Ending Physician Overwhelm

Creating Meaning

Episode 169

Send us a text

I explore how to find and create meaning in both our professional and personal lives, especially when facing burnout and challenges in medicine.

Episode Highlights

  • Medicine was never meant to be easy, but the additional challenges we face today make self-care more important than ever
  • When experiencing burnout, we often lose our sense of meaning and purpose in work
  • Creating meaning is a challenge of adulthood that requires intentional effort
  • The gap between what we imagined about being a physician and the reality of practice today

Key Takeaways

  1. Identify where you find meaning in your work
    • What specific aspects of your job bring you satisfaction?
    • What emotions do you experience during meaningful moments?
    • How can you amplify these experiences in your practice?
  2. Expand your search for meaning beyond work
    • We are more than our professional identities
    • Find sources of meaning in your role as a parent, homeowner, or other aspects of life
    • Take time to appreciate what you've already accomplished
  3. Use meaning as fuel for resilience
    • Clarity about what matters helps establish better boundaries
    • When you know where meaning lies, you can more efficiently handle the less enjoyable tasks
    • Meaning gives you strength to cope with stresses and challenges

Final Thoughts

Getting clear on where you find meaning and joy helps you notice these experiences more often and actively seek them out. When you use your gifts and talents in work that feels meaningful, you become a better human and bring amazing things into the world.

Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Journal about where you find meaning, what these experiences feel like in your body, and how you might create more of these moments in your life. This work is essential for navigating the challenges ahead.

Want More?

If you're feeling stuck in default thinking patterns and ready for something different, let's talk! Reach out to schedule a time to chat about how we can work together to change those old thought patterns that keep you feeling burned out and exhausted. Schedule a time for us to chat here: https://calendly.com/healthierforgood/coaching-discovery-call

This is powerful work that can transform how you experience life - both in and out of medicine.

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 to learn about my coaching programs, including Unbound: Women Physicians Reclaiming Their Lives.

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a colleague who might need to hear it. Your support means the world.

Support the show

To learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.

Want to contact me directly?
Email: megan@healthierforgood.com

Follow me on Instagram!
@MeganMeloMD