As we come to the end of another year it’s that predictable time for time to both reflect and look forward to a better life in 2010.
The New Year is also a time for resolutions and vowing that you really will keep to them. This year, instead of setting unrealistic goals, you could spend more time considering the way you’d really like life to be. How are you going to live with the challenges of life as a hospital doctor, and deal with them differently, next year?
Here are five tips:
1. Set clear boundaries: don’t expect others to be mind-readers. Stop yourself getting frustrated if colleagues, nurses, or secretaries don’t seem to understand what you want them to do. Maybe you’ve made assumptions and haven’t been really clear about what you are expecting from them.
2. Decide what you really want. When you know what it is you want then you will be more able to tell others and no longer have to put up with unsatisfactory performance.
3. Communicate clearly. Give a positive feedback sandwich if you are not happy with the way someone is behaving. Say something complimentary then get to the point about what it is you really want - end with something positive about them.
4. Be responsible for yourself rather than everyone else: you can’t always be responsible for others’ feelings. You may be avoiding making a decision for change because you think someone will be upset. Tell them what you are going to do and when and then allow them the chance to deal with it in their own way.
5. Improve your self-care. Stop neglecting your own needs and care of your body, mind and spirit in whatever ways are good for you.
Susan Kersley is a retired doctor and life coach.
Tags: Communication
