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Life Management
Life is to be lived not managed, however, there are many factors that contribute to a well lived life and these factors are worthy of management.
Balance is about choosing what your priorities are and, yes, privileging some things over others. What is most important to you?
Managing a Lack of Control
Residency is a time of increasing responsibility and very little control. The time when the responsibility feels the most burdensome is when you know the least
Physicians, to make a gross generalization, like control. But, we often have very little control over many things that directly impact on our work life - just ask a surgeon about OR time!
"Indeed, if you ask people, “What do you really control?” many say quickly, “Nothing.”They are wrong. There is one thing we can control: our choices. The choices may not be all that we had hoped, but they are choices nonetheless. Making good choices in a world of mirages and uncertainty is far more important than control."[2]
Clever’s checklist for making choices:[2]
Review experiences in similar situations and list take-away messages from them
Collect as much data as possible on measurables such as cost, distance, and time
Recognize that data will be incomplete, and we cannot predict the future
Determine practicality.How much work will changes take, and how much stamina is available? What are the political and institutional realities?
Ascertain others’ feelings and opinions; those most affected should receive the heaviest weighting
Recall how people act in the face of uncertainty,and plan remedies
Evaluate risks and benefits.Benefits include opportunities for growth, use of more of our gifts and self, an expansion of possibilities, reestablishment of an ethical profession, and building a sense of community
Measure physical and emotional health and resilience
Gauge how well the choice fits your values and purposes
Do your choice reflect your values?
Values are the source of meaning in life. They underlie motivation and goals; they fuel energy. Values may change as life becomes more complex and understanding grows. Values can come under pressure and even be assaulted. Answer the questions below and see how your values are doing during residency. [2]
Identify your values and make your choices based on them.
Schedule time for thinking. Protect time for the people and activities that you value. Privilege it.
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2. Clever LH. A checklist for making good choices in trying—or tranquil—times. West J Med 2001;174:41-43. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071230/ accessed October 3, 2011