300. What Do You Want to Be Known For? A Tool to Reclaim Your Identity and Establish Boundaries

What do you want to be known for?

One thing we want to be known for is this podcast. 300 episodes in, we are committed to offering fresh perspectives and value as healing medicine for our listeners as well as conversations that help to heal the culture of medicine.

When we ask the question, "What do we want to be known for?" it becomes a decision-making filter, a boundary-setting tool, and a compass for alignment—helping us lead with love and live closer to our true selves.

In this episode, we explore:

• How "default identities" form in medicine (often unintentionally)

• The cost of being known for something that no longer, or never fit

• How to use the question "what I want to be known for" as a values-based filter

Pearls of Wisdom

• Default identities form through repetition, people-pleasing, and conditioning—not always conscious choice.

• Naming what you don't want to be known for helps refine what matters.

• Values like authenticity, compassion, and love support intentional leadership.

• There's no urgency for a perfect answer—clarity can emerge slowly.

Reflection Questions

• What are you currently known for?

• Did you choose this, or did it just happen?

• Where does your current identity feel true? Where does it feel heavy or misaligned?

• What's one small step you can take toward being known for what really matters to you?

Resources & Next Steps

• Read Jessie's blog on this same topic: https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/jessies-blog/what-do-you-want-to-be-known-for-1?rq=known%20for

• I fyou want to work on this question, reach out 1:1 coaching or join Jessie for a mindful coaching retreat at Nicasio Creek Farm in 2026.

• Join Jessie and Ni-Cheng for Connect in Nature at Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center (the only retreat we offer together and an opportunity to bring friends, partners, and colleagues of all genders and professions.

• Speaking/Workshops:

• • Dr. Mahoney: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking

  • Dr. Liang: www.awakenbreath.org

Disclaimer
Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.