Practical Optimism by Sue Varma M.D

Author:Sue Varma, M.D. [Varma, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2024-02-20T00:00:00+00:00

Remind Yourself of Past Masteries

Most of us have far more proficiency than we give ourselves credit for. You may need to be reminded of what a capable, smart, strong human being you are.

Come up with fact-based observations about your strengths and accomplishments. Look back into your childhood, and think about your schooling, sports, social skills, work life, hobbies, and relationships. You’re borrowing competency from another area to bolster a domain where your self-efficacy is faltering.

For example, growing up as the eldest of five kids, Lina often took on a caregiving role with her siblings. Frequently her needs weren’t first on the list. I asked Lina to describe, despite her childhood disappointments, the positive lessons learned. “Well, my parents relied on me. I was dependable, or at least I became that way. I was able to take charge, I guess.” Had that served her life in any way? “Definitely,” she said. “But it’s interesting—I don’t think I wanted to see it that way.”

Sometimes others see our potential more clearly than we do—which is helpful in moments of self-doubt. A distinguished colleague who’d known me through my training and international work suggested I pursue the opportunity for the trauma program’s medical directorship after they reached out to recruit me. I respected her enormously, and if she thought I could do the job, then perhaps I could.

If counseling the younger me, I’d say, “So you’re not the number one trauma specialist in the country—that’s an unfair comparison. But you have all the foundational elements. You’re a good listener and empathetic. You’ve worked with people from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. You know how to draw out the key points with patients. If you don’t know the answers, you know how to research and seek information and support. You were selected from a competitive applicant pool. They wouldn’t have chosen you if they didn’t think you could do the job. Plus you have a great team, and the program founder is a dedicated female clinician whom you admire.”

Remind yourself that while you may not have done this particular task before, you’ve handled other difficult situations.

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