pleasing on personal well-being.
Dr. Pugh emphasized the importance of understanding one’s own culture, not only as a reflection of external practices but as a framework for navigating life and interpreting challenges. “Culture is a chosen way of life and how we choose to respond when we don’t have any choices to make,” he explained. “Our mind shapes our perspective, and a lot of the things we deal with and how we choose to respond can influence and shape our character and our culture.”
Dr. Pugh highlighted the connection between culture, mental health, and self-awareness. He encouraged listeners to consider their identities independently of past experiences or hardships. “One of the biggest things in mental health that I’m witnessing right now is that when people have no idea or are still trying to figure out who they are, they draw conclusions based on what they’ve been through,” he said.
Dr. Pugh also offered practical guidance for addressing mental health challenges in professional and personal environments. His work spans schools, community organizations, and corporate settings, focusing on conflict resolution, self-esteem, and effective communication. He discussed the importance of serving others while maintaining self-care and personal purpose, cautioning against the dangers of people-pleasing.
“People-pleasing is a disease because usually the person that’s trying to please other people is neglecting themselves,” he said. “The number one assignment is to understand and acknowledge who made you, what they made you for, and what you’re supposed to be doing.”
Using accessible analogies, Dr. Pugh explained the pitfalls of comparison and the value of embracing individuality. He compared personal growth to fruit, saying that no fruit envies another, each has its own purpose. This metaphor illustrated his message about self-confidence, self-awareness, and the necessity of maintaining boundaries while nurturing one’s own life path.
Dr. Pugh also addressed the impact of upbringing and past experiences on adult behavior, explaining that unresolved childhood experiences can manifest as stress, low self-esteem, and misguided attempts to gain approval from others. He encouraged listeners to pause, reflect, and prioritize their own growth before seeking validation externally.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.