300. What Do You Want to Be Known For?
This 300th episode is an invitation to pause with a powerful question: What do you want to be known for?
We offer tools to help you reclaim your identity and set effective boundaries.
We discuss how default identities take hold, the cost of being known for things that no longer serve you, and how the question “What do you want to be known for?” can help you make mindful, values-aligned choices about how you show up in your work and lives.
When we lead from clarity, boundaries become less about forcing limits and more about protecting what matters.
What we cover in this episode:
How default identities form through repetition, people-pleasing, and conditioning, and the cost of being “known for” things that no longer, or never did, fit you
Using “what you want to be known for” as a decision-making compass
The value of clarifying what you don’t want to be known for
How to practice values-based leadership rooted in authenticity, compassion, and love
Pearls of Wisdom
Default identities aren’t always chosen; they’re often conditioned and then reinforced.
“What do you want to be known?” can become a filter for decisions, boundaries, and alignment.
Naming what you don’t want to be known for also helps to clarify what matters to you.
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?
Resources & Next Steps
Read Jessie’s blog on this same topic
Join Jessie for a mindful coaching retreat at Nicasio Creek Farm in 2026, or reach out for 1:1 coaching
Join Jessie and Ni-Cheng for Connect in Nature at Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center (the only retreat we offer together and the only opportunity to bring your friends, partners, and colleagues of all genders and professions—medical or not
Interested in a talk or a workshop for your team or insititon or organization:
Dr. Mahoney: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking
Dr. Liang: www.awakenbreath.org
FAQ
Why does identity feel so challenging in medicine?
Roles and traits are often reinforced by training culture and repeated expectations—often without conscious choice.
How does this question help with boundaries?
When you’re clear on what you want to be known for, it’s easier to say yes to what aligns—and no to what undermines your values.