How do you respond when it starts to rain? Do you pull out an umbrella, stand there and get wet, or start dancing? When faced with external challengesālike the weatherāwe are great at finding and using resources that help us tackle them head-on. The same can't be said of internal challenges.
What is your approach when your clinic is overbooked or you are faced with a problem that does not have an obvious solution? Just as we reflexively reach for an umbrella in the rain, physicians possess powerful internal tools - our character strengths - that can shield us during professional storms. Whether it's using perspective to see beyond immediate challenges, creativity to find innovative solutions, or self-regulation to maintain calm under pressure, these strengths are our built-in stress management system.
In this week's post, I explore how to tap into the strengths that drew you to medicine and transform them into practical tools for managing daily stressors.
Discover how mindfulness, teamwork, and bravery can become your professional weather gear, helping you not just survive but thrive in the demanding world of healthcare. Follow the link below to read the blog post.
Stress is not what happens to us; it is our response to what happens. Response is something we can control.
Coach's Corner
Here's a practical daily exercise to help you discover and activate your character strengths:
The 3-3-3 Strength Spotting Challenge
1. Start your day (3 minutes):
Choose one character strength you want to focus on today. Maybe it's creativity, perseverance, or social intelligence. Write it down on your phone or in a small notebook you carry. Ask yourself: "How might this strength help me tackle today's challenges?"
2. During your day (3 opportunities):
Set an intention to use your chosen strength in at least three situations. For example:
- If you chose creativity, how might you approach that complex patient case differently?
- If it's perseverance, how can you maintain focus during a particularly challenging clinic session?
- If you picked social intelligence, how can you better connect with that frustrated patient?
3. End-of-day reflection (3 minutes):
Before heading home, take three minutes to answer these questions:
- When did I use my strength today?
- What impact did it have?
- What did I learn about myself?
Power-Up Tips:
- Start with strengths that feel natural to you
- Keep a running log of your successes
- Share your experiences with a colleague or mentor
- Notice how different strengths work better in different situations
Remember: Your character strengths are like muscles - the more you consciously use them, the stronger they become. This isn't about adding another task to your busy day; it's about being intentional with the qualities you already possess.
Try this for one week, focusing on a different strength each day. You might be surprised at how these small moments of awareness can transform your approach to daily challenges.
Want to take it further?
Mastery and Wellness: How to Thrive As A Physician includes a strengths assessment and several modules on developing and leveraging your character strengths.
As always, I'm here to support you on your journey of growth and development. Please reach out with any questions!
To Dancing in the Rain!
Ben
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