One Question Every Physician Looking for Career Fulfillment Needs to Ask

While reading an email from one of my favorite YouTube bloggers, I was struck by the question he had been reflecting on to determine whether he would continue with the successful online business he'd created or call it quits.

It made me pause to think about what my own answer would be. As a physician who is now thriving in a second career, it seemed like a relevant question for all physicians to ask themselves, no matter what stage of career they're in.

When it comes to your career and the work you are currently doing, "are you doing it because you want to or because you feel like you have to?"

The road to becoming a physician is long and arduous and most don't enter the profession on a whim. There is a huge up front investment of time, money, and energy (physical, emotional and mental) not to mention the often negative impact on relationships with family and friends.

We often have an idea, well, really a dream, of what life will be like once we reach the light at the end of the tunnel. We believe with all our heart that the sacrifices will have been worth it. Unfortunately, expectations don't match reality.

With that said, the majority of physicians I've talked to say that they would do it all over again. I am also in that camp.

I have no regrets about the career choice that I made. I feel honored to have had the privilege to serve so many families; to advocate and care for numerous children and young adults: to encourage, teach and mentor generations of future doctors; and to support and advise more residents, fellows and colleagues than I can count.

In reflecting more on the question, I think one belief we have that doesn't serve us is that after we complete our training, we must find a job, "the right job", and stay there until retirement.

Many physicians are young adults when they embark upon their career journey. Life brings many changes from the point of entry into medicine until the time of retirement. Priorities, responsibilities, health and other circumstances morph throughout the various stages of life. Why then do we believe that the work that we do would not change as well?

For physicians, clinical practice continues to be the traditional path that the majority of physicians choose. However, there are multiple ways to serve and contribute to the health and well-being of the community. There are numerous opportunities to find career fulfillment in clinical and non-clinical positions. And don't forget that the two are not mutually exclusive. Prior to my retirement from clinical practice, I created a career that included non-clinical work that allowed me to speak, teach and coach. The skills I learned from the non-clinical work also helped me to improve upon my clinical work.

So if you're looking for ways to boost your sense of career fulfillment, consider the following suggestions:

• Notice the language you use as you talk about the work that you do, including the day to day responsibilities. Do you hear yourself saying that you "have to" or "should" do something? These phrases imply that there is a sense of obligation which may negatively impact your sense of agency. When you hear yourself using these phrases, substitute "I get to", "I want to" or "I choose to" do whatever it is that you have on your to-do list. You'll find that this seemingly small change can lead to more positive feelings about going to work and carrying out the tasks of the day.
  
  

• ​Get in touch with the inner motivation driving you forward. Loss of motivation is often a result of the way we're thinking about work. Thoughts like "It's going to be a busy day" and "I have no control over my schedule" are not likely to get you excited about getting out of bed. Instead they generate feelings of dread, powerlessness and anxiety. Come up with a list of thoughts that create feelings of curiosity, confidence and determination. Examples include "I can't wait to see how many ways I can help someone today" or "I choose to look for the gifts waiting for me today".
  
  
• Pause to reflect. Taking mini breaks throughout the day can go a long way towards renewing your inspiration and uncovering ideas that may lead to your next passion project. Rediscovering your love for your work is possible when you create space in your schedule. It may be as simple as taking a 5 minute break to step outside and breathe in some fresh air, jotting down your thoughts in a notebook before bed or first thing in the morning. Developing rituals and routines that foster reflection make it easier to fit into a busy schedule. Consider adding journaling, meditation, yoga or walking/running routines into your day.

As you think about your current position, as yourself the question. If your answer is you're doing it because you feel you have to, explore some of the suggestions above.

So, how would you answer the question? Let me know in the comments below.

And if you want to brainstorm additional ideas and strategies, reach out to me via email, [email protected].

Image credit: Depositphotos