Episode 40: Cape Off, Comfy Pants On: The Doctor Mom’s Guide to Hitting Reset

Being a doctor mom is a superpower, wielded by resilient super women.

But there’s often a price of overwhelm.

Waking up each day to step into the superhero suit can be exhausting – that is if you didn’t fall asleep in said suit.

Let’s be honest, sometimes the cape feels more like a weighted blanket.

Moms are pulled down by the weight of patient care, guilt, and the constant pressure to be everything to everyone.

Here’s the secret, it’s ok to change into comfy pants and still be a super woman.

It’s ok to refresh your routine, or even just your mindset.  

This episode is your permission slip to ditch the struggle and embrace a fresh start.

Uncover how to reset and renew as a physician mom.

It’s time to rediscover your joy and remember that even superheroes need a recharge.

New Beginnings for this Physician Mom

This is my 40^th podcast episode! I never thought I would come up with that many topics, let alone write and record them.

It also happens to be the last episode of 2024.

Though you may be listening in the heat of summer right now, I am inclined to talk today about new beginnings – or rather, how to reset and renew.

It’s a common thought for many when the new year comes around with setting resolutions to make a positive change in their life.

But it doesn’t have to be a new year to set a resolution!

If that were the case, we would only set big goals once a year.

Today is a short free form episode, kind of a breather before launching into the next 40 episodes.

Reset, Renew, Rediscover You as a Doctor Mom

The new year is a timely reminder of the possibility of change.

It’s time to start a new calendar, recover from holiday stressors and learn to write the date differently when you sign notes.

In fact, there is a good reason to set goals for change at any time of the year.

It is also a time to dream of what you want.

• I want to lose a percent of body fat and gain more muscle mass.
• I want to touch base with an old friend I haven’t talked to in ages.
• I want to fill my dinner plate with more vegetables each night.
• I want to read more of the books stacked on my shelf.

And what happens when I am awarded one of my wants?

• I have a sense of accomplishment.
• I feel better.
• I have momentum.

How do you make a dream a reality?

The key question in my mind is, “What does it take to reset?”

It takes a few steps like setting and moving toward goal. This may include change in mindset, accountability, rewards, self-reflection, choosing a realistic target, setting a timeframe, and tracking progress and outcomes.

It’s a process that may be an overnight success or take a little determination as you experiment with what works and learn from what doesn’t.

A Doctor Mom Taught Me to Trust the Process of Achieving a Goal

When I first learned the process of achieving wellness goals, whether external physical goals like what I eat or internal mental goals, like setting boundaries, it seemed to have a lot of unnecessary steps.

I thought, “Alright, let’s get on with it, I want to see results, not spend time planning about it.”

What I learned through hands on experience, was that each step was invaluable.  

Mindset, for example, is a vital one!

This mental attitude or inclination sets the stage for success, or failure. It shapes how you think, feel, and behave. It gives you a perspective on life and how you view and interpret situations.

It’s no wonder that those with growth mindsets have more success, like they have on a pair of clean glasses. Those with a fixed mindset have outdated prescription glasses with scratches and streaks.

To see the world clearly and visualize how to turn situations into a win is a power move.

A positive mindset is within your reach.

Sometimes it just takes a reset.

The word reset is exciting for me because I see new beginnings and a chance to make life better.

This mental shift can happen in so many ways. Maybe someone just needs a vacation. They need to physically leave their surroundings and go sit by a lake, kayak a river, or hop on a plane to a new location.

There are so many ways to change your mindset within your daily routine too!

Think of gratitude practice, which I just talked about in Episode 39.

Self-Compassion helps the brain shift to a positive mindset too. Being kind to yourself during challenging times and focus on self-improvement rather than self-criticism.

Learning from others how to shift focus away from mistakes and losses to effort and wins.

What about making small changes to what you say when facing a challenge? I’ve been incorporating the word “yet” into my life more – like “I can’t do this,” to “I can’t do this yet’”

Mindset is key, no doubt about it!

But wait, there’s More, Doc!

While working with women on mindset, they are simultaneously working on the rest of the process I mentioned earlier – the accountability, rewards, self-reflection, choosing a realistic target, setting a timeframe, and tracking progress and outcomes.

Each area can have a dramatic impact on moving toward a goal.

It is a process that works, even if you don’t believe it at first, like me.

This process is setting a goal you want and taking the steps to get it.

You will feel better and gain momentum for other changes.

And if you don’t reach the ultimate goal, it’s ok!

Celebrate progress over perfection.

Farewell 2024 and on to the Future!

My number one goal with the Inspired Mom MDs podcast is to literally inspire you!

• It can be that little push or umph that helps you move forward toward a goal.
• It can be just a lighthearted distraction as a break in your day.
• It can be learning a new tidbit that sparks your interest.

I also strive to bring actionable items to each show while covering topics that are common issues among physician moms. I want to extend an invitation to email me with any issues top issues you’d like some help with.

Email me at cindy@inspiredmommds.com with your topics and any constructive feedback about the show you suggest!

Don’t forget to join me next week for another dose of support and inspiration. Until then, take care of yourselves, and take care of those who matter most.

It’s Time to Take Control and Thrive!