HOW OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
HOW OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
ASSISTANT PRACTITIONERS CAN MAINTAIN PURPOSE AND PASSION
By : Maud Makoni OTD , OTR , L , CHT , Assistant Professor , North Central College
In occupational therapy , we face significant barriers as we serve various people , groups , and populations . Mental health and well-being , professional identity , and structural barriers are among some of these issues . These challenges lead to a high level of frustration , and OTPs are choosing to leave the profession in certain situations . However , we can also select a consistent journey of self-reflection and introspection about the enablers to maintain our purpose and passion . Taking action to address barriers and to promote enablers can maintain our health and well-being and encourage successful engagement in the lives of our clients .
Maintaining Purpose and Passion
To succeed and thrive , occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant practitioners ( OTPs ) must balance their purpose and passion . The purpose is the innate ability one possesses . For instance , a microwave is built to perform certain tasks . Humans are also innately better prepared for certain occupations than for others . The purpose of occupational therapy draws most OTPs into practicing the profession because it aligns with their life purposes at various levels and stages of life . Identifying and achieving your purpose is a process of ongoing introspection and discovery .
Passion underlies one or more occupations and helps us balance emotions , filter opinions , limit illusions , and create action momentum . We can recognize our passions when we are engaged in activities that make our hearts sing or when we serve in roles that elicit emotions of inspiration and gratitude . According to Stoltzfus ( 2008 ), the energy of passion flows through one ’ s experience and design to serve a greater calling . It gives rise to a life purpose that results in lasting fulfillment and significance . As practitioners , OTPs aim to help others participate in the events and activities they choose to help their lives remain meaningful and purposeful . However , OTPs often forget to maintain their purpose and passion , which results in occupational imbalance . We must remember that working toward occupational balance fuels successful practice .
Balancing Purpose and Passion
Significant daily stress impacts our passion for what we do ( Gallup , 2023 ). Literature and experience suggest that burnout is inherent among healthcare providers , including OTPs . Acknowledging the impact of mental health issues on OTPs is essential . Like any other caregiver , we constantly pour into others daily . Further , we must maintain a therapeutic presence regardless of what else we may be experiencing ( Slatten et al ., 2020 ).
Failure to be present in your day-to-day activities is noticed by those you serve and may be reflected in satisfaction surveys . Any negative review can be discouraging . The perceived incongruence between the intention and the impact of one ’ s actions can result in poor well-being . Many OTPs suffer from mental health challenges in silence for fear of judgment . Silence and demoralization reduce energy and desire to pursue purpose and passion within our individual and professional lives .
Seeking Support
Several years ago , after a traumatic life event , I found myself in the office of a therapist . Looking back , I often wonder where I would be if I had not taken that step . It is okay to seek help and to allow others to care for us . As healthcare providers , OTPs are often focused on caring for others . However , we must remember to replenish ourselves . Engaging in activities outside work , building a support network , and diversifying our work portfolio is crucial to maintaining balance and preventing burnout ( Buselli et al ., 2021 ).
When we were children , we pursued our passions and purpose and made simple decisions about how to spend our time and with whom to spend it . As adult OTPs , we can still use the same process to make decisions to promote balance and happiness in our lives . Pursuing purpose and passion also makes us better practitioners . We can reach more members of our communities when we become more involved as human beings in the lives of the people , groups , and populations we serve .
Fulfilling our various life roles as devoted spouses , siblings , friends , and parents is crucial for remaining engaged and effective in our lives . By educating ourselves about our needs , compensating for our challenges , and actively engaging in our own remediation and coping strategies , we can achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle . Prioritizing our well-being enriches our lives and enhances our ability to serve others with empathy , energy , and excellence . Together , we can create a culture of self-care and professional vitality .
Illinois Occupational Therapy Association | 2024 ISSUE 3 / 4 16