Wise Wednesdays

CONTROLLING THE UNCONTROLLABLE? I don’t read the news. I get my news from people. I hear that the (UK) Prime Minister has made a pronouncement on Brexit and that this has caused a good deal of anxiety and possibly re-traumatised people in various ways. And Trump has been inaugurated... The reason I avoid the “news” is that it tries to tap into my personal emotions thereby making the issues personal to me – which they are not. The attempt to weave a flood of information into my own life narrative through exposure to sensational stories is a good way to sell more “news” but it doesn’t align with my aspiration to live a more peaceful, tolerant and compassionate life. What’s more, coming from a generational history of colonial rule (and the impact of two world wars), then gone through a violent independence war, the impact of a cold war and a brutal civil war, it’s hard to take political events too seriously.     WHY WE FEAR THE FUTURE Nathaniel Branden (a psychotherap...

It’s such a joyful moment when someone calls you and says: “Thank you for helping me find my dream job – I’ve just been offered the post”; especially when the person calling is so dedicated to the care of her patients. Dr D hired me as her coach to create more meaningful relationships and take her NHS Consultant career to the next level. Fast-forward eight months and she’s exceeded all expectations. Now, she has the opportunity to lead the transformation of a health service at Cambridge University Hospitals into a global leader in alignment with her own vision. I have no doubt she’ll make a huge impact in her field. Her outer success is apparent to all but people don’t often see the commitment and dedication to personal development that’s behind it; the emotional and psychological work required. Doubt and confusion are part of the journey and can often be the starting point. In fact, confusion is good news. Tony Robbins always congratulates anyone who admits to being ...

VISIBILITY? NOT FOR ME...  Some people are natural networkers and self-promoters. Most of us are not but have the capacity to cultivate the skills and use them for a good purpose (e.g. developing a career that makes a contribution). As the labour market moves away from linear careers to portfolios, it’s important to maintain that entrepreneurial mindset and see yourself as a highly valuable company of one in your organisation or wider economy, and look for ways to create partnership.  But if you’re like me, you’ll have to work on changing your approach.  One of the biggest identity changes in my career as a doctor was to go from someone who could perform clinical procedures to someone who could lead a team of junior doctors. Similarly going from someone who could do clever epidemiological analyses to someone who could articulate practical policy recommendations that improve population health required personal growth.  These transformations o...