Breaking the Cycle of Overgiving in Heart-Centered Business
As heart-centered entrepreneurs, we pour our energy, time, and love into the work we do. We are passionate about helping others, creating meaningful change, and making a difference in the world. But what happens when we give so much that there’s nothing left for ourselves?
I recently had a profound realisation about this pattern in my own life. I’ve always been someone who gives—whether in my personal relationships, my work, or even in small everyday interactions. But when I was finally in a position to receive, the offering was suddenly withdrawn. That moment of excitement, followed by the disappointment of having it taken away, illuminated a much deeper cycle: a pattern that has played out across my life, my business, and my relationships.
Breaking the Cycle of Overgiving in Heart-Centered Business
The Overgiving Trap
Many of us in heart-centered businesses start out with the best intentions—we want to be of service, to uplift others, and to create something meaningful. But we often fall into the habit of overgiving:
Offering too much value for too little in return
Saying yes to things that drain our energy
Feeling guilty about charging for our work
Prioritising clients’ or others’ needs over our own well-being
We give and give, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, because we feel that’s what we should do. And yet, when we need to receive—whether that’s support, financial exchange, or simple recognition—it can feel unnatural, or worse, it doesn’t come at all.
Why Is It So Hard to Receive?
For many, this pattern starts in childhood. We learn that love, attention, or validation is tied to what we do for others, rather than simply who we are. We internalise the idea that our worth is measured by how much we give, rather than by our inherent value as human beings.
This carries over into business, where we may:
Struggle with setting clear boundaries
Avoid asking for help or support
Hesitate to charge what we truly deserve
Feel discomfort when others give to us
Shifting the Pattern: Learning to Receive
Breaking this cycle requires a conscious shift in how we approach our work and ourselves. Here are a few ways to start:
Acknowledge the Pattern – Awareness is the first step. If you recognise yourself in these behaviors, know that you are not alone. This is a deeply ingrained pattern, but it can be changed.
Reframe Receiving as a Gift to Others – When we allow ourselves to receive, we actually create a balance that benefits everyone. Just as we love to give, others do too—and when we receive, we validate their offering.
Set Boundaries with Confidence – Establish clear boundaries around your time, energy, and pricing. Boundaries are not barriers; they are invitations to healthier exchanges.
Practice Small Acts of Receiving – Start with small things: Accept compliments graciously, allow others to help you, or simply take time to nourish yourself without guilt. These small shifts create ripple effects in how we show up in business and life.
Trust in the Flow of Exchange – Energy, money, and support are meant to flow both ways. When we stop blocking our own receiving, we open the doors to more abundance, ease, and alignment in our work.
A New Way of Doing Business
We don’t have to burn ourselves out in order to serve others. We don’t have to prove our worth through endless giving. Instead, we can build businesses that are rooted in balanced exchange, where we give from a place of abundance—not depletion.
So, I invite you to reflect: Where in your business or life are you overgiving? And how can you begin to welcome more receiving, in ways that feel nourishing and aligned?
The shift starts with you.
Let’s Continue the Conversation If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you experienced this pattern of overgiving in your business or life? How are you working on shifting toward balance? Leave a comment or share your insights—I’d love to connect and support each other on this journey.