As we pack away the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers and gear up for the bustling holiday season ahead, it's the perfect time to reflect on the practice of gratitude - especially within the medical community.
Sure, at first glance, saying "thank you" might seem like one of those wellness trends that's as fleeting as our New Year resolutions. After all, what monumental difference can a small act of appreciation make in an industry that's about life and death decisions, right? Wrong. The evidence points to the contrary.
Incorporating gratitude into our daily routine can wield transformative impacts on both personal well-being and professional environments.
And let's face it, if anyone's deserving of a little extra appreciation after the last few years, it's our tireless healthcare workers!
A Dose of Gratitude, Straight from the Blog
To capture the essence of gratitude and its profound impact on the medical profession, I turned to a phrase that leaped off the screen from my latest blog post, "Gratitude for Physicians":
"In the whirlwind of long shifts, patient care, and the relentless pursuit of medical excellence, it's remarkably easy for physicians to overlook their own achievements and sacrifices. But imagine the collective uplift in morale and motivation, if each accomplishment and every hurdle crossed was met with a simple, heartfelt 'thank you'."
This quote isn't just a collection of words; it's a call to action. A reminder that gratitude isnât just polite; itâs powerful.
"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.â
â Willie Nelson
Coach's Corner
Gratitude Coaching: Exercises to Enrich Your Professional Journey
Now, letâs get practical. As fascinating as it is to read about gratitude, the magic happens when you start practicing it. Here are a couple of exercises designed specifically for you, to infuse a bit more thankfulness into your daily grind:
- The Daily Gratitude List - Take a moment at the end of each day to jot down three things youâre grateful for in your professional life. They can be as significant as saving a patientâs life or as seemingly inconsequential as having a good cup of coffee in the break room. Over time, this simple practice can transform your outlook.
- Thank-You Note Challenge - Remember the last time you received a handwritten note? The impact is lasting. Challenge yourself to write one thank-you note a week to a colleague, mentor, or even a patient. It's a personal touch that does wonders for building connections and fostering a supportive work environment.
- Mindful Meetings - Start team meetings with a round of gratitude. Before diving into the nitty-gritty, allow everyone a moment to share something positive. This practice not only shifts the focus from whatâs going wrong to whatâs going right but also strengthens team bonds.
My hope is that these exercises help transform the practice of gratitude from a yearly Thanksgiving tradition into a daily ritual that brings upliftment to you, your colleagues, and the entire medical community.
In a profession where days can feel endless and challenges often seem overwhelming, a simple thank you can truly make a significant difference.
!Remember, it's not just about enhancing patient outcomes; it's also about fostering a compassionate culture of appreciation and resilience within ourselves and our teams. Together, let's support one another in this journey.
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Mastery and Wellness: How to Thrive As a Physician was created to help you take control of your career by coaching you to identify what is important, develop crucial nonclinical skills that will allow you to thrive, and chart a career path that aligns with your skills, values, and strengths!
As always, I'm here to support you in your personal and professional growth. If you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future newsletters, please let me know.
Best regards,
Ben
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