The Power of Choice to Prevent Physician Burnout and Boost Job Satisfaction
As a physician working in a complex healthcare system, it’s easy to feel stuck and like you have no options. However, physicians makes choices everyday that impact their career and well-being. Even within the constraints of the medical field, where autonomy feels limited, these daily choices profoundly impact physician well-being! Embracing the power of choice can prevent burnout and increase job satisfaction. Here are few tips for physicians to harness the power of daily choices.
Develop a Growth Mindset
The first step to harnessing the power of daily choices is to recognize them as opportunities, not obstacles. A growth mindset is the belief that you can develop your abilities and adapt to new situations. This perspective allows you to see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than obstacles and irritations. Adopting a growth mindset opens you to new possibilities and solutions you may not have considered before.
It is work noting that all challenges can be addressed simply by changing how you view them. Changing your mindset does not add more time to the day or make it possible to suddenly overbook an already full clinic. An new mindset will, however, give you a new perspective on how you choose to spend your time and can help you address the challenge of access to care with fresh ideas.
Recognize Your Power to Choose
It’s important to recognize that while many physicians report a lack of control and autonomy as the leading cause of unhappiness, we make choices every day! You always have the power to choose your response and take action. For example, going to work daily is a choice. There are consquences if you choose not to got to work. Conversely, there are also consequences of going to work. Recognizing our daily choices and understanding WHY you make them is helpful. What values are you choosing to honor by going to work? What values are you not honoring by going to work? It is possible to regain some control by recognizing and aligning your daily choices with your values. By recognizing and exercising your power of choice, you regain control over your career trajectory and overall satisfaction.
Explore Your Options
A medical degree offers more diverse opportunities than many physicians realize. Physicians have nonclinical jobs too! If the choice to go to your current job does not honor any of your values, then make a different choice. Other options include:
- Different practice settings (e.g., private practice, academic medicine, telemedicine)
- Non-clinical roles in healthcare administration, research, or education
- Entrepreneurial ventures in healthcare technology or consulting
- Locum tenens work for increased flexibility
Remember, making a change doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning your medical training altogether. It simply means choosing a different path. Finding the right fit within the field can often reignite passion and reduce burnout.
Take Small Steps
Implementing change doesn’t have to be drastic. Choosing to stay at home rather than go to work or to change your job are BIG choices. If you are not ready to make a big change, start small. You make many small choices everyday that impact your wellbeing. Reexaming those small choices can have just as big of an impact on your happiness and wellbeing as making a big choice. So, start small. Here are a few examples of small choices that can impact your day:
- Delegate one task to support staff to reduce administrative burden
- Try a new note template or other time-saving strategy in your practice
- Make time for lunch with a colleague or friend rather than eating by yourself or between patients
- Invest in continued education or skill development
- Wake up 15 miuntes earlier and do something for yourself
These incremental changes can have a significant cumulative effect on your job satisfaction and resilience against burnout.
Overcoming Barriers to Change
It’s normal to feel hesitant about making changes, especially given the investments you’ve made in your medical career. Common barriers include:
- Financial concerns
- Fear of the unknown
- Guilt about leaving patients or colleagues
- Doubts about your abilities outside your current role
- Analysis paralysis
Acknowledge these concerns, but don’t let them stop you. Seek out resources, connect with colleagues who have made successful changes (big or small), and consider working with a coach if you feel stuck!
Embracing the Power of Choice
Healthcare is constantly evolving. Your priorities will changes as your life changes. It is only natural then, that your career should change, too. Regularly reassess your goals, values, and life trajectory. Don’t fall into the trap of making the same choices out of habit. Be open to pivoting or making adjustments as needed. This flexibility and willingness to grow can foster resilience and prevent burnout in the long term.
Conclusion
While the complexities of the healthcare system can feel overwhelming, remember that you always have the power to choose. By developing a growth mindset, exploring your options, and taking intentional steps toward positive change, you can prevent burnout and increase your job satisfaction. Every physician has this power – it’s up to you to harness it and shape a fulfilling medical career that aligns with your values and aspirations.
The Developing Doctor’s coaching can help you find satisfaction and joy in your work and life. Contact me to learn more or schedule a free coaching consult now.
