Ending Physician Overwhelm

Break Your Own Rules

Megan Melo, Physician and Life Coach Episode 176

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Rules? Who Me?

Hello my friends! Today we're diving into those self-imposed rules that might be governing your life and keeping you stuck in patterns of overwhelm. From the seemingly trivial (must shave legs before wearing shorts) to the deeply consequential (always putting yourself last), these internalized rules often lead us to burnout, exhaustion, and disconnection from what truly matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Identifying Your Rules: Pay attention to thoughts that contain command language like "I can't," "I must," or "I should." These often signal an internalized rule that may not be serving you.
  • Questioning Who Benefits: Many of the rules we live by primarily serve others at our expense. The medical culture of "patient first" can easily morph into "I always come last," creating an unsustainable path to burnout.
  • Imagining Life Without the Rule: Who would you be without this constraint? Often, letting go of rigid rules leads to better boundaries, improved self-care, and a sustainable medical practice.

Three Steps to Use Now

  1. Find Your Rules: Notice when you think "I can't," "I must," or "I should" - these indicate potential rules governing your choices.
  2. Ask Who the Rule Serves: Is this rule primarily benefiting you, or is it serving others at your expense?
  3. Envision Yourself Without the Rule: How would your life change if you let this rule go? Would you be happier, healthier, or more balanced?

Who Cares? You Do!

When we live bound by rigid, internalized rules, we create the perfect environment for burnout to thrive. By questioning and releasing rules that don't serve us, we create space for sustainable medical practice and a more balanced life.

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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

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