What we focus on really does create our experiences. Do you still see the barren trees and branches on your lawn or are you beginning to see the buds and flowers emerging? Our experience of the world is heavily influenced by where we place our attention.
As health care providers, so often, we’re caught up with problems which overtime can drain us. We ask our patients how they’re doing and quickly go to what concerns them today, chief complaint. Instead, what’s it like to ask “What’s gone well since the last time you were in?” Then move on to the concern at this visit.
The quick question about what went well allows your patient a chance to appreciate and note something of worth or a strength. Moving forward to concerns, they may be brought up with a lighter perspective. If changes need to be made, they will seem less daunting; your patient knows that s/he has had recent successes, even if they are not directly related to health.
Taking this a step further for yourself, what went well for you today? This is worth asking on a daily basis. You’ll have an opportunity to appreciate the good in your life. One of the special aspects of appreciation is that, as with money appreciating, it grows while you experience and express gratitude.
To develop more ways to move from Burn-Out to Well-Being, contact me.
Dina 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
