How Investing Time in My Personal Growth Enhances My Roles as a Mom and Doctor

In the fast-paced world, we live in, it is ridiculously easy to feel swamped and overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that seem ceaseless. For me, the task of seamlessly managing the intricate roles of being a devoted mother and a dedicated woman physician can indeed present itself as an intricate and formidable challenge. And let's be real, it is no joke. As a mother and physician myself, I have come to realize the profound impact that investing time in my personal growth has on both these crucial aspects of my life.  

Contrary to popular belief, the notion that indulging in self-care and actively pursuing personal development might be perceived as a self-centered endeavor or is often labeled as being selfish. The word selfish itself is so harsh and the truth is this is not an act of being one. I like to think of it as our way of giving ourselves invaluable skills and perspectives that can significantly enhance our capacity to fulfill our roles as caregivers and professionals. Above all, it empowers us to sculpt and refine the very essence of our being, fostering our way into more capable, compassionate, and authentic versions of ourselves. 

One way to invest time for yourself is through embracing knowledge and personal development. If you are committed to expanding your horizons and eager to gain life-changing strategies, I welcome you to join my newest course, the RISE: Mastermind. This program presents an unmatched chance for deeper personal growth and establishing sustainable work-life boundaries. This is the most intimate and powerful course I've offered to date. You don’t want to miss this.   

The Balancing Act: Mom and Woman Physician 

Balancing the whole mom and physician role is seriously not an easy feat. I mean, it is like a never-ending rollercoaster of challenges, right? These roles require us to put in extended hours, endure nights devoid of sleep, and shoulder numerous responsibilities. And these are just a few of the things we have to do. The list goes on and on. If you are a mom and a physician, I know that these are just the bare minimum of all the things we have to deal with.   

The unceasing demands intrinsic to these dual responsibilities can swiftly pave the way for us to feel burnout and it is so easy to start feeling lost in the mix. It becomes evident that the continuous juggling act may inadvertently lead to a point where we feel detached from our own identities.  

Recognizing the duality of these roles, it becomes increasingly imperative to grasp the significance of personal growth. Oftentimes, in the pursuit of meeting the demands of these roles, the notion of nurturing our growth and well-being may unintentionally take a back seat. I understand—it's easy to put personal growth on the back burner while we are knee-deep in mom duties and doctor rounds. But the truth bomb – neglecting our growth can mess with our well-being big time. After all, how can we provide the best care for our patients or our children if we aren't taking care of ourselves?  

If ever you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with this balancing act of being a mom and work responsibilities, join my community for support and shared experiences. At The Table, we come together to uplift and navigate this journey together. We understand the challenges and pressures that come with being a mom and trying to excel in your career. Our community provides a safe space where you can openly discuss your struggles, seek advice, and receive encouragement from other like-minded women who are facing similar challenges as you. 

4 Benefits of Investing Time with Myself 

As someone who's been through burnout multiple times in this life, I have learned the hard way to always do whatever I can to avoid going down that road again. Burnout is like smacking into a brick wall – you are wiped out, physically and mentally, and everything just feels like too much. Honestly, I am not eager to revisit that place. So, I have gotten serious about taking care of myself, because nobody else will do it for me. When all those negativities start creeping in – stress, anxiety, or burnout knocking on the door – I know it is my cue to hang out with me, myself, and I. I know exactly that this is the moment where I need to invest time in myself. Here are the 4 amazing benefits I have experienced so far:

1. Rediscovering My Passions 

The act of dedicating time to foster my personal growth has provided nothing but transformative outcomes. It enabled me to reconnect with my passions and desires beyond the roles of a mother and a physician. I started trying out new hobbies and you know what? It brought me back to life and got my creative juices flowing again. This process of nurturing my artistic inclinations and curiosities gave me a newfound vitality and zeal that extends to both my professional medical practice and my interactions with my children. 

You know what paved the way for me to rediscover my passions? I set my boundaries between my work and personal stuff. I realized that constantly bringing work home and letting it consume my personal time was draining and leaving no room for my hobbies and interests. By setting clear boundaries, I was able to create dedicated time for myself and my passions.  

Do you need help in setting firm boundaries for yourself? My book, Brave Boundaries is what you exactly need. It offers practical advice and step-by-step strategies to help you establish healthy boundaries in all aspects of your life. With Brave Boundaries, you can regain control over your life and create space for the things that truly matter to you. 

Getting into these creative things and revisiting my old interests opened up a whole world of good vibes and exciting experiences. The happiness and satisfaction I got from doing these things spilled into everything I do. The whole self-discovery and growth thing does wonders, and for me became a fountain of positivity that makes me better at dealing with challenges and connecting with the world. I can't even explain how amazing it feels to be so content and fulfilled by diving into my passions. It gave me a refreshed perspective on how to manage life in general. Now, I am way more ready to face problems and tough times head-on, and I come up with new ideas and stay kind in the process. 

Investing time in myself transformed my life. It is a deliberate choice that enriches my profession and parenting. This journey of self-discovery has given me a new way to look at life's challenges and a more open-hearted approach to everything. It became the perfect mix of getting better as a person and finding more meaning in everything I do. 

2. Mindfulness and Emotional Resilience

Through my journey of focusing on self-improvement, it's astonishing to see how it enhanced both my parenting and medical skills. A major game-changer is how I have improved my mindfulness and emotional handling. By practicing mindfulness through simple things like meditation and journaling, I gained essential tools for both my parenting and medical roles. 

By practicing mindfulness, we can choose the tools that resonate with us, creating the best ways to invest time for ourselves. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, my FREE destress toolkit is here to help. This toolkit will empower you to cultivate mindfulness in simplest ways possible. 

Mindfulness helped me handle stress better and stay present in the moment. At work, it is transformed how I handle tough situations – I can stay calm under pressure, which means better care for my patients. I am more empathetic and attuned to their needs. And it is not just work – mindfulness has spilled over into my parenting. Being present with my kids lets me respond with patience and understanding, improving our relationship. 

Through mindfulness and emotional resilience, I learned to face challenges with composure and compassion. These skills are making me better at both my job and being a parent. This journey has armed me with the tools to navigate the ups and downs of my career and parenting, and I am feeling more capable and effective than ever. 

3. Leading by Example 

Motherhood has underscored a vital lesson for me: kids pick up stuff by watching and copying. So, I figured if I want them to pick up good things, I need to lead by example. That is why I started putting more effort into my personal growth. And guess what? It is been a game-changer in showing my kids how to take care of themselves, set goals, and keep learning, no matter how old they are. 

When my kids see me taking time for myself to get better, they soak it all up like sponges. They start understanding that working on yourself is a big deal. They see that learning and growing are not just for school – they are things you do throughout your whole life. This has done some amazing things for us. First off, it has brought us closer together. They see that I am not just their mom – I am someone who is always trying to be better. And they get that it is okay for them to want that too. It is like we are on a team, all pushing each other to improve. 

And honestly, it is not just about us being tight. This has also given them a sense of purpose. I see it in them they now have this drive to be better individuals. I know that they are constantly learning that life is not just about coasting; it is about growing, taking care of yourself, and making the most out of every day. I know that by focusing on my growth, I am showing my kids the ropes. I am proving that it is awesome to want to be better and that learning is a lifelong adventure.  

If you are looking to enhance your leadership skills, get ready to hear directly from the experts at the Brave Enough Women's CME Conference 2023. This conference brings together a wide range of perspectives and experiences, with each speaker bringing their unique background, expertise, and valuable insights to the table. 

4. Enhanced Communication Skills 

We all understand the importance of effective communication, right? Well, I've been putting in some serious effort to improve my communication skills for both my mom's role and my job as a woman physician. Yes, despite giving talks and all, I make it a point to make room for progress and improvement. And let me tell you, it's had a big impact – I have seen better connections with my patients and my kids, showing me that good communication is key in both areas. 

One major thing I learned is the art of active listening. It is not just about hearing words; it is about picking up on all those little cues – what people say and how they say it. This helps me understand what is going on with them, whether they are a patient at the hospital or my kiddos. By really tuning in and putting myself in their shoes, I have built strong connections based on understanding and empathy. 

This kind of understanding does not stop at work or home. In my medical role, listening to patients' stories and worries helps me give them the care they need – not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. It creates an atmosphere of trust where they feel heard and valued. And it is the same with being a mom. My improved communication skills have made a real difference. By being there for my kids, listening to them, and making a space for them to share, I can guide them better and provide the support they need. 

One of the ways I found to be effective in enhancing my communication skills is when I am with a supportive community of women. Come and join me alongside all the amazing women at the upcoming Brave Enough 2023 Fall Retreat this November. Imagine stepping away from your daily routine and immersing yourself in a serene environment surrounded by nature. The Brave Enough 2023 Fall Retreat is not just about self-care; it is also about self-investment, enhancing communication with others, and personal growth. So, mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable journey of rejuvenation and empowerment. 

Make Time for YOU 

In a world that often glorifies self-sacrifice, it is important to recognize that investing time for personal growth is a necessity we must give ourselves. As a mother and woman physician, I have come to understand that my ability to excel in both these roles is intrinsically linked to my well-being and growth.  

So, to all the incredible mothers and dedicated healthcare professionals out there, remember that investing in yourself isn't selfish; it is an investment in your ability to make a positive impact on the lives of your children, your patients, and ultimately, on your own life's journey.  

If you happen to read this, this is your sign to make time for YOU.