Finding balance and being intentional to create happiness

With December upon us, many of us have been experiencing what seems like a never-ending cold and flu season, both in clinic and at home. This comes alongside the increased mental and physical workload of holiday gatherings, keeping traditions, and spending time with family and friends. With the added stress, I hope you all take time to reflect on how much you have accomplished this year and any goals you may have set at the beginning. One goal that I set for myself is to be more intentional with how I spend my time and to find what fills my cup.

I recently read the book The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. It is an engaging and insightful read and especially pertinent at the end of the year when there is time to reflect. The book’s core message is that happiness isn’t found through acceptance from others but by living true to ourselves. One highlighted concept is to separate tasks and focus on what you can control. In clinical practice, I continue to work on recognizing the boundaries between my tasks and those belonging to others. As physicians, we can strive to provide the best care, but a patient’s response and the outcome of treatment are not always predictable. Letting go of what we can’t control helps prevent emotional exhaustion. Another idea discussed in the book is self-care, reminding us that we cannot pour from an empty cup. Our job is often about giving, and that can come at the cost of our own well-being. This book reminds us that embracing self-care is not selfish but essential to providing ongoing compassionate care.
As my career progresses and evolves, I am still trying to find the right balance, one that brings together work, family, self-care, and everything in between. The right balance is different for everyone. Being in a group practice has allowed me to see the different ways others have set up their practices to achieve this balance and do what’s right for them. It is also encouraging to see the many initiatives in medical school, residency, and practice focusing on physician well-being. It is important to set up boundaries that help support a sustainable clinical practice for the long term.

As I navigate this winter and holiday season, I hope to be more intentional with how I spend my time with my family and friends and find things that bring me happiness. Maybe the path to true happiness starts with giving ourselves permission to live authentically, set out on our own terms.
—Yvonne Sin, MD

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