Recently a few clients have been talking about their procrastination to make changes. They are aware that things can be better. For example, they would like to incorporate some more downtime, exercise, time with friends or whatever they see as adding value, but they keep slipping back into the ‘busy’ way things are.
For many, the pain of the current situation has to be greater than the fear, anticipated discomfort, of making the change. When procrastination is indulged, the fear often grows. The reality of the action is not as bad as what’s anticipated.
Some people view this Pain versus Fear dilemma as a classic profit loss type of equation. When the hospitals and medical practices suffer as a result of your burnout, often viewed as a bottom line issue, then they will make changes.
This profit loss equation may not be as clearly defined for you. What are your bottom line indicators? Each person has unique priorities and values, and these may change over time. Often people think about time with family, being able to leave work at the “office,” and time to engage in ____; you fill in the blank. What has to happen for you to know your bottomline has been crossed?
Do you really have to wait for this? Take advantage of now. You don’t have to hit rock bottom, and you don’t have to go it alone.
Look back at last week’s questions, what is one thing you can do that could change your life for the better? Perhaps it’s set aside five minutes to intentionally plan your day and not just review the schedule? or Stay focused on your kids when you’re going through the bedtime routine? Even small changes take effort and commitment. When you implement them one moment at a time on a day-to-day basis they add up to creating a life which you value and enjoy more.
As you go about adopting a new behavior you might want to adjust your mindset as well. Deepak Chopra talks about mindset as your worldview, a sort of filter through which all your experiences get interpreted. Here are a few mindsets you might want to take on to help you take action to improve your days and your life.
- Implement a Growth Mindset – This opens up your worldview to see possibilities and what you can learn from each situation. This way of thinking is in opposition to a “fixed” mindset which sees things as unchanging, “this is how it is.”
- Experiment – Nursing and medicine are based in large part on science. Starting with observation, notice what happens when you keep doing the same thing. Now, try something different, notice, replicate and notice some more. Knowing this is an exploration and experiment may relieve some of the fear related to your commitment.
- One day at a Time – A “Just for Today” attitude often helps to diminish the sense of overwhelm when people think about change.
- Acknowledge what underlies the motivation for the new behavior – Putting even small behavior changes into the big picture of your life can give you perspective. This may help you to see how you are implementing values and priorities even on a small level.
Don’t wait for the pain to become so great that you’re numb. Join me for Lead from Your Strengths, a package of 4 coaching sessions focused on using your personal strengths to your greatest benefit.
To improve your well-being, and overcome physician burnout or nurse burnout contact me. Let your enthusiasm and joy blossom.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
Improving physician and nurse well-being through coaching.
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