Self-awareness: A Fundamental for Leadership
What does Leadership in Action Look Like? A retired radiation oncologist, who served in both clinical and leadership roles in the cancer center of a busy city hospital, recently discussed with me the core principles that he followed to lead a stable, productive and upbeat department. This, despite the fact that it was located within […]
Mindfulness in Medicine
“The awareness that arises from paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn Often when I coach my clients, I find myself returning again and again to the topic of mindfulness. It’s as if I can’t escape the power of its ability to quickly refocus a discussion that is beginning to […]
Physicians: Never Give Up on Joy
At the end of a long day seeing patients, taking care of consults, running an office, working the EMR, it might seem facetious to ask yourself “ How much joy did I experience today?” However, if the answer is none, and if the answer is the same for the next day and the day after, […]
Know When to Hold and When to Fold
Perseverance is a hallmark of medical education, training and practice. Physicians know that dedication and pushing through adversity is often what is required in order to achieve a desired outcome. However, can there be a downside to this head down, plow forward attitude? Can it lead to a kind of tunnel vision that is blind […]
Maintaining Perspective Under Pressure
Keeping sight of the bigger picture is critical to not only effectively fulfill the goals of any project or endeavor, but is necessary if the time and energy expended are to feel connected to a meaningful purpose. Escalating demands; unrealistic expectations; endless interruptions can very easily sabotage the best of intentions and create a sense […]
Opening the Door to Possibility and Opportunity
POSSIBILITY and OPPORTUNITY When I roll these words around in my head, my sense of being always changes. On one hand they are just words, but thinking them and saying them generates a sense of excitement, energy and enthusiasm for challenging the status quo and moving forward. Is there any other way to be? I […]
Purpose
Purpose is much more than a collection of goals. It is like finding the fuel for the fire in your soul. Purpose may or not make money, but ensuring that at least part of your life is linked to your “purpose” creates richness in life. My clients have spent years getting educated and then working […]
Staying Energized and Creative and On Task – Can a Blueprint Help?
Does this ever happen to you? You start the day with excellent intentions of having a positive, dynamic, fulfilling and productive day. Admittedly, you may not have invested in any strategies that will specifically help you keep your energy high; your mind flexible and alert to deal with both expected and unexpected events; your general […]
Getting “Unstuck”
A true oxymoron is that “Change is a constant in life“. Despite the fact that most of us probably recognize this on some intuitive level, we can still spend an ordinate amount of time and energy trying to avoid the reality that change is happening and that we need to move with it. An […]