Healthcare Clinician Burnout/Hope Cook/PA-C/Life Coach/Physician Assistant/Physician Associate

Burnout is like a clogged pipe; it's an ugly mass of hair, toothpaste, dental floss, and who knows what else. It starts months before you realize it with stress and overwhelm. If the stress goes unchecked, you find yourself with a major problem. The funny thing is how we're the ones taking on everyone else's issues--essentially taking on more grossness to create our clog in the first place. What if you were able to Let Go and Let Them (manage their own dang issues)? If you found this episode helpful, consider leaving an iTunes review (if you didn't, no need to leave a review!) If you'd like more "words of Hope" head to my website and find out how we can work together or just check out the free resources and my mini book on overcoming burnout.

Did you know there are ways to trick your brain into thinking it's safe to take action even when you're scared out of your mind? Nobody wants to make a choice they regret, and we don't want to take a leap without knowing how it'll all turn out. You can't blame the brain for wanting to keep you safe, right? But it can also keep you stuck for YEARS (trust me, I know!) Listen to this episode to ensure you don't live in Stuckville for the rest of your years. If you found this episode helpful, consider leaving an iTunes review (if you didn't, no need to leave a review!) and share with a friend! If you'd like more "words of Hope," head to my ⁠⁠website ⁠⁠and find out how we can work together, or just check out the free resources and my mini book on overcoming burnout (the real book will be published later this year!)

It can be maddening when you're "off" or "out of alignment," but you don't know your next move. We want action, and we want it NOW, but if we skip the cocoon/inner work stage of healing, we'll have to repeat this lesson at a future date. This episode is all about what you CAN do while you're waiting and trying to figure things out. This tool can be used immediately and will improve not only your career, but also your relationships. I'll talk about how it helped when I had intrusive thoughts about bosses and my husband, as well as how I see it has helped clients. If you found this episode helpful, consider leaving an iTunes review (if you didn't, no need to leave a review!) If you'd like more "words of Hope" head to my ⁠website ⁠and find out how we can work together or just check out the free resources and my mini book on overcoming burnout.

Are you frequently disappointed with your job, your luck, or whatever life hands you? The next 25 minutes will change all that! Get back in the driver's seat of your life. Only one person can make the kind of changes in your life you desire (hint: it's you!) My book will be out later this year, so limited coaching slots are available; email me if interested, hope.cook@gmail.com Want to sign up for goodies like my free mini-book on burnout? Click here! Want to leave me a voice message? Click here!

This episode is going to light you on FIRE! This was so much fun for me, I felt like I wanted to stand up and shout “Amen” every few minutes! Sherlonda Adkins, PA and DMSc—The UNSTUCK Strategist™—shares her strategies for navigating life’s crossroads and creating a life you don’t have to escape from. With over 26 years of experience as a motivational speaker, success coach, telepsychiatry entrepreneur, and healthcare thought leader, Dr. Adkins brings her wisdom to help you reconnect with your internal compass, hone in on your values, and design a future aligned with your passions and purpose. From overcoming fear and societal expectations to writing down your dreams and reimagining success, Sherlonda shares so many pearls for getting UNSTUCK and thriving. Whether you’re a healthcare clinician facing burnout or someone seeking clarity in their next chapter, this conversation will inspire you so much you might just flip your life upside down (in a good way!) Dr. Sherlonda Adkins's website, FB, IG, YouTube, LinkedIn It’s almost time!! My next PA Masterclass Series will start mid- January; there's still time to sign up and change your life for less than most of us spent today on Amazon. Let me know if you'd like to be a part of it! Here's a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more. My book on healing burnout will also be out in 2025 (editing now!!); if you're interested in being on my advanced reader team, or would like a few sneak peeks beforehand, shoot me an email, at hope.cook@gmail.com or sign up for any of my free resources (including my mini-book) on my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you'd like to talk about me being a speaker or podcast guest, or if you're interested in collaborating, use the email above to connect! Love, Hope Sherlonda's take-home points: Define Your Own Success: Reflect on whether you're chasing society's definition of success or living according to your personal values. Identify what truly brings you joy, peace, and fulfillment. Hone Your Internal Compass: Pay attention to the physical and emotional cues in your body. Does a decision feel expansive or restrictive? Use this as a guide to align with your purpose. Write Down Your Dreams and Goals: Documenting your dreams and goals is more than just wishful thinking—it’s a way to clarify your vision and create a roadmap to bring it to life. Ask for What You Want: Don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs. Whether it’s flexibility in your career, opportunities for growth, or a shift in direction, you never know what’s possible unless you ask. Consider the Cost of Staying Stuck: Feeling stuck isn’t always negative—it can be your soul’s way of telling you something is out of alignment. But staying there comes at a cost. Use this realization as a catalyst for change. Lean on Key People and Mentors: Surround yourself with trusted individuals who can see your blind spots and encourage you to step into your potential. Mentors and a strong support system are invaluable. Design Your Ideal Life : Take time to imagine what an “unstuck” life looks like for you. What would you do if money were no object? What’s the lifestyle you truly desire—freedom, flexibility, or a rich sense of purpose? Reframe Fear and Self-Talk: Fear often holds us back, but self-affirmation and positive self-talk can shift your mindset. Trust the evidence of your past achievements and lean into your gifts and strengths. Embrace the Liminal Space: The “in-between” or liminal space can feel uncertain, but it’s a powerful time for reflection and recalibration. Use it to uncover your passion and purpose while designing your next steps. No Experience is Wasted: Mistakes and setbacks are part of the process. Even missteps can teach valuable lessons, guiding you closer to your purpose.

None of us are immune to down moments, dips in mood, catastrophes and disasters. They're part of life, right? What can you do now (assuming you're not in the throes of a cataclysmic event) to help the Future You get back up when she gets knocked down? Don't worry, these are pretty simple, yet powerful concepts. If you implement even one suggestion, you'll be better prepared the next time sh$% hits the fan. If you want to meet up for 1:1 life coaching, reach out! Alternatively, if the idea of group coaching appeals to you, my next group starts in January, reach out now so we can see if you'd be a good fit! See you next week, Hope

My clients are burned-out working women, namely healthcare providers. It makes sense that many reach out when they're at their lowest point professionally and emotionally. Like the Chumbawamba song, they're "knocked down" and don't know how to get back up again. They've been hit hard because of a job loss, the disappointment of a new job not being what it seemed, a boss who's awful, or just emotional burnout from years of prioritizing everyone besides themselves. I hear the hopelessness and despair in their voices on that first call. They're knocked down and convinced they'll never bounce back. They'll never get hired again, they'll never find purpose in their career, and they'll never feel valued at their work. Here's what I tell them and I invite you to listen along. If you'd like a private session with me, check out my website.

We spend 1/3 of our waking hours at our jobs. How happy are you with your job? How much meaning do you feel around your work? Does what you do for a living matter? These are some of the questions I tackle in this episode. Most of my thoughts and words on this subject come from reading Shawn Achor's book, The Happiness Advantage, a book I highly recommend. I also discuss Shawn's quick habits you can implement to boost your happiness, plus I add a few of my own. Let me know if you're struggling with work happiness, we can ⁠schedule a complimentary session⁠ to talk about your specific issues.

Do you get mad at yourself for not going after your dreams or not even dipping a toe into whatever it is you're curious about? Do you blame yourself, your busy life, lack of money, age, etc.? You're not alone. Resistance isn't unique to you. I'll describe what it looks like and how to win the war. This podcast is loosely based on Steven Pressfield's amazing book, The War of Art as well as Gay Hendrick's Zone of Genius. If you'd like to meet up on zoom and talk about your dreams and why you can't seem to make progress, reach out!

Today, we're diving into the topic of anxiety and how to effectively manage it. Anxiety affects a significant portion of us, but understanding and addressing it is essential for a fulfilling life. I'll share insights from my own experiences, clients, and experts, so you can conquer anxiety and regain control of your life. 11 anxiety hacks you can immediately implement to help you gain control of your life again. Understanding Anxiety: Anxiety is a common experience; nearly 80-90% of us encounter it in various forms. It can manifest physically and mentally, impacting careers, relationships, and overall well-being. Recognizing anxiety is the first step toward overcoming it. My Personal Journey: I personally dealt with anxiety for years without realizing it. Awareness came when a therapist casually mentioned my anxiety during a marriage therapy session. It's not uncommon for people to be unaware of their anxiety, as I was for the first three decades of my life. Anxiety's Impact on Health: Anxiety triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that can hinder progress in various aspects of life. From career advancement to relationships and even weight management, anxiety can put everything on hold. Physical Manifestations: As a dermatology Physician Assistant, I see anxiety manifest in skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, or eczema. Stress hormones exacerbate these issues and can be a significant factor in their development. Healthcare professionals and individuals working in high-stress environments often experience anxiety, impacting their well-being and decision-making. Types of Anxiety Responses: Anxiety can manifest in different ways. For some, it leads to hyper-focus on areas they can control like micromanaging their food or exercise. Others may resort to coping mechanisms like overeating, excessive spending, or numbing out with Netflix or alcohol. The Life-Altering Power of Anxiety: Anxiety can drastically alter the course of our lives. Imagine it as a path diverging in two directions. Managing anxiety gives you the choice to follow a different path. Understanding Emotions: No emotion is inherently bad; they all serve as clues about what's happening in our minds. Anxiety is a natural response, but unchecked, it can dictate the story of our lives, limiting our agency. Rewiring Your Brain: Anxiety rewires our brains, creating neural pathways that perpetuate anxious thoughts. The key is catching yourself in these thought patterns and rewriting the script to form new neural pathways. Common Anxious Thoughts: Anxious thoughts often include feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, or playing the victim. Identifying and challenging these thoughts is essential to regain control. Anxiety and Safety: Anxiety stems from a primal instinct for survival. In ancient times, it kept us alert to potential dangers. Today, it's a response to feeling unsafe in our environment. Using Anxiety as a Clue: View anxiety as a clue, not an enemy. Ask yourself what your anxiety is trying to communicate and how it's trying to help. I'll review 11 tricks you can use to tame your anxiety and keep it from steamrolling your life. If someone you know is dealing with anxiety, share this episode to offer them guidance and support. Reach out if you're interested in coaching or have questions. You can contact me via at hope.cook@gmail.com or go to my website to schedule a complimentary discovery call at www.coachhopecook.com

Show notes: 1. The Journey Begins: Understanding the Struggle Bus: We kick things off by talking about the notorious "struggle bus." We've all been there, right? Feeling stuck and overwhelmed in your career, your relationships, or with another person. Today, we're going to break it down. 2. What if you saw your struggles as tests in the classroom of life? Life presents us with tests, and passing the tests helps you move to the next level. I'll share a few tests I've faced and we'll explore how we can look at life through the lens of "earth school" 4. Embracing Imperfection: Perfection? Not our goal here. Let's discuss the importance of embracing imperfections and understanding that they're all part of our journey. 5. Unpacking the Purpose: Time for some introspection. What's the point of your current struggle? How can you learn and grow from it? We'll uncover the wisdom hidden within challenges. 6. Stay in Your Lane: Comparison is a tricky game. I'll teach you why it's crucial to focus on your unique path and not get caught up in comparing your struggles to others. 7. Self-Reflection and Journaling: Grab your pen and paper, folks. We're diving into self-reflection and journaling. These tools are essential for processing emotions and finding clarity during challenging times. 8. Emotional Intelligence and Coping Strategies: Let's explore emotional responses and healthier ways to cope with life's challenges. Building emotional resilience is a key lesson. 9. Rewrite Your Story: Shifting Self-Labels: What if you could change how you see yourself? I'll show you how envisioning a different narrative for yourself can lead to personal growth and transformation. 10. Paying It Forward: Inspiring Others: Lastly, we'll talk about the ripple effect. Sharing your experiences and wisdom with others is a powerful way to inspire personal growth in yourself and those around you. Conclusion: Remember to embrace your unique journey, accept life's tests, and keep your focus on the big picture. What is this teaching you or what could it teach you if you let it? If you've found value in this episode, I'd love to hear from you or meet with you on zoom to explore whether life coaching might help you with your ride on the struggle bus.

Show notes: Introduction: Who do you want to be vs. who you really are How your unhappiness has everything to do with how you see yourself, others, and the world. Segment 1: What is Dissonance? (00:02:15) Understand dissonance as a feeling of being out of alignment with your ideal self. Relate dissonance to beliefs, actions, and thoughts. Listen to specific examples to grasp the concept better. Segment 2: Recognizing Dissonance (00:04:00) Honestly assess your alignment with your desired self. Reflect on whether you genuinely like yourself and whether you match up your past aspirations. Segment 3: Choosing Your Thoughts (00:06:30) Contemplate past moments of unhappiness and self-questioning. Recognize the tendency to blame external factors when feeling out of alignment. Grasp the significance of the term "dissonance." Segment 4: The Impact of Our Thoughts (00:09:45) Learn from Viktor Frankl's experiences during the Holocaust. Understand how thoughts influence your perception and response to circumstances. Understand that suffering is often a result of your thoughts. Segment 5: Getting Out of the Box (00:13:30) Comprehend the concept of being "in the box" and its effects on emotions and physical well-being. Realize that staying in the box, even if you're right, is a choice and will lead to suffering 100% of the time Create an alternate story to shift your perspective and observe how it affects your feelings and reactions. Segment 6: Self-Reflection and Accountability (00:16:45) Commit to daily reflection, journaling, or seeking support from others to acknowledge the times you're in the box Understand that no one else can put you in the box; you are responsible for your thoughts and reactions. You put yourself in the box If you'd like help recognizing when you're in the box or how you might be out of alignment, reach out! My website has lots of resources and ways to schedule a call (www.coachhopecook.com⁠www.coachhopecook.com⁠) or email me, hope.cook@gmail.com

Chase and I went on our first-ever marriage retreat after finding ourselves in a relationship rut for the past year or two. As I learned new ways of thinking about things and how to shift my perspective, I realized the information would also help my wonderful podcast listeners with their career struggles. Reach out if you're struggling and schedule a complimentary discovery call with me. We'll see if we're a good fit for life coaching. My email is hope.cook@gmail.com or go to my website, www.coachhopecook.com

I've done a lot of therapy and reading to make sure my marriage is able to survive, but when I read John Gottman's book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, I started seeing parallels with work relationships. Dr. Gottman talks about the "Four Horsemen" of marriage. These are things like contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling, and criticism. If present when a couple is interacting, Dr. Gottman says their relationship has a high likelihood of collapsing. The same could be true with your workplace relationships. If you're shutting down or filled with contempt for your boss, guess what? You might need to start job searching. Or, you can work on turning it around. I'll go through the 4 horsemen and how they might show up in your workplace and what to do about it to try and salvage your job. Want to meet me and talk about how I can help you with your own career burnout or overwhelm? Let's do it! Reach out by email at hope.cook@gmail.com or go to my website to schedule a time to talk!

It's time, people! You finally get to nail what's sucking your energy and wasting your time. I'll teach you how to figure out who or what needs to go bye-bye and how to carry this out. If you like this episode, listen to 159 and 160 for decluttering your space and decluttering your emotions. Body compass exercise video I mentioned in this episode and my interview with Patty, an example of a high-energy yoga friend. Reach out if you'd like to hear more about working with me hope.cook@gmail.com or visit my site, www.coachhopecook.com

In this episode I review the most common emotions I encounter in my life coaching. I'll give you steps to figure out which emotions are "body snatching" you, how to be a thought detective, how to do a thought audit, and finally, what to do about those BIG emotions keeping you stuck. Have your own big emotions you'd like help with? Reach out and schedule a complimentary discovery call! No pressure if it's not for you, share the podcast episode with someone you care about!

Today I share a powerful tool that can help you clear out the clutter in your life and create space for meaningful change. In order to move forward on your career journey, you'll have to clear out the space to become (whatever that means for you). Who Can Use This Tool: Are you ready to embrace change but find yourself overwhelmed by where to start? This episode is for anyone who's feeling stuck and yearning for a new direction, whether it's a career shift or a fresh perspective on life. If you often get lost in the details or struggle to imagine your next steps, this tool is designed just for you. Who This Isn't For: If you're currently in survival mode or immobilized by the thought of change, this episode might not be the right fit for you. This tool is best suited for those who are ready to dream and take action. Introducing the Declutter Decoy: The Declutter Decoy, is a game-changer that helps you create order and clarity in your life. This tool was taught to me as the "living space tool" by Martha Beck, but I like calling it the Declutter Decoy because it can shift your mindset without you even realizing it. How It Works: Our lives often become cluttered, hindering our ability to see the bigger picture. Imagine zip-lining through a forest – you see the tops of trees and bald spots that are invisible from the ground. The same applies to our lives. We're going to explore four types of clutter: physical, emotional, human, and time clutter over the next few episodes. Step 1: Physical Clutter: Physical clutter is present in everyone's life – from messy drawers to chaotic closets. The disorder distracts you from focusing on your dreams. Establishing order and discipline in your environment is essential for growth. Examples of Physical Decluttering: We delve into practical examples of decluttering, from cleaning out your purse, and getting a haircut, to tidying up your car. Physical clutter affects decision-making and drains our energy. The Declutter Decoy Technique: Select a small, stress-inducing area in your space. Describe it in detail – how it looks and makes you feel. Contrast it with a clutter-free area that brings you calm. Analyze the feelings and sensations each space evokes. Identify parallels between cluttered spaces and areas of your life. Make cluttered spaces feel more like the calm ones. Break down the process into the simplest steps. Personal Example: I share my experience using the Declutter Decoy technique to tackle my purse clutter, and how it relates to my social media posting habits. By taking small, manageable steps, I'm working to bring the calm and purpose I feel in coaching to this aspect of my life. Applying the Technique: You're encouraged to take the lessons learned and apply them to your own cluttered spaces – whether physical, emotional, human, or time-related. By taking even the tiniest steps, you can create significant shifts in your life. Conclusion: Remember, making even the smallest changes can lead to significant results. Just like a ship adjusting its course by a single degree, you can chart a new path and arrive at an entirely different destination. Embrace the Declutter Decoy and start recharting your life with hope. If you found this tool valuable, don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Until next time, keep decluttering and keep believing in the power of change. Reach out via email at hope.cook@gmail.com if you'd like a complimentary discovery call or click here for my website and scheduling info.

Everyone has fear to some degree. But how do some people keep doing scary things and others get stuck for years (or a lifetime)? What do you do about fear of making a mistake or fear of failure? If fear is keeping you stuck, reach out, and let's talk! I schedule complimentary discovery calls (go to www.coachhopecook.comwww.coachhopecook.com) or shoot me an email at hope.cook@gmail.com

🗣️ In this thought-provoking episode, we'll dive deep into the world of self-compassion and its profound impact on healing burnout. You may have heard Kristen Neff's remarkable TED talk on the subject, but get ready for even more eye-opening revelations! 🚀 Discover how fostering radical self-compassion can transform your life, boost resilience, and dissolve the chains of self-criticism. If you're on the struggle bus with burnout and overwhelm, it might be time to hire a coach to help you navigate. Reach out and we'll schedule a complimentary discovery call. I'll ask you lots of questions about where you are now and what you think needs to change. Email hope.cook@gmail.com or go to my website for more info www.coachhopecook.com

After reading dozens of Facebooks posts and comments from people who say they'd love to cut back to part-time but can't, I decided to share 3 tools to give you the shift you need to make it happen. If you've longed for a change in your schedule but a part of you says it'll never happen, this episode is for you. If you still don't feel ready, reach out and I'll walk you through the steps to get you there. Hope.cook@gmail.com or check out www.coachopecook.comwww.coachopecook.com