Many of us have heard repeatedly – work smarter, not harder. It sounds good, but is it really that simple? Do we just need to put some thought into how we operate, and we’ll suddenly be way more productive while feeling better? Can we really get more accomplished without burning the candle at both ends?…
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…
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…
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…
Times are hard for many people for many different reasons. In the world, there are huge conflicts and divisive messages. There has been so much tragedy and loss. It can feel like our lives (and our focus) are overwhelmed with what’s happening “out there” in the world, leaving us with unmet goals and dreams. We…
Becoming a successful helping professional would be so much easier if you were told exactly what to do to make it all work out. So often we get thrown off course by the growing pains or obstacles that are actually fairly predictable. Here are some of the common growing pains I see at each…
In my everyday interactions with helping professionals, I’ve come across a pattern of behavior and a specific mindset that holds so many of us back. This configuration of behaviors, thoughts, and feelings is so common in my experience, that I’ve decided to give it a name: “Sacrificial Helping Syndrome.” I can hear you now. Wow…
When I quit my agency job to open my practice, that was the first time I’d ever been self-employed. I was now a Mompreneur! I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but what I thought would be hard, like the legalities and financial side of owning a business, actually turned out to be easier than I…
As children, our initial instincts are to trust whole-heartedly, with naïve abandon. Our very survival requires that we have trustworthy caregivers to nurture us as we grow. However, over time disappointments and betrayals can build up, making us very cautious with our trust. “Do you trust me?” This isn’t a question we take lightly. So…
This summer has been filled with observing excellence, almost every day. It was awesome! I was definitely sad to see the Olympics come to a close. (Although I’m glad to actually be getting to bed at a reasonable hour now…) While watching the coverage every night, I found myself paying close attention to these amazingly…
