Self-sacrifice is committing to a way of being that is exclusive to one’s intrinsic motivations and drives instead of others. Implicitly valuing self, at the risk of alienating others. Conversely, if principle is centered on truth, harmony, honesty, and wellness, for example, the result is living a life that others may emulate.

Of course, developing standards of personal behavior must have the common welfare of those in our circle of influence. Communication is the essence of a relationship. Sacrificing self cannot be self defeating. Establishing balance in life, work, family involves setting boundaries, self-care, and understanding the role of attachment. 

Interactions with people are complex involving attaching and detaching. Recognizing levels of dependence (co-dependent, independent, interdependent) are skills developed through experience of trial and error. When one understands that we cannot give away what we do not possess or give more than we can receive, balance must be sought. Balanced renewal supports the notion that daily practice in building relationships, recommitting to deep values through religious activities, restoring energy, and developing talents through special interests or hobbies, allows us more freedom for expression, self-worth, and balance. Balance is not either/or; it is and.

Defining roles are not compartmental, they are holistic. As mental health workers or anyone, it is vital to make sure we are living consistent to our values, principles, and beliefs. Life is one indivisible whole. I cannot do wrong in one area and attempt to do right in another. This involves self-sacrifice, saying no when others may want me to say yes. Knowing our limitations, our strengths, helps establish a (conviction) identification of principle based living that is consistent, and establishes personal boundaries. Feeling comfortable speaking up about our thoughts and constructive views, without fear of negative consequences establishes trust and is reciprocated with those we interact with in attitude and behavior (Kahn, 1990; cited in Zhang et al., 2020).

References

Zhang, J., Li, J., & Huang, J. (2020). How self-sacrificial leadership influences employee voice: Psychological safety as a mediator. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, 48(12), 1–8. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=s3h&AN=147400798&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1