It's been nearly 30 years since I started medical school. Even though I've been practicing medicine for almost three decades, people still ask me why I chose medicine. The simple answer is that I became a doctor to help others, challenge myself, and earn a living. Why did you choose your profession?
Medical training was brutal. As I consider why I became a doctor, I think the better question is how I did it.
Have you thought about how you made it through training - night shifts, q3 or q4 call nights, and carrying the code pager for an entire hospital? The answer to why you became a doctor reflects your values, and how you did it reflects your character strengths.
Learn more about character strengths in my latest blog post, "Character Strengths: What Are They and How to Use Them?" In this post, I explore the concept of character strengths—the positive personality traits that reflect our core identity and contribute to our well-being and success. Understanding and leveraging your unique character strengths can help you thrive personally and professionally.
“Use your signature strengths and virtues in the service of something much larger than you are.” Martin E. P. Seligman.
Coaches Corner
When I coach physicians, I commonly receive pushback in two areas: First, the healthcare system is the root of all problems, and second, medicine is supposed to be challenging. Both of these things are true, and it is still possible to flourish as a physician despite and because of them.
One way to flourish is to identify and intentionally use your top character strengths in new ways; you can boost engagement, manage stress, and create more opportunities to flourish in your life and work.
To help you get started, here is a simple coaching exercise to identify some of your key strengths:
- Reflect on a recent accomplishment or challenge you successfully navigated. Write down the story of what happened.
- Review the story and highlight any strengths you drew upon to achieve a positive outcome. (Find a list of character strengths here.)
- Share your story with a partner, friend, or coach, and ask them what strengths they heard you describe. Add any additional strengths they mention.
- Reflect on the top 3-5 strengths that helped you succeed. Consider how to utilize these more intentionally in your daily life and work.
Ready to explore your character strengths more thoroughly? My course Mastery and Wellness: How to Thrive As A Physician includes a character strengths assessment and coaching on using them.
As always, I'm here to support you on your journey of growth and development. Please reach out with any questions!
Warm regards,
Ben
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