Therapy for Physicians: Climbing the Right Mountain

May 30

Person standing in front of mountain by Patrik László, Unsplash 5/28/24- Therapy for physicians

All of my clients are driven to achieve and reach their mountaintop. Many climb to the top of the mountain, take one brief view from the top, and then instantly start looking for the next one to conquer. For them, achieving the goal is not a matter of if, but when. They have an insatiable drive for success, constantly pushing themselves, setting new goals, and making sacrifices to get what they want. However, many find that after achieving goal after goal, they feel a sense of emptiness. They say to themselves, “Is this all there is?” Despite their accomplishments, they don’t feel complete inside, sensing that something is missing. Throughout our work together, many realize they’ve either sacrificed too much or have been climbing the wrong mountain the entire time.

Physicians are Climbing the Wrong Mountain

There’s nothing wrong with setting goals and making sacrifices; this is how you go to where you are today. You put your head down, gritted your teeth, and worked your butt off. You networked with the right people and focused your energy on the right tasks to achieve your chosen goal. The issue arises when the goal isn’t one that truly resonates with you.

Many of my clients started on the path to becoming a physician because someone suggested it when they were in high school or college. They were told, “This would be a good path for you,” and they followed it. They were able to achieve that goal. However, they missed an essential part early on: understanding their motivation and why they chose this goal. For physicians, this can be a costly mistake, not just financially but in terms of time, which I believe is our most valuable asset.

Do I Know the Why?

One of my specialties is working with physicians experiencing work stress and burnout. With my clients, I explore the reasons behind their decision to become a physician. Some become physicians because a parent was one, others because someone said it would provide a financially comfortable lifestyle, and some for the prestige of being a medical doctor. All these reasons are valid, but the crucial question is, “Is continuing to be a physician worth the time and energy I need to invest?” Is their ‘why’ still worth it?

You Have the Final Say

Person at crossroads in the wood by Caleb Jones, Unsplash 5/28/24 Therapy for Physicians

When we start to explore your reasons for continuing as a physician or any specific goal, few people have truly taken the time to think about the costs and benefits of achieving this goal. Not many consider the sacrifices needed to achieve the life they truly want to live. For many physicians, this may mean making active decisions to continue working in a burnout-inducing environment until a certain date, until finding a new job, until starting their own practice, or until having enough money to cut back to part-time work. What is essential is recognizing that you are consciously making these decisions in line with your values daily. You have the choice in the actions you take and the decisions you make. No one is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to choose.

I want people to achieve their goals and be their best selves. I want people to test themselves and live the life they desire. But I also want them to do so with purpose. I want you to recognize the decisions you’re making and the actions you’re taking. It’s essential to slow down and think deeply about these issues. I don’t want you to climb another mountain until you fully understand what you are doing.