Physician Burnout and Self-Compassion: Five Reasons to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself
An earlier version of this article appeared on the website in April, 2024
If you’re like many physicians, it may be easy to lose sight of your value. Healthcare today faces unprecedented challenges and stressors, and it’s sometimes hard not to take it personally when things go off the rails.
Physicians are often their own toughest critics. You may find yourself frustrated when you can’t meet your own high standards, or those imposed on you that often have little to do with the care you provide. Some days it can feel like being a doctor is a thankless task. Doctor’s Day may come once a year, but your dedication deserves recognition every single day. Here are five reasons to celebrate yourself and your colleagues every day.
You Want to Do Good in the World
Medicine draws people who are not only intelligent and capable but also deeply motivated to make a difference. But wanting to do good and actually doing the work are two very different things. You do the work. Although your efforts may not always be acknowledged, your actions, big and small, directly affect the health and well-being of your patients and your community.
You Do Hard Things Every Day
Physicians regularly face situations that would rattle most people. From making life-or-death decisions to navigating complex systems that test your patience and compassion, you do hard things every day. The administrative and emotional load is heavy, yet you show up. You care about your patients and their outcomes. You keep going. That resilience and strength put you in a league of your own.
You Are Passionate About Your Work
Passion is the lifeblood of innovation and motivation. Physicians often pursue their profession because of a deep-seated passion for healing and discovery. Even on days when you feel less than enthusiastic, your years of focus and commitment drive you to do your best work.
You Come from All Walks of Life
Physicians come from every corner of the world, and every background imaginable. Whether you grew up in a rural town or a large urban community, a US metroplex or a country thousands of miles away, each physician carries a distinctive set of perspectives and skills. The unique perspective you bring, shaped by your culture, upbringing, and experiences, makes medicine stronger and more humane.
You Are a Force for Change
Physicians are often at the forefront of change, not only in their clinics or hospitals but also in the broader context. Collectively, you have the power to influence healthcare policy, improve patient care standards, and lead community health initiatives. What you do makes a difference in ways, big and small, that ripple out into the world.
Hold on to Your Why
You are not just a cog in a vast healthcare machine. You’re a healer, a listener, and a leader. What you do has meaning and deep purpose. Take this moment to honor your impact, the lives you touch, and the difference you make each day.
If you’ve lost sight of that sense of purpose or feel the weight of constant responsibility, coaching can help you reconnect to your values, your energy, and your “why.”
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