MENTAL FITNESS-The Bridge Between our Knowing and Our Being

In a recent article published in the Southern Medical Journal, researchers Du et al, describe some findings suggesting that the joy in practice for physicians seems to be much more closely linked to having a sense of calling and meaning over extrinsic motivators, such as financial success. Another article recently published in Forbes speaks about empathy as the most important leadership skill, according to recent research. Although one article is specifically geared to physicians, and the other is written for business leaders, they both discuss the importance of our inner qualities, our inner being, and how that impacts how we show up every day in our lives. 

What I find that these two articles lack, however, is an understanding or explanation of how we can develop these inner qualities. Although not overtly stated, from reading these articles one could possibly be led to believe that the sense of calling/meaning and empathy are either present in a person or they are not. Although the empathy article does state that as humans we are wired for empathy, it does not actually discuss how we can develop or grow our capacity for empathy. It is definitely possible for all of us to develop these inner qualities, but it requires PRACTICE.

This is exactly where MENTAL FITNESS comes in. It is the bridge that provides us with the tools to grow and strengthen our mind control so that we can build the neural pathways to more empathy and clearer purpose, amongst others. It is NOT ENOUGH for us to know the theories- the reasons why we may not experience joy in our medical practice, or that having empathy in our interactions builds trust and relationships. We need to remember that beyond theories there is PRACTICE. We all learned about pathology and physiology in medical school, yet, it was not until we actually PRACTICED medicine as residents and attendings that we were actually able to BE doctors. It’s the same concept here. You cannot expect to create change in your life be simply knowing the theories behind why you act or are a certain way, or how being a different way would be useful. You need to actually PRACTICE commanding your mind. This practice comes through the PQ reps I have so many times previously talked about. 

In practicing PQ reps throughout your day, you develop the skill to command your mind to settle down and not let itself be so easily triggered. This prevents your mind from automatically reacting and going down a neural pathway that leads to negative emotions and thoughts. Over time you become capable of detecting the early warning signs when something is likely to trigger you, and you can command your mind to choose differently. Without the practice of PQ reps, you may tell yourself a million times, “I am not going to become frustrated/angry/upset/anxious/etc.. about…“, but when the moment arises, the pre-established neural pathways and their reactions take over to become an unstoppable avalanche. That then only leads to greater disappointment, guilt, shame, and the cycle becomes endless. So I urge you (again), PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE those PQ reps!!

Sources:

• Du, et al, Association of Intrinsic Motivating Factors and Joy In Practice: A National Physician Survey, Southern Medical Journal, Vol. 114, No. 9, September 2021
• Tracy Bower, Empathy is the Most Important Leadership Skill According To Research, Forbes.com