This month's vlog is about how keeping manuals for how things "should be" and how people "should act" causes some unnecessary drama and suffering.  Since we can't control people, wishing they were different causes us more pain. Acceptance is such a healthy way to live. But that doesn't mean you can't have "asks" or work to improve things. Stay tuned for next month's vlog on boundaries to see how these two concepts go hand-in-hand.

If you know of a resident or faculty who is struggling,...

So far, we have discussed taking back control of our time and attention Now for the 3^rd step.  We need to protect and build our mental energy.

How do we do this? I have 5 tips, but good news - 2 of them are reviews from Steps 1 and 2.  

Honor your priority for your rejuvenation time/self-care. Whatever it is that revitalizes you, make it a priority and keep your appointment with yourself. We mentioned in Step 1 how it leads to better efficiency. And I’m...

Last week we covered key area #1 – Taking back control of your time. This week we are moving to the 2^nd key area to address to gain some calm – taking back control of your attention.

As residents and academic physicians with full lives outside of work, the demands for your attention are numerous! Those demands add to the chaos and seeming lack of harmony. Let’s think through 4 steps of gaining control in this area.

Be present. You may recognize this from other...

This week, we will look at one of 3 key areas you can clean up to gain some control and improve harmony in your career and life outside of work. 

Today we will discuss gaining more control of your time.  I know, I know – you don’t have much control, and you feel you have way too much to do to fit it all in. Trust me. I know.

According to author Laura Vanderkam, we all have 168 hours a week. I checked her math. She’s right. Many residents, maxing out...

This is the last post of a 4-part series on change, transition, and transformation. 

Today we look at a tool you can use to challenge your beliefs – especially those you want to change. What are the things you would like to believe about yourself? What are the results you want? Who do you want to be no matter the circumstance you face?  How do you want to show up – in your practice, in your relationships, in the world? 

The ladder of inference (photo...

This month's vlog is about knowing the anatomy of typical change and transition so you can normalize the difficult parts.  More tips in my 4 part blog series.

Learn how the Joy in Family Medicine Hybrid Coaching Program can help your residency program here.

This week we take our changes and transitions one step further…to transformation.  The words Change, Transition, and Transformation are often interchanged, but I offer a different take for the purposes of this blog.  Let's think of change relating to something we do (actions we take) or circumstances (ones we changed intentionally or ones we didn't choose). Think of transitions as how we adapt our thinking to better support the change, also known as reframing. Transformation...

This week, we continue our look at changes and transitions we face throughout our careers and personal lives. Last week we looked at proactive changes you want to make. This week we look at transition to all changes, including those you didn't necessarily ask for or want.  

Transition can be defined as the psychological adaptation to change.

What changes are you undergoing (whether by choice or not)? How are you adapting? 

There are so many good models of transition out there. One...

Over the next couple of weeks, we will review changes and transitions. Throughout a career in medicine, we face many of those. Today we are going to focus on changes related to you. 

Change can be defined as doing things differently, taking new approaches, seeking something new and/or different in yourself.

Reflect just a minute on your life and career. Make a couple of lists.

What changes do you desire?

What changes are you directing?

What things are you...

Join Ali and I discussing my journey and her role in it.