This month, we focus on the three basics of psychological well-being that improve vitality, motivation, and performance – Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence.

Last week, I gave an overview of my perspective of autonomy in medicine. Today we will take a deeper look.

The psychological definition of autonomy is the capacity to make an "informed, uncoerced decision." It involves the individual's ability to participate in an aligning manner willingly. From a social science...

We talked about getting back to the self-care basics a few months back. Specifically, we focused on three basic physical needs and implementing those as busy healthcare professionals. This month, we will focus on three basic psychological needs for mental and emotional fitness. These are autonomy, connectedness, and competence.

Developing these assets leads to psychological growth and true mental fitness. We know sleep, good nutrition, and movement are essential for physical health for...

For the past three weeks, we've been delving into impostor phenomenon – the definition, its effects, and helpful tips to improve. This week we look at two final aspects of impostor phenomenon. 1. Maintaining progress 2. How to help others experiencing intense or frequent impostor side effects.

Several of the books and authors mentioned last week highlight the importance of having a team of people you trust to play specific roles in maintaining a better self-assessment. I...

Over the last 2 weeks, we have discussed the definition, demographics, and major concepts of impostor phenomenon (IP) along with how it shows up and its negative side-effects. This week,  I’m giving you a smash-up of recommendations for improvement based on four key references (below) along with a smattering of conferences, podcasts, and my experiences, including personal, clinical, academic, and coaching. There exists much overlap - it's always a good thing when various experts...

Okay, last week, we looked at the definition, demographics, and some concepts around Impostor Phenomenon (IP), aka Impostor Syndrome. This week, I want to review how it shows up and why it matters. There are real side effects to living in the Impostor Cycle, especially for those with frequent or intense impostor tendencies. I’ve listed common ones below:

Avoidance of personal and professional advancements:

    Avoid difficult situations or risks

   ...

Throughout the rest of January, we will tackle the topic of impostor phenomenon, aka impostor syndrome. Today we will mainly unpack the definition, look briefly at demographics, how it shows up, and some key points from my perspective. We will unpack why it matters and practical steps to gain some relief in the following weeks. Finally, we will discuss tips for interacting with those experiencing intense impostor symptoms.

So, what exactly is impostor phenomenon (IP)? Essentially IP is...

Confidence is a beautiful thing. In December, we reviewed the typical way one gains confidence - growing competence over time by gaining experience. We also covered common saboteurs – perfectionism, the inner critic, impostor phenomenon, comparison, external validation, and projected judgment along with steps to combat them. And now, we are kicking off 2022 with ways to improve confidence further. 

The growth mindset is the basis of overcoming those previous sappers...

In this video blog, we look at how the benefit of the doubt is an amazing gift. 

You can also gift yourself a coaching course - even use CME funds. Our 12-week course for individual physicians walks you through detailed steps of ditching unnecessary suffering, protecting and increasing your energy, and fostering your ideal future. 

We are in week 3 of a 4-week series on confidence. The first week we reviewed the normal development of confidence and last week, we reviewed a trio of issues that interfere with gaining confidence and actually decrease confidence. This week we look at three more common interrupters – comparison, external validation, and projected judgment.

“Comparison is the thief of joy” has been attributed to a few famous leaders. Regardless of who said it, it is so true. Although...

Last week we looked at the natural progression of confidence. However, we all know confidence doesn't always follow the expected course, and often even when it's high, something knocks it down. So, this week, we look at why that happens.

There are at least six common sappers of confidence. 1. Unhealthy perfectionism. 2. An overly boisterous inner critic.  3. Impostor Phenomenon. 4. Comparison. 5. Over-reliance on external validation. 6. Projected Judgment. Many of these are...