Now is the season of renewal. Connecting with your Best Self through the previous exercise posted Mach 18 and today’s exercise is a great way to resurrect aspects of yourself that you may have forgotten about. This activity will continue to propel you in the direction of greater enthusiasm, appreciation and effectiveness. All these are signs of recovering from burnout and moving toward well being.
It’s so easy to get caught up in patient care, documentation, details and concerns about “did I get it all done?” that you may have forgotten about your Best Self list from two weeks ago. Now’s a good time to take your list out and think back to how you behaved in ways that are consistent with your list.
Ahhh, perhaps you did do something you feel proud of in one or two areas.
Here’s a second way to get closer to what’s important to you and add to your Best Self list. This too involves writing and sharing.
Write a brief story about when you were at your best; note this often involves times that were challenging to you. What were you doing? Who were you with? What characteristics do you value about yourself during that time period? What personal strengths did you use? Share this story with someone you’re already comfortable with, or me, and then listen to what the other person heard.
Together you’ll glean the story for what is important to you, the strengths, traits and values you were acting on. Note these down. You now have another list of characteristics which you admire, respect and appreciate. Clearly, these already exist in you, again perhaps not to the extent you would like. This list may have jogged your memory, reminding you of things you’re capable of, or what you think is important that you forgot about.
Incorporate this new list into your “I am” Best Self list. Keep the full lists for inspiration. Identify 5-8 items that you would like to cultivate in the upcoming weeks or months. Mark them down somewhere you’ll be able to see them regularly. Review your list at least daily and see how you can re-integrate some of these aspects of yourself.
As you engage in activities and behaviors that bring out your best, you’ll be happier and feel more aligned with your values. This positivity comes about in part from using your strengths and developing areas within yourself that you appreciate. Even if your list doesn’t directly relate to patient care or your work, there will be a positive overflow. Engaging with your best self will show up in whatever you do. Even the subtle changes in positivity have a broaden and build effect.
As nature is renewing life outside, take this opportunity to renew your life too.
How has awareness of your Best Self traits impacted you as a physician or nurse, as well as outside of work? Leave comments, or contact me to share in a more personal way.
To expand your enthusiasm, appreciation and effectiveness to achieve the revitalized life you desire, contact me.
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
Revitalize Your Life
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