Last week I focused on the question “What did I do well?” While using this as my gratitude prompt, I often felt compelled to write a To Do list by the end. Though I enjoyed acknowledging what I did well, there was also a greater sense of responsibility. When I respond to the 3 Ws, “What Went Well?” I experience more grace in the world.
With all the responsibility you already have as a physician or nurse, how did “What did I do Well?” land with you? Were you quickly detoured to evaluate what you did, whether it was good enough? Did what was sub-optimal pop up in your mind as you were giving yourself credit? Perhaps a tense interaction with a colleague or patient, the frustrations of implementing ICD-10 arose even as you were looking for what went well. While the idea of looking at what got done and you did well, rather than what still needs to get done is helpful, it can be hard to implement.
The question “What went well, and what role did I have in that?” offers a softened alternative. There is room for the grace of a day with beautiful weather to be appreciated as well as for the empowerment which comes from acknowledging your contribution to a positive outcome. As a friend mentioned, this concise question is one which Brian Johnson of the Philosopher’s Notes recommends for optimal living.
When it comes to burnout the question of what did I do well may be too heavy. Try “What went well, and what role did I have in that?” and see how this one works out for you. I’ve found it to provide a good balance to experience what I appreciate daily even without my effort involved, as well as a way to acknowledge and enjoy the impact of my own actions.
To increase your well-being and enhance your experience of what’s going well, contact me, an experienced healthcare coach.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
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