Is It This Place or Is It Me?
"Wherever you go, there you are." This quote by Jon Kabat-Zinn resonates deeply with the experiences many of us encounter in our careers and personal lives. Recently, I had a meaningful conversation with a coaching client who was grappling with a pivotal decision: stay in a job fraught with stress and anxiety or pursue a new opportunity that seemed promising but uncertain.
This dilemma is not unfamiliar to me. As a pediatrician, I've navigated similar challenges, facing moments of self-doubt and anxiety that made the prospect of change overwhelming. It's a scenario where the question often isn't just about the external circumstances, but about our internal compass and how it guides our decisions.
In professions like medicine, certain traits and beliefs often propel us forward: perfectionism, self-sacrifice, and a relentless focus on meeting others' expectations while neglecting our own well-being. These traits, while initially beneficial, can also lead to burnout and disillusionment if left unchecked. Simply changing jobs without addressing these underlying factors is akin to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic – the fundamental issues remain unresolved.
True transformation begins with introspection and self-awareness. It involves identifying and challenging those ingrained behaviors and beliefs through coaching, therapy, or other self-awareness methods. By doing so, we cultivate an authentic internal compass that allows us to evaluate external opportunities through the lens of our core values rather than escaping from ourselves.
So, when we ask ourselves, "Is it this place or is it me?", perhaps the most illuminating response lies in another question: Have I sought the support and tools necessary to navigate my internal landscape effectively? By doing so, we empower ourselves to advocate for positive changes in our current roles or to pursue opportunities that align more closely with our authentic selves.
Making career decisions amidst uncertainty is daunting, but it's also a testament to our growth and resilience. We owe it to ourselves to make informed choices based on our evolving understanding of what brings fulfillment and purpose to our professional lives.
As we continue on our journeys, let's remember to be compassionate towards ourselves. Whether you're facing burnout, seeking direction, or striving for greater fulfillment in your career, know that support is available. If you or someone you know could benefit from coaching, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore how to transform challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Be kind to yourselves,
-Dr. Joe
Pediatrician, Physician Professional Development Coach, Retreat Facilitator