I went to a physician coaching talk a few years ago that changed my life. The speaker told us that the cure to burnout and career dissatisfaction is to change our mindset. I am sure I had heard that many times before and just dismissed it as another “look at the glass as half-full” type of comment.
Being a “glass is half-full” kind of person already, I didn’t think this comment applied to me. But something sunk in. I started reflecting on the things that made me go into medicine in the first place. I started noticing all of the things I am so lucky to have the opportunity to do each day when I go to work. Paying attention to how lucky I am keeps me grounded so that I avoid the negativity that can creep into my daily life.
The three things that resonated with me as to why I am so lucky that I get to go to work in the Emergency Room each day, are as follows:
- Sometimes, I get to save a life. Honestly, working in the Emergency Department is not always as glamorous as Hollywood makes it seem on television. But some days, I really do get to save someone’s life, and that is truly amazing. I cherish those opportunities.
- Every single day, I get to teach someone something. I teach my patients, paramedics, nurses, staff, students, residents, and other faculty. I teach people something every single day, and sometimes that teaching is life-changing. That is a great opportunity to have.
- I have a good story to tell. Years ago, my youngest daughter asked me to tell her a story from work every day after my shift, and so I knew that I would need to be present and remember my day so I could choose these memories wisely. I am lucky to be able to interact with so many different types of individuals in a given day and tell their stories in a way that brings meaning to even a young child.
When I start to feel burned out is when I lose sight of just how amazing my opportunities at work are each day. Reflecting on these three things always brings me back! What are three things that you are most thankful for in your career? If this question is hard for you to answer, let’s talk! I’m confident that I can help you gain back the love that you once had for your profession.