In this day and age we are pulled in so many different directions and our attention is often divided. The result is that we often feel like we haven’t accomplished anything and are left feeling defeated. I was discussing this with a leader the other day and we were sharing our defeats but also focusing on our wins. I often stay and work into the evenings as this is when I feel the most productive. Why? Because I am truly focused on what I am trying to get done and I make the most progress. It allows me to head home with a sense of accomplishment and a more positive attitude. If I run from meeting to meeting all day and I don’t get the opportunity to even read my emails, I end up leaving with an underlying current of anxiety. We really need to listen to our inner voice and make sure we are doing the things that bring us joy each day. This is an essential part of self-care. I remind myself weekly and sometimes daily that no one else is responsible for my happiness. I am in charge of my attitude and how I react to the world around me. Just like all of you, some days I am more successful than others.
Have you ever heard of the 101% principle? I know we casually throw around the term giving 110% but what does the 101% principle mean? It simply means find the 1% that you can agree on in a difficult situation and give 100% of your effort towards it. This allows us to not get mired down in the heaviness of anger and frustration but to clearly see the direction ahead and work in collaboration to move that way. Our nature in healthcare is to seek out what is wrong or broken and fix it. This tendency also leads us to view most difficult situations with an overwhelming sense of frustration. So my challenge to you over this next week is when you find yourself frustrated with a conversation or situation take a moment and really think about the 1% you do agree on and put your energy and focus towards that instead of winning the argument or making your point. Sounds simple enough right? Give it a try and let me know what you think.
