We are in a series exploring the three foundational needs for physicians to optimize their psychological fitness – autonomy, connectedness, and competence. This week, we will reflect on time, the first of four domains within autonomy for physicians - Time, Tasks, Team, and Techniques. I'll also highlight a fifth "T" – Thoughts/Mindset within each facet as we unpack them.

Time. There is great variety in the amount of autonomy given to physicians. Many residents and employed...

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...

2 weeks ago, we discussed procrastination and knowing if you are ready to change the pattern. Last week, we looked at how fear and perfectionism play into the cycle of procrastination.

This week we will talk about the 4 other feelings that lead to procrastination - Confusion, and Indecision, which are close cousins, Self-Doubt, and Overwhelm.  Those 4 feelings, like fear, are preceded by thoughts that cause them.  Our thoughts create our feelings which in turn...

Last week we discussed procrastination and knowing if you are ready to change the pattern. 

This week and next, we will take a look at common themes driving procrastination. 

For many physicians, a pervasive one is unhealthy perfectionism.  When we strive for a perceived external bar beyond realistic human competence, it triggers a cascade. When we think things like, "This has to be perfect," it can lead to an emotion of pressure which will lead to wanting to...