3 Amazing Steps To invest In Yourself As A Woman Physician

As a woman physician, providing quality care to my patients and being the best mom for my kids are always at the forefront of my mind. Signing up for online classes, webinars, and courses that help me be a better physician and even a better mom is easy. But what is more difficult is taking time to improve my self-development. I find myself asking: What about taking care of and investing in myself? How can I fit it in? Where and when should I start?

If you feel otherwise, I assure you that investing in yourself is not selfish. On the contrary, it is a necessary small step towards a healthier, happier you.

Why Investing in Yourself is Important

When you hear the word investment, what often comes to mind? Is it the amount of time, effort, extra money, or even the combination of all three that it requires? An easy way to see it differently is to think of it as a gift or a reward. However, it has taken me a while to see that making small changes in myself is necessary to maintain a healthy mind and work-life balance, reduce stress and achieve success in my personal life. By focusing on my personal development, I can become a better me – which results in a better physician, a more fulfilled person, and an improved leader.

Friend, remember this: Taking time to be intentional and investing in your well-being is a wise decision that can have positive results in every aspect of your life. When you prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health, you create a foundation for success in your personal and professional relationships.

Why Should I Do it?

There are so many different things investing in yourself has to offer. But, as women physicians, here are some fundamental reasons why we should do it:

• Career Advancement: By continuously developing our skills and knowledge as women physicians, we can stay ahead as healthcare providers and position ourselves for professional growth and advancement. It also allows us to keep current on the latest medical advances and techniques, providing higher-quality care to our patients.
• Reduced Stress and Burnout: Stress and physician burnout are common challenges many professionals face, especially in a demanding medical field. I mean, it is a known fact that being in this field, you accept that stress and burnout are always around the corner. So, taking time for self-care and seeking professional development opportunities can help us mitigate these risks by reducing stress and providing us with a sense of balance. In addition, investing in these can help women physicians maintain their passion for serving and showing up with our responsibilities wholeheartedly.
• Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Investing in ourselves can help us grow, increase self-confidence, and lead a more fulfilling life. It allows us to develop new ideas and learn new skills - still untapped for some of us. It allows us to pursue our interests, explore new experiences, and develop individually, leading to greater personal satisfaction and happiness.
• Improved Work-Life Balance: By investing in ourselves, we can maintain a healthier balance between our professional and personal lives, reducing stress and increasing overall well-being.
• Better Health: Investing in yourself can not only have a positive influence on your physical health but also on your psychological health. You can improve your overall health and well-being by creating a health plan involving self-care activities, seeking support, and reducing stress. The benefits of exercise, healthy eating, and stress management can help improve physical health. On the other hand, seeking support and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being, such as therapy or mindfulness practices, help improve mental health. By having a healthy lifestyle, you are better equipped to handle the challenges of your career and personal life and maintain a sense of balance and happiness.

Investing in yourself as a woman physician is crucial for personal and professional growth. This will allow us to improve our work while keeping ourselves happy, motivated, and full of life.

A Healthy Mindset is a Good Investment

I firmly believe that having a healthy mindset is a good investment in all aspects of my life. A healthy mindset can significantly improve physical and mental well-being, relationships, and overall life satisfaction. It can also increase resilience, allowing us, medical professionals, to handle challenges and stress better. Investing time and effort in maintaining a positive and growth-oriented mindset is a valuable pursuit and a great way to have an impact in the long run, which our future self will always be grateful for.

As a physician and a mom, I wear many hats and balance many responsibilities, making it challenging to juggle all these things at once. But with time, I have learned to take control and listen to what I truly believe in. A healthy mindset allows me to manage my emotions better and make wiser, more straightforward decisions. It has become my guide that will enable me to stay mindful of my thoughts and actions and to be more aware of how my choices and decisions impact my life and others around me. With a healthy mindset, I know I am doing my best with grace in every area, whether as a physician, a mom, or a friend. If you want some information on mindset: check out my podcast, The Brave Enough Show Season 1, on how to change your mindset.

Three Amazing Steps to Invest in Yourself

As a woman physician, focusing on my personal development with all the demands of work and my personal life can be tricky. But trust me, all you need to make it possible can be accomplished in 3 simple steps. These steps will help you manage the demands of your profession while leading a happier, healthier life. So, if you're ready to take the action of investing in yourself, here's the best way to get started:

Prioritize Self-Care

We carry a demanding schedule and a lot of responsibilities on our shoulders as physicians. However, making time for self-care activities that help us recharge and reduce stress is essential. Self-care is vital for everyone, especially those in high-stress jobs like healthcare. Taking care of ourselves helps reduce stress and increases our overall physical and mental well-being, which can lead to improved job performance and satisfaction, which we love.  

This does not need to be extravagant. Simply scheduling self-care activities into our routine helps ensure that we make time for ourselves and prioritize our well-being. Try doing regular self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or a relaxing hobby., Anything that can provide a sense of balance and fulfillment is self-care. And I promise you, it is worth prioritizing. Check out my free guide HERE for steps to give yourself back an hour in your week.

Seek Professional Development Opportunities

Staying informed about the latest advancements in the field is crucial for providing the best possible care for our patients. Having this profession is a never-ending quest for learning, and it's true. Every day, I am continually amazed that with so much knowledge, there will still be room for learning more. Pursuing professional development can be challenging, especially for busy women physicians, but you must consider it an investment in your career and yourself.

Professional development can also be about yourself: your personal needs, growth, and goals as a human. Professional development encompasses more than just acquiring new knowledge and skills in your field. It also involves personal growth and self-improvement. Pursuing our interests, setting goals, and investing in activities that bring us joy and peace are all part of personal investment. And I always believe that caring for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being is an essential and holistic aspect of professional development.

So sister, don't limit your focus to just your professional life. Instead, take the time to prioritize YOU first. That can begin now by joining the Brave Balance: The Brave Enough CME Master Class.

Brave Balance is a valuable investment for women physicians looking to create balance. By learning new tools and strategies, women physicians can improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being and be better equipped to provide high-quality patient care.  Brave Balance is the professional development all women physicians need to be the best version of themselves while achieving personal growth and professional excellence Sign up here.

Build a Strong Support System

This is a no-brainer. I feel most productive and inspired when I know my loved ones have my back. And for us physicians, having a strong support system is one good investment we can give ourselves. Having a supportive network of good friends, family, and colleagues can help us manage the challenges of this career and our personal lives.

I can face anything when surrounded by people who encourage and motivate me. A sense of encouragement and motivation is always there to boost my confidence, resilience, and overall well-being. But, of course, there will be those times when I feel confused or helpless, and these are the moments when I am not afraid to ask and reach out for help. So, if you need a support system, join my thriving community. We got you. Click here to give yourself this investment and join these amazing, strong women like you. 

Does Investing in Myself Need to be Expensive?

Investing in yourself doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. There are many ways to invest in personal and professional growth that can be done at little or no cost. Some of the best things and most cost-effective ways to invest in yourself can include:

• Reading: Reading books, articles, and blogs on subjects that spark your interest, expand your knowledge, and help you learn new skills is a good idea. If you are looking for a new book, grab a copy of my book Brave Boundaries. It will help you invest in yourself through the power of boundaries-a powerful tool you can give yourself.
• Networking: Gaining new expertise while attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other professionals in our field can help you build your network, learn from others, and grow professionally. I have a few suggestions for you. First, if you need a community, consider joining my thriving community here. If you are looking for an event that builds your network while giving your resources, encouragement, and support, consider attending my conference, Brave Enough Women’s CME Conference this year in Scottsdale. You will love it!
• Journaling: For this one, in your spare time, you can go old-school with a pen or paper or all digital with any device you want. Keeping a journal can help you reflect on your experiences, set goals, and track your progress. All you need is a place to jot down your thoughts. It will help clear your mental space in ways that support your overall well-being.
• Exercise and Self-Care: Spending time engaging in physical activity and practicing self-care, such as meditation and mindfulness, can help reduce stress, improve health, and boost positive feelings, all free and can be done in your comfort zone.

You Deserve Time to Focus on You

When investing in ourselves, it is customary to hear our thoughts say how selfish that could be. But sister, I want you to say this with me:

I deserve to invest in myself as a woman physician because I have worked hard to get where I am today. I have dedicated myself to learning and mastering the skills necessary to provide my patients with the best possible medical care. Investing in myself will help me continue to grow and learn as a physician and a person.

As a woman physician, you deserve to invest in yourself because of your crucial role in society. But you also deserve to prioritize your personal growth and physician well-being, and there should be no hint of selfishness and guilt when we choose to invest in ourselves. Remember, when you invest in yourself and prioritize your well-being, you benefit not only yourself but also your patients, family members, and community.

Investing in yourself is like planting a seed that will grow and bloom over time. Like the seed, investment takes time, effort, and patience to see the results. Keep planting those seeds while nurturing them with love, dedication, and self-care. Remember, growth takes time, but with consistent effort and patience, you will see the results and bloom into the unique person you are meant to be. I invite you to consider joining me this year in my Masterclass Brave Balance, at the Brave Enough Women’s CME Conference, or at a Brave Enough Retreat.

See you there!