New Amsterdam

Recently, I was flipping through the channels and I came across this show called New Amsterdam.  The premise sounded interesting--a New York City doctor (Max) who becomes the medical director of the oldest running public hospital in the U.S. and wants to change the way we do medicine. His goal is to provide amazing care to his patients while limiting the bureaucracy and changing the system. His determination is unwavering--he works long hours, walks the halls solving problems, empowering doctors, comforting patients, and is undeterred by the naysayers.

His commitment and dedication to the job is unquestionable.

As the episode progressed we learn that not only is Max’s personal life in shambles, he has also been ignoring his health for months. He keeps up with his grueling schedule--barely taking time to breath or eat -- not missing a beat, knowing full well that something is wrong (he is a doctor after all). At the insistence of one of his colleagues he finally agrees to a medical exam.

At this point of the episode I turned to my husband and say: “he’s going to be sicker than we expect and it’s not going to be good. He literally worked himself to sickness”. 

Not surprisingly, he is sick—he has cancer.

You might be asking yourself, why is she telling me this? Well, because it’s a story I know too well and I see with many of my clients (it was also my story at some point).

We push ourselves to the point of burnout, disease and sickness. We are so absorbed and driven to do good in the world and accomplish so much professionally that we forget to take care of ourselves, neglect our life outside of work, burnout or even worse get really sick.  

What bothers me is that it doesn’t have to be this way. We can have amazing careers, accomplish our professional goals AND take care of ourselves.  In fact, I would argue that by doing so we will accomplish more and have a greater impact for a longer time.  Danielle Harlan, expresses this very succinctly in her book The New Alpha, when she says: “prioritizing your health and wellness is essential for anyone who wants to live a good life, achieve success, and make a difference in the world.”

Think about it; being a good leader, mentor, parent, partner, friend and making a positive impact requires energy, stamina, clear headedness and drive. All of those things are affected if you are not sleeping well, eat unhealthy food, don’t manage your stress properly, and can’t remember the last time you took a vacation.

Burnout and feeling less than amazing should not be the norm! It is possible to have a meaningful and fulfilling life without working yourself sick.

If you are stuck in the hamster wheel of busyness, have decision fatigue and are overwhelmed by all the health and wellness information out there; I can help. Together, we can find easy and realistic ways to help you take care of yourself so you can have the stamina necessary for lasting impact and an amazing life.

What’s holding you back from feeling and doing your best? Reply to this email and let’s chat.
 
Xoxo,
Ingrid
 
P.S. Want to hear my burnout story? Head over to the Healthy, Happy, Human radio and listen to my interview where we talk about my path from foreign policy to wellness coaching, how I knew I was in the throws of burnout, and how I got better.