“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In healthcare, the Golden Rule can be a dangerous thing.
Most healthcare providers easily forgive others’ mistakes, and they tend to be great at offering and endorsing support for their colleagues.
Often, they are not good at doing the same for themselves. As a matter of fact, they tend to suck at selfcare, self-compassion, self-empathy, self-forgiveness, and so on.
That’s why we at Fern EPC endorse the Nedlog Rule*, opposite the Golden Rule: Treat yourself with the same compassion and empathy you have for your patients and the people around you.
When your colleague makes a mistake, you probably let it go and spend little time thinking about it. Can you likewise forgive yourself for the mistakes you make?
Your colleague confides that she is waking up depressed and anxious too many mornings. You don’t skip a beat, offering acceptance, emotional support, and advising her to reach out for professional services. Can you have the same empathy and compassion for yourself! Can you follow your own advice and reach out for help?
You barely notice your fellow team member’s hesitancy to speak out in meetings. You don’t dwell on it. As a matter of fact, your focus is on their value. Can you relegate your fear and focus on your own value?
Aspire to treat yourself with the same respect and compassion you have for others. Follow the Nedlog Rule!
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Fern EPC is the Adaptive Development fast track for physicians and executives.
(*Special thanks to J.P. for this concept.)
