Episode 2: The #1 Reason Physician Moms Work Harder Than They Need To

When you are asked — or told — to take on another task, you sigh and roll your eyes, but you probably do it.

You feel that same frustration when you have to add another new case, squeeze in another appointment, or call that patient after hours — one of those patients who always seem to want you to phone after they get off work!

These are pivotal moments in your practice where you could make a conscious choice. But that doesn’t always feel straightforward.

Saying “yes” could mean you zap your mental and physical energy just to get the thing done. And resentment builds. Saying “no” may mean you have to defend your choice.

What’s your tendency?

• Go with the flow?
• Or, expend energy to push back and control your time?

These decisions could have a lasting impact.

Your Experience as a Doc Counts!

Just last week I had one of those opportunities to choose consciously.

But first, a bit of background …

In my current job as an anesthesiologist, I work in office-based settings. So, I provide anesthesia for
procedures that are safely done in the surgeon’s office.

I typically get up extremely early to drive into Houston before the traffic gets ridiculous. I can have my coffee, start my cases early, and be done in time to beat most traffic home.

Last Wednesday, I had two cases scheduled and one canceled. “Ok, no biggie,” I thought. I’ll get home earlier and get to work on my long to-do list.

Then I get a text – the patient is asking if I can start later, 9:30 AM instead of 8:00 AM? My mind conjured all the pros and cons of trying to accommodate this request. I was torn between wanting to keep this patient happy and keeping myself sane.

If I said “yes” to 9:30 AM, I would be saying “yes” to an extra 30-40 minutes in traffic, likely road-rage-infused traffic. I would get home later, with less income to show for the day. Then, finally get to my list. 

Now, I know myself. I would feel more frazzled and a bit self-defeated for even agreeing on such a strange time.

In retrospect, a quick reply of “Sorry, no” would have spared me the thought energy and time.

What is one situation in the past week, where you had a choice to suck it up and give in or take care of yourself first? And what did you choose?

It is Time to Set More Boundaries in Your Private Practice You may guess what I did … I said “No” then braced for the argument or negative reaction. But none came!

I listened to my own experience — my body telling me to protect myself. I drew the proverbial line in the sand.

I urge you to take note of those moments when you have a physical or emotional reaction to events in your day. Does that moment cross an invisible boundary? Your body knows the truth.

When you look back at your past, where are some patterns that defeat you?

Where is that line between your peace and frustration?

When does a situation start to eat away your energy and leave you exhausted by the end of the day?

Draw your line in the sand. For me it was the 8 AM start time. Hard stop.

What would that line in the sand be for you?

Prevent Overwork in Your Practice by Protecting Your Time

What is the number one reason you are working harder than you need to?

What is it you’re saying “yes” to when you need to say “no?”

When I stood behind my line, I was rewarded by the inner joy of defending myself — of making things go
smoother. I arrived home with energy to get other work done, be a good human to my kids and show up to my workout class (instead of cancelling because of exhaustion.)

You may be pleasantly surprised at how one decision can impact your entire day – make you feel a bit proud of yourself for setting and holding a boundary.

Choose peace as often as you can. Reduce the end of day frazzled, over-worked experience. You will be proud of yourself too.

Where can you protect your time and ease your overall wellbeing today?

It’s Time to Take Control and Thrive!