Ever wonder what some of the success habits of elite performers are? As high-achieving physicians, we have, undoubtedly, developed habits; study habits that have catapulted us through medical school and possibly residency. But, if we audit our lives, we have likely developed some unhealthy and unproductive habits as well. In our effort to succeed, we may have developed unhealthy dietary or exercise habits. When once we were voracious readers, we have let that lapse. Our valued time with our family has become less and less as we trudge forward in our profession.
Let’s face it; we are creatures of habit–both for good and for bad.
What can we do to change our bad habits?
Just as if you were developing a treatment strategy for your COPD patient or brittle diabetic, you must develop an action plan. Similarly, you look for best practice strategies from colleagues or from the most current available research.
Looking at the habits of successful people, a common pattern arises:
- Successful people believe in themselves
- Successful people are deliberate in their practice
- Successful people minimize distractions
- Successful people read–a lot
- Successful people are grateful
To begin, we must be very specific with the habit you want to change or the habit that is unproductive toward reaching your goal. Write this down.
Secondly, create a habit you would like to replace the unproductive habit. Visualize what that feels like. Write this down.
Now, let’s develop a plan.
Start Small
Perhaps you would like to stay more up to date with current trends and research in medicine yet can’t manage to find the time to read your specialty’s journal. Start by picking one article from the most recent journal and read it first thing in the morning while making coffee. By the time you have finished brewing, you will have completed your article. If you drink coffee daily, you will quickly develop this reading habit.
“Habit is habit and should not be flung out the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs, a step at a time.”–Mark Twain
Be Consistent
As high achievers, we are quick to develop goals and habits but a change in schedule can derail us. The key to success in habit formation is to be consistent. Using our above example, make this new habit consistent by keeping it associated you something do already. In order for the habit to “stick” it must be centered around the same time–daily.
Embrace Failure and Plan for It
Being consistent is not perfection. Recognition of this fact will prepare for you for the inevitable. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, opines that if you want to maintain your sanity, reduce stress and increase your odds of long-term success, then you need to plan for failure. Remember, developing habits is not an all-or-nothing endeavor; it is small incremental successes that drive your long-term habits. Try not to miss a habit twice in a row.
As you Improve, Break your Habit into Smaller Segments
In our example, you would increase your reading habit from 5 minutes a day to 10 minutes. Ten minutes would increase to 15 minutes. In time, and as you improve, consider breaking your habits to small manageable segments. This will make it easier for you to succeed in your habit consistently. Instead of a 20-minute reading session, break it up to two 10-minute sessions.
Physician wellness hinges on promoting habits that will yield success. By modeling habits of successful people, you can vault your life and career toward new levels. Perhaps, though, this includes creating habits that may seem uncommon to your colleagues yet we understand that success comes from the small incremental “wins” we intentionally focus our efforts.
If you want to explore more ideas on habits, I have found the following books indispensable:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- Hooked by Nir Eyal
What are some of your habits that you want to improve? Share them with the community in the comments below.
Note: Many of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning if you choose to make a purchase I may make a small commission (this is at no additional cost to you). That said, I only recommend resources that I have tested and find them effective and useful. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel they will help you achieve your goals.
