Why You Don’t Work Less

Fresh off our exciting kickoff for the second round of Unbound, we're diving into something that affects nearly every physician - why we struggle to work less, even when we desperately want to. Let's explore the mindsets keeping us stuck in overwork mode!

The Hidden Beliefs Blocking Our Path

Have you ever had a free day suddenly open up in your schedule? Instead of treating it as actual free time, chances are you immediately filled it with tasks from your never-ending to-do list. This isn't random - it's a pattern revealing deeper beliefs about how we're "supposed" to work.

In this episode, we explore three key mindsets that keep us trapped in overwork:

1. "If I work less, someone else has to work more" We've been conditioned to believe there's no one else who can help us. After hearing "we don't have staff to cover that" over and over, we internalize this idea so deeply it follows us everywhere - even into settings where we're the boss! This mindset keeps us doing tasks others could handle because we're stuck thinking no one else can (or will) do them correctly.
2. "Tools and technology can't replace what I do" Many of us resist using tools (like AI, EMR features, or other technologies) that could lighten our load. We get comfortable with our current methods and hesitate to learn new approaches - even when they might ultimately save us time and energy! While it's reasonable to question if new tools are safe and effective, our resistance often comes from that deeper belief that our work should be difficult.
3. "I can't ask recipients of my help to do more" This shows up with patients who want us to do everything for them, friends texting us photos of rashes, and family members who could handle their own tasks. When we constantly swoop in as the capable problem-solver, we not only drain ourselves but also prevent others from developing their own skills and independence.

Making the Shift

When we find opportunities to work less, the key is not filling that time with more work! Instead, we need intentional rest, exercise, quality time with loved ones, or activities that nourish us. Otherwise, we'll stay stuck in the same exhausting cycle.

The hardest part? Setting boundaries with people we care about. Saying no to a friend's text about a rash or asking family members to handle their own chores can feel incredibly uncomfortable. But these skills are learnable, and they're essential for creating the life we want outside of medicine.

Join Us!

If you're a woman physician looking for community, structure, and accountability to make these changes, there may still be spots available in our current Unbound cohort! Reach out to megan@healthierforgood.com to learn more. If you miss this round, our next cohort begins in early June.

Let’s Stay Connected:
This work is challenging, but it’s worth it. If you’re ready to explore how you can reclaim your energy and redefine your path in medicine, I’d love to help.

📧 Reach me at megan@healthierforgood.com
🌐 Visit www.healthierforgood.com