The Dangers of Self-Sacrifice

When you’re a passionate helper, you’ve probably sacrificed a lot to make sure that your clients and others you help get what they need. You’ve worked hard to make sure they’re improving. You’re there for them and will do whatever it takes to make sure they’re able to move forward. You find reward and meaning…

Own It

Imagine serving the people you’re called to serve, spending time with family, taking vacation and traveling, mentoring new members of your profession, and running a successful business. Without burning out. It sounds both fantastical and doable. Right? There are folks who talk about this like it’s super easy if you just have the right tools…

The Problem with Expectations

Unrealistic and unexamined expectations are at the root of some of the gnarliest (and most common) problems that we face as entrepreneurs, leaders, and helping pros. Our behavior is impacted by the expectations that we and others hold, so if we don’t clearly assess these expectations, we can make choices that aren’t in our own…

3 Things I Wish I Knew Starting Out

So, at a recent presentation I gave, someone asked me, “What would you have done differently to avoid burnout in public mental health?” That question stopped me in my tracks. I have had ideas and philosophical ponderings about what others can do to avoid the burnout they experience. But what led me to Sacrificial Helping…

When life gives you lemons, when are you ready to set up a lemonade stand?

Many of us experience powerful, life-changing experiences that define us. We navigate through them with hard work and survival skills. These defining moments are hugely impactful and dramatically change our perspective on the world. When we’ve come through the other side (or at least mostly come through the other side), oftentimes we want to help…

Are you creating a toxic work environment?

When you go into business for yourself, you often have these grand plans to create a Zen-like workspace where you will feel energized by meaningful and purposeful work. All the time. You’ll be living the dream and feel calm and self-assured. You’ll feel the power of making the world a better place. Every. Single. Day.…

Stop Doing It All – It’s Hurting Your Practice

When you go out on your own, it can feel important to do everything yourself. You’re building your own practice and want to make sure that it represents you.  Delegating something (bookkeeping, website building, scheduling, social media, billing, etc.) can feel especially daunting or just plain wrong.  I hear the same reasons over and over…