The Tao of Success Lesson I
Finding Your "Way" and Staying on the Path of Success
In my experience as an executive and career coach for physicians, physician dissatisfaction and burnout often stems from physicians attempting to fit themselves into careers, practice environments, or lifestyles that don't match their unique gifts, abilities, strengths or values. These physicians, and believe me I know because I was one of them, are like the ugly duckling that tried to fit in but after much grief finally realizes he is a swan. Chuang Tzu one of the greatest of the Taoist writers offers some sage advice on why it is important for you as a physician to find what fits your nature and to understand what fits you may not fit another.
In order to achieve and stay on the path of success as a physician you must find your "Way" or Tao. And this "Way" is not the same for everyone. Tao can be loosely translated as "the Way," or also the Absolute or Ultimate Principle.
In Symphony of A Seabird from The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton, Chuang Tzu brilliantly illustrates this point. A seabird was blown ashore and landed in the capital of Lu. The prince of the city ordered a reception for the bird. The seabird was offered wine. Musicians played it a symphony. They slaughtered animals to feed it. Dazed by the symphony the unhappy seabird dies of despair.
Chuang Tzu asks "How should you treat a bird?/As yourself/ Or as a bird?" Shouldn't a bird fly over woods and ponds? Shouldn't a bird feed on fish and fly in formation with other seabirds and rest in the reeds? Are you the seabird that likes forming long term patient relationships but are practicing in an emergency department? Dr. H a family practitioner and one of my clients liked working in the office but became very stressed when she had to cover sick patients in the hospital and intensive care unit. First she was able to get out of the call arrangement and only cover office patients. And now she is working with her hospital to start a hospitalist program. Another one of my clients Dr. L accepted an ob job in rural Georgia primarily because of salary. He had always lived in a large metropolitan city. Twelve months after his move both he and his family were unhappy with small town life. Now he is looking less at salary and more at lifestyle. And is willing to accept a smaller salary to be closer to the big city amenities he and his family enjoy. You may be experiencing similar disconnects in your professional and personal life. And these disconnects may be causing you to burn out or figuratively die inside.
Don't be the seabird that was killed by music. Chuang Tzu says "Water is for fish/ And air for men." The key to getting unstuck and back on the path of success as a physician is to recognize that you are a seabird and need to fly with your flock. Some of you may not need to make drastic changes to get unstuck. Simple changes like giving up hospital on call like Dr. H may suffice. Others of you may need to make radical changes like moving to a new city and practice. For all of you it means examining your likes and dislikes and discovering or rediscovering your unique gifts, strengths, and values. It means accepting your self for who you are both professionally and personally without guilt. It means following Chuang Tzu's advice that "Natures differ, and needs with them." And finally when you follow you own "Way" or "Tao" you will be back on the path of satisfaction and success.
Lori-Linell Hall, M.D, P.C.C., is an executive, career, and life coach to physicians and health care workers who want more satisfaction, joy, and meaning in their lives. Dr. Hall helps physicians answer "The Call" to transform and climb the next great hill on the path of success. Contact Dr. Hall at lori@physiciansuccessunlimited.com
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