Think of a time when you failed. What was the outcome? How did it make you feel? In this episode, we share some B-reel from a discussion at CORD 2024 where we talked about reframing failure with performance scientist Jason Brooks, recurrent guest and EM Doc Geoff Comp, and our hosts John Casey and Andy Little.
Making a mistake
Why do we assume that we have to bat 1000? Does the possibility exist in what we do that we will make a mistake? Yes! Then why do we assume that we should be able to defy the laws of physics and the universe to never make a mistake? How do we combat this? Be more realistic and be honest with yourself!
Perspective is key
Often our minds go to the worst possible outcome if we were to fail, however, when we take a step back, there is a chance that the outcome of the failure isn’t as bad as we perceived it to be in the first place. Typically when asked what we would do if we failed, the answer is that we would put in the work to try again and do better next time, which we are all capable of doing once we have stepped out of the paralyzing feeling of “what if I fail?”
How do you approach failure?
Have you developed a culture where failure is approached in a punitive way or as an opportunity for growth? Once we accept that failure is inevitable and we view it as an opportunity to grow, our failures become a little less daunting. Not that we want to fail, but we know it will be ok when we do, because unfortunately as humans and doctors, we will fail if we stay in this profession long enough.
Building a support system
As we’ve talked about in several episodes in the past, one of the most important parts of surviving a career in medicine, including coping with failure, is to have a good support system. Whether you refer to it as your board of directors, your bench, or your network, you have to create that has depth and breadth. It is important to have different types of people you can turn to for different types of scenarios in your life whether that be family, friends, coworkers, mental health professionals, etc. Be sure to lean into all the resources around you because what we do can be incredibly difficult at times.
Take-Home Points:
- Failure is inevitable.
- Surround yourself with or create a culture where failure is expected and seen as an opportunity for growth.
- Finding a support system you can count on can be an incredibly important part of longevity in this career.
Post by Patricia Capone, DO PGY-3
About Our Guests:
Assistant Program Director, Creighton University School of Medicine/Maricopa Medical Center (Phoenix) Emergency Medicine Residency
Jason Brooks, PhD
Performance Mindset Coach
Looking For More?
More from Jason Brooks and Geoff Comp: Check out side A of this reel by listening to our Peak Performance episode!
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