How to Find Purpose in Your Work Without Losing Yourself: 3 Key Strategies for Women in Helping Professions

Where are my Enneagram 2’s and 9’s at? You’re likely in a helping profession—whether you’re a therapist, coach, teacher, healthcare provider, church staff, a full-time mom, or another caregiving role—and you probably find it easier to focus on others’ needs and lose sight of your own completely (yes, you do have needs). Over time, this self-sacrifice can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and a sense of losing yourself in your work or purpose. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There is a way to find purpose in your work or life again while maintaining a strong sense of self. This is not only essential for your personal well-being but also imperative for keeping going in your calling, purpose, or passion in life. 

I want to give you some key strategies to help you reconnect with your purpose, set healthy boundaries, and start taking care of yourself—so you can continue to do the work you love without losing yourself in the process.

1. Understand and Align with Your Core Values

What Are Core Values and Why Do They Matter?

Core values are the guiding principles that shape your beliefs, behaviors, and decisions. While they’re likely not something you think about regularly, they are the foundation of who you are and what you stand for. They are likely the reason why you started in your helping profession in the first place! 

The good news is that when your work aligns with your core values, it feels meaningful and fulfilling. However, if you’re disconnected from those values, it can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, and a sense of losing yourself.

How to Identify Your Core Values:

To start, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself some of these questions: Why did you start working or doing what you’re doing now? What principles guide your actions? What brings you the most fulfillment? Consider moments in your life or career when you felt most aligned, energized, or proud. These moments often reflect your core values.

Here’s a simple exercise to help you identify your core values:

• Write down 10 values that resonate with you (e.g., empathy, integrity, growth, connection).

• Narrow it down to your top 3-5 values that you feel are non-negotiable.

• Reflect on how these values show up (or don’t show up) in your daily work and life.

Aligning Your Work with Your Values:

Once you’ve identified your core values, consider how you can incorporate more of them or bring them back into your work. Something may have changed about your position since you started in your helping profession, leading to some of the disconnection you’re feeling.

For example, one of my core values is growth. I love to help people experience growth and development in their lives. That’s what lead me to becoming a coach and personal trainer.

If “connection” is one of your core values, how can you foster deeper connections with your clients or colleagues? If “growth” is important to you, too, how can you ensure you’re continually learning and developing in your role or helping others experience growth?

2. Set Healthy Boundaries to Protect Your Energy

Why Boundaries Matter:

Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout. Boundaries help protect your energy, time, and emotional well-being, allowing you to show up as your best self for both your clients and yourself. It’s very possible you know how important this is… for your clients, but are you practicing it for yourself?

If you’re a full-time mom, it can feel strange to place boundaries with your kids. However, it’s been shown that kids with parents who communicate boundaries like, “I need a little space right now,” or “I would like to use the restroom alone, please,” grow up knowing how to communicate their own boundaries. So, I guess if you’re not going to do it for yourself, do it for them!

How to Set Effective Boundaries:

• Identify Your Limits: Understand where your personal and professional limits lie. Pay attention to situations that make you feel drained or resentful—these are often signs that a boundary needs to be set. For example, a limit you have (as most of us do) is likely working all day and assuming you can work all night. Everyone needs rest, my friend.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice clear, direct communication when setting boundaries. For example, if a client frequently calls outside of office hours, gently remind them of your availability.

• Practice Saying No: Remember, it’s okay to say no. Saying no to tasks, clients, or opportunities that don’t align with your values or capacity is a form of self-respect and self-care.

Overcoming the Guilt of Setting Boundaries:

Many women in helper professions struggle with guilt when setting boundaries. Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about being selfish—it’s about ensuring you have the capacity to help others effectively without depleting yourself. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to serve those around you. When you stop taking care of yourself, you limit your abilities.

3. Reconnect with Your “Why” to Stay Grounded in Your Purpose

The Importance of Knowing Your “Why”:

Your “why” is your deeper reason for doing the work you do. It’s the passion that drives you, the cause that inspires you, and the purpose that gives your work meaning. When you’re clear on your why, it’s easier to navigate the challenges of your profession without losing sight of what truly matters.

How to Reconnect with Your Why:

• Reflect on Your Journey: Take some time to reflect on your career journey. What initially drew you to your profession or purpose? What moments have brought you the most joy or fulfillment? Reconnecting with these memories can help reignite your passion.

• Create a Purpose Statement: Write a brief statement that captures your why. This could be as simple as, “I help others heal so they can live fuller, happier lives.” Keep this statement visible to remind you of your purpose during challenging times.

• Integrate Your Why into Your Daily Work: Find ways to bring your why into your daily tasks. This could mean prioritizing activities that align with your purpose or finding new ways to serve your clients that feel more meaningful to you.

Finding purpose in your work without losing yourself is about more than just avoiding burnout—it’s about thriving in your role and finding fulfillment in what you do every day. By aligning with your core values, setting healthy boundaries, and staying connected to your why, you can create a path that is both meaningful and sustainable.