Serve Others Without Losing Yourself in the Process

Amelia, a mid-level manager in marketing, watched her team grind through back-to-back deadlines. She felt a tug—she wanted to do more than assign tasks. But she also worried about burning out. Instead of diving headfirst into another project, she chose three short, thirty-minute slots each week to mentor a new intern on branding basics. She blocked them in her calendar.

After just two weeks, the intern’s confidence soared—and so did Amelia’s sense of purpose. Yet she avoided the trap of endless favors by sticking to her time blocks. She felt energized rather than depleted.

Studies in organizational psychology highlight this balance. Prosocial behavior like mentoring improves mood and engagement, but only when paired with clear boundaries. Amelia didn’t accidentally volunteer away her free time—she structured her service so it enhanced rather than eroded her well-being.

Block three thirty-minute slots in your calendar each week for short acts of service that match your skills. After each, jot down one positive outcome and ensure you honored a personal boundary. This disciplined approach lets you fulfill your social duty without risking burnout—try it this week.