Have you ever noticed how easy it is to fall back into old habits? Even after you’ve done so much work to move past them?
Not because you’ve failed. Not because you forgot what matters. But because life changed.
- A schedule shifted.
- A family need popped up.
- A season of life simply changed.
For women physician leaders especially, we often assume that once we’ve built healthier routines, once we’ve climbed out of burnout or overwhelm, we’re “done.”
But the truth is — habits aren’t permanent. They’re responsive.
And when we stop paying attention, we can quietly slip back into patterns that drain us… without even realizing it.
Today’s episode is about that moment of awareness. That subtle feeling of something being off.
And how noticing—without judgment—can be the most powerful leadership skill we practice.
Reflection as a Tool for Women Physician Leaders
When we step out of our normal routines, it gives us an opportunity — if we’re willing — to notice. To check in with ourselves. To reflect.
I know I probably sound like a broken record when I say “notice and reflect,” but it truly brings so much into perspective. And in our fast-paced world of medicine, parenting, leadership, and carrying the invisible load of others, reflection isn’t built in.
Reflection has to be intentional.
I’m a planner by nature.
But this year, our holiday plans were unexpectedly disrupted by a semi-urgent surgery for my husband. (And before you worry—he’s doing really well and on his way to a strong recovery.)
Still, it forced me into a different mode.
One where I had to be super flexible. Take things day by day. Let go of having every detail mapped out the way I usually do. Our plans to visit family disintegrated and our nuclear family made smaller plans together.
At first, I handled it just fine. My boys were understanding. Our family adjusted. We found our rhythm.
But about four or five days into winter break, I realized something didn’t feel right.
On the surface, everything was good.
- We were baking cookies.
- Working on a puzzle together.
- Watching Christmas movies.
And yet—I felt off.
I didn’t feel rested. Everyday tasks felt heavier than they should.
I was dragging myself through the days instead of living and moving through them.
Once I gave myself permission to notice that feeling — without brushing it off or pushing through — I realized what was missing.
Intentional Shifts to Reclaim Yourself as a Woman Physician Leader
My routines. The routines that keep me grounded. The ones that fill my cup. The ones that pulled me out of burnout in the past—and help keep me steady now.
My typical routines had quietly disappeared.
With two kids home and a post-op husband to care for, my usual anchors — daily movement, walking the dog, listening and learning, eating regularly — had been pushed aside to make room for everyone else’s needs.
And here’s the truth I had to remind myself of:
An exhausted, depleted mom and wife does not create a joyful holiday season.
And an unhealthy leader doesn’t serve anyone well, either.
After noticing and reflecting – I adjusted. Not perfectly. Not dramatically.
Just intentionally.
I found ways to bring movement and mental stimulation back into my days — because that’s what allows me to show up fully for the people I care about and feel good doing it.
The boys and I started running together in the mornings.
I listened to audiobooks while knocking out a few chores.
And yes — I let them be bored while I caught up on work that made me feel productive and like myself again.
And it helped. A lot.
It’s Not Failure, It Is Life
Sometimes we fall back. We lose focus. We slip into old habits.
That doesn’t mean we’ve failed. It means we’re human. It means life shifted.
And it means we get to choose — again — what brings us back to center.
Knowing what grounds you, what helps you feel full and steady, is one of the most powerful tools you can have.
Especially for the days when something feels off — but you’re not quite sure why.
Mindset Shifts Become a Tool for Women Physician Leaders
I want to leave you with this:
As women physician leaders, we have to build in time to notice and reflect.
- Not someday.
- Not when things slow down.
- But inside the life you’re already living.
That reflection doesn’t need to look like a journal and a quiet room.
It can happen while you’re commuting.
While you’re washing dishes.
While you’re walking the dog or folding laundry.
Those moments count.
Allow yourself time to think about yourself — your energy, your needs, your patterns.
Allow yourself time to plan.
Allow yourself time to fill your own cup.
This doesn’t come naturally to most of us. We were trained to put our heads down, push through, and care for everyone else first.
But when you shift your mindset to see reflection as essential — not indulgent — you begin to understand something powerful:
- These small acts of awareness are what create your own contentedness.
- And that contentedness is what allows you to lead, care, and support others more fully.
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it with a colleague or a friend — especially another woman physician leader who might need this reminder today.
And if you’re ready for support in building boundaries, reclaiming time, and creating space for yourself without guilt, you can learn more about working with me at womenmdleaders.com.
Thank you for being here.
And thank you for allowing yourself — just for a moment — to notice.