Happiness. It is what we want for our loved ones and for ourselves.

Unfortunately, it is something that is relegated to the future. There is an endless list of reasons why we decide we can’t be happy, yet.

The path to a medical degree is a long one. We invest time, energy and money to pursue our professional career. We’re told that once we achieve our goal and land the perfect job, then we can begin to live our life.

When I finish school (training), then I'll be happy.

When I get married, then I’ll be happy.

When I have a baby...when I pay off my debt...when I get a better job...when the kids leave home...when I retire.

There are several problems with this way of thinking. First, by the time we are nearing our goal, we are already looking towards the next goal. The result is shifting to a future focus without allowing for true celebration and acknowledgement of our current achievement. Second, if you hang your happiness on people, situations and things, you will be disappointed as they change (change is guaranteed over time). Happiness is the result of a decision you make in the present moment. To choose to see things in a way that generates happiness. And, to remember that we are not meant to be happy 100% of the time.

Notice if there's a pattern showing up in your life of deferring happiness. You don't have to wait for external circumstances to change to be happy.

Happiness is an inside job. It's a choice you make each and every day.

When you set an intention to be happy you will. When your happiness is dependent on life always going your way or others changing their behavior (something you don't control), it feels elusive. And it's often futile, like a dog chasing it's own tail. It will always be just out of your reach.

So, stop chasing happiness and decide to be happy where you are in this moment. But how?

1. Master the art of appreciation: Practicing gratitude helps you focus your lens on the gifts already present in your life. Tuning in to what you appreciate, leads to seeing all the ways that your life is supporting you. It stimulates thoughts that will ultimately generate positive feelings and true happiness.
2. Attend to the well-being of your mind-body-spirit: Nurturing your whole self consistently and proactively can help to increase feelings of happiness. Pay attention to what you expose your mind to throughout the day - consider limiting the time spent in the 24/7 news cycle (doom-scrolling), negative input from social media and make time to disconnect from work and unplug. The benefits of regular mental rest is under appreciated. Prioritize your basic needs for nourishing meals, daily movement activity, and restorative sleep. Recharge your spirit through reading, meditation, listening to music that moves you, making music, spending time in nature, connecting with others, engaging in creative pursuits, etc.
3. Remind yourself of your decision to choose happiness: Using a mantra daily to help you set your intention for cultivating more joy and happiness in your life. Two of my favorites are "all is well" and "how can it get any better than this?" Listening to audio that remind you can also be helpful. Two of my favorite songs focused on happiness are Happy by Pharell Williams and Don't worry, Be happy by Bobby McFarrin.
   

What are your favorite go-to strategies to help you generate intrinsic happiness? Share in the comments below.

Lately I've been reading on the topic of career fulfillment. Many physicians and other high-achieving professionals reach out to me to talk about how unhappy they are at work. The pace has become unsustainable and they no longer feel the sense of satisfaction that they once did.

Considering a departure from a career that you've invested a significant amount of time, energy and money in, is a big decision and one not to be taken lightly.

It can be tempting to look for a "quick fix" or "easy escape" from an unsatisfying career; however, it's not a good long-term plan. Instead, take some time to genuinely consider whether a career transition is the best path forward for you at this stage of your life.

Making a decision from a place of clarity, confidence and courage is one that you will be less likely to regret.

So what do you do in the interim? Find ways to be happier at work in your current position.

Think it's impossible? Here are a few questions to consider. Your answers to these questions may just hold the keys to improving your sense of satisfaction in the short-term.

In what ways am I lying to myself about how I feel about work?
We can paint a pretty horrific picture when we share stories with others about our work. It's easier to list the things that lead to frustration. But, there is always another side. We overlook the moments of joy and pleasure in our day, allowing it to be overshadowed by the negative ones. Pause to consider whether the total negative moments of the day far outweigh the positive ones. In most cases, it does not. Start keeping a log of positive moments. You can do this by writing down 3 good things that occurred at the end of each day. At the end of each week, read over your list and notice if your feelings towards work begin to change.

How do I want to feel when I think about work?
Sundays can often generate feelings of dread as you prepare to start a new work week. What you don't realize is that the dread is being fueled by the thoughts you're thinking about work. "I have no control over my schedule". "I don't have enough time to manage everything that needs to be done". "I'm already behind before I even start the week". Although there may be some elements of truth to these statements, they will lead you to feel negatively about work before you even get there. Instead, begin to intentionally choose thoughts that lead to emotions you want to feel. Examples include "I make a difference", "I'm excited about who I will meet today", and "I'm grateful to have a job to wake up to today".

How can I simplify this task?
Fellow type As, let's be honest - we tend to overcomplicate and overanalyze things. In part, this skill helped us to achieve the success we currently have. And, it can sometimes backfire when it causes us increased stress and delays in decision-making.
Frustration can arise with many routine tasks that we have to perform for work. When you ask yourself how you can simplify a task, it puts your brain to work on looking for a solution. Another favorite question of mine that is related is "How can I make this easier?" When you sense those moments of irritation and stress over a challenging situation or task, ask yourself either question and notice whether it creates a bit more breathing space.

Regularly investing small amounts of time to reflect on the above questions may just help you to find a bit more satisfaction in your work as you decide whether to commit to your current career or find a new career path.

What strategies do you use to help you find greater happiness at work? Share in the comments below or send me a personal note, [email protected].