Explore every episode of the podcast Physician Assistant Burnout: Tips, Tools, and Interviews with PA and Life Coach Hope Cook

I could listen to this lady for days! She's so grounded and generous with her wisdom. If you're feeling down and out or uncertain about your chosen career, sit back and listen.

If you'd like to connect with Sharon, she's on FB and IG

If you see this before Friday the 13th, there's still time to join my masterclass PA burnout group coaching. Reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com or go to my site!

If you'd like to be a guest on my podcast or vice versa, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

If you'd like to get periodic updates about my upcoming book on burnout, or if you'd like to download my free mini book on burnout, sign up on my website!

How can we make the best choice in a situation? What happens if you don't? How to handle regret and how to live life so it's less likely to happen. What if you really screw up, can you repair the damage? In this honest episode (not that the others aren't honest!) I share some of the questions I struggle with. How do I live a life that matters?

Oh! And I wanted to invite you to consider joining my group coaching:

• Starts on 9/13/24 at noon Eastern time
• One hour a week on Zoom
• You'll learn tools to help heal from burnout and chronic stress as well as map out your next chapter, all in a safe, supportive small group setting with other PAs
• Eight weeks total, $149
• Go to my ⁠website⁠ to sign up

My book on healing burnout will 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, hope.cook@gmail.com or sign up for any of my free resources on my ⁠website⁠

If you want to have me as a speaker or podcast guest or collaborate with me, use the email above to connect!

Who are you? No, seriously. Who are you outside of your role as a PA or other healthcare provider? Inauthenticity is exhausting. Those were the very words of a coaching client earlier today, and they made me consider how this plays into burnout. I used to call it "tap dancing" for patients, and she was 100% right: This misalignment IS exhausting.

Listen to this episode for tips on being your authentic self WHILE still being a professional PA.

Oh! And I wanted to invite you to consider joining my group coaching:

• Starts on 9/13/24 at noon Eastern time
• One hour a week on Zoom
• You'll learn tools to help heal from burnout and chronic stress as well as map out your next chapter, all in a safe, supportive small group setting with other PAs
• Eight weeks total, $149
• Go to my website to sign up

My book on healing burnout will 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, hope.cook@gmail.com or sign up for any of my free resources on my website

If you want to have me as a speaker, podcast guest, or collaborate with me, use the email above to connect!

Lyndsey uses the word "propelled" to describe how she got two bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees AND held down a part-time job while being involved in global health. She got her MPH and worked part-time while in PA school! Lyndsey is very involved in global health and worked for a year in South Africa teaching PA students (called Clinical Associates there). After years of working 6 days a week she finally hit a wall, becoming frustrated with patients, a clue for her that she was experiencing burnout.

Before we get to the take-home points of the interview, group coaching is now starting after Labor Day (9/13), so if you haven't signed up, it's not too late.

• More info⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Only $149 for 8 wks. It's just for PAs this round and will be one hour every Friday. If you can't do Fridays, reach out anyway and we'll discuss alternative days. If you want to talk one on one, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠to schedule your complimentary discovery call. I'm also writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), so ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up on my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with your email and you'll get periodic updates and sneak-peeks.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

Show notes:

1. What are you giving up (for your future) with the decisions you’re making in the present?

2. Figure out what kind of framework you want for your life in 5 years and ask yourself what decisions you can make right now that’ll set you up for that

3. Notice if you’re getting frustrated with patients, this is often an early sign of burnout.  Can you find a way to deal with that frustration that empowers both you and your patients like educating them about their condition?

4. Ask “who takes care of me?”  Are your needs getting met?  How can you show up for yourself and meet those needs?

5. Boundaries:  Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.  Ask yourself why you’re saying yes when you really mean no.  Are you saying yes because you feel obligated?  Will saying yes sacrifice your needs or your ability to provide good patient care?

6. Ask if the money is worth it?  What are you giving up for the money?

7. Think of your time in terms of a scale.  Sometimes adding in things that you’re passionate about helps tip the scale away from burnout, but it’s a conscious choice and requires stepping back and looking at how you’re spending your time. 

Burnout book Lyndsey mentions, here

PAs for Global Health website, IG

Lyndsey's IG here

Before we get to the show notes, group coaching is now starting after Labor Day, so if you haven't signed up, it's not too late.

• More info and sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ here.⁠⁠⁠⁠ It'll start early Sept and it's only $149 for 8 wks. It's just for PAs this round and will be one hour every Friday. If you can't do Fridays, reach out anyway and we'll discuss alternative days. If you want to talk one on one, click ⁠⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠⁠to schedule your complimentary discovery call. I'm also writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), so ⁠⁠⁠⁠sign up on my website⁠⁠⁠⁠ with your email and you'll get periodic updates and sneak-peeks.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

Okay, back to this week's show. This episode stemmed from a discussion (aka argument) with my husband around values. How we spend our time, what's most important to us, etc. My son also pointed out one of my big distractions/addictions later that week and it made me think about how each of us has a safety mechanism in place when we're burned out or super stressed. These aren't bad per se, but they can distract us from the real issue at hand and keep us living in Stuckville.

I can't believe I fell for the oldest trick in the book. I actually believed what the voice in my head told me, which was "You suck." This was related to pursuing my passion, ie, writing this book I've been working on for the last year. For two months I wallowed, I stalled, I whined. I believed it and allowed it to almost sabotage my efforts in getting this book out to those who need it.

Luckily, I know a few amazing coaches. In this episode I'll tell you exactly what my coach did that helped me get unstuck.

If you're super hard on yourself and struggle with negative self-talk or a harsh inner critic, listen and learn!

Ohhh! There's still time if you want to join my PA group coaching!

• More info and sign up⁠⁠⁠ here.⁠⁠⁠ It'll start late Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks. It's just for PAs this round and will be one hour every Friday. If you can't do Fridays, reach out anyway and we'll discuss alternative days. If you want to talk one on one, click ⁠⁠⁠here ⁠⁠⁠to schedule your complimentary discovery call. I'm also writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), so ⁠⁠⁠sign up on my website⁠⁠⁠ with your email and you'll get periodic updates and sneak-peeks.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

Show notes:

• Challenge Self-Imposed Rules: Often, what we perceive as facts are just self-imposed rules, especially those involving "I can’t" or "I have to." Recognizing this can help you break free from unnecessary constraints.

• Embrace Discomfort for Growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing discomfort can lead to greater fulfillment through growth, learning, and self-challenge.

• Prioritize the Important: Let go of minor issues and give yourself a break. This allows you to be more present with your family and enjoy quality time.

• Increase Your Value as a PA: Enhance your value within your current practice by learning a new skill or focusing on a niche. This not only increases your negotiation power but can also lead to greater job satisfaction.

• Recognize Burnout Signs: Be aware of burnout symptoms like irritability, hopelessness, and a lack of enjoyment in things you used to love. These are key indicators that you need to take action.

• You’re Not Alone: Remember, burnout is common, and there's nothing wrong with you. Many others share your experience, and support is available.

• Create Quiet Time: High achievers often try to do it all, but if you’re burned out, it’s crucial to carve out quiet time for yourself. Even a few minutes of journaling can make a big difference.

• Aggressively Pay Off Student Loans: If you still have student loans, paying them off aggressively can be a favor to your future self, essentially buying yourself freedom later on.

• Empower Your Language: Notice the words you choose. "I choose to" is empowering, while "I have to" isn’t. This shift in language can change your mindset and actions.

• Believe in Yourself and Let Go of Perfectionism: Believe that you can make changes and take responsibility for your actions. Stop fearing failure by asking, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” Remember, you can always go back if needed.

Erin Bateman's contact info: IG @dermpabateman

FB: Erinbatemanpac

• Now, for you, my devoted listener. If you'd like to be in my next ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠group coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare providers (for those experiencing career uncertainty or burnout), reach out⁠⁠ here.⁠⁠ It'll start late-Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks. If you want to talk one on one, click ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠to schedule your complimentary discovery call. I'm also writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), so ⁠⁠sign up on my website⁠⁠ with your email and you'll get periodic updates and sneak-peeks.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

Y'all, I'm going to be honest, this podcast was a last minute, messy version because we were stuck in California after the Microsoft update/crash thanks to a canceled Delta flight.

But the Universe delivered a clear message from several sources and I am passing it along to you, my fellow PAs and medical friends.

Here are 5 things you might catch yourself saying that seem innocent enough, but they're BIG clues you're not giving yourself what you need (and blaming others). I am guilty as charged. See how you feel after listening to the next 8 minutes! (book referenced: The Art of Extreme Self Care by Cheryl Richardson

• Now, for you, my devoted listener. If you'd like to be in my next ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠group coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare providers (for those experiencing career uncertainty or burnout), reach out⁠⁠ here.⁠⁠ It'll start mid-Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks. If you want to talk one on one, click ⁠⁠here ⁠⁠to schedule your complimentary discovery call. I'm also writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), so ⁠⁠sign up on my website⁠⁠ with your email and you'll get periodic updates and sneak-peeks.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

I love a good metaphor so I tried to think like I do when I'm wearing my white coat. We often neglect ourselves when we're the patient, but what if you had a terrible rash? Wouldn't you want to dig deeper/look below the surface, try different treatments, and figure out a long-term plan?

• Now, for you, my devoted listener. If you'd like to be in my next ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠group coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare providers (for those experiencing career uncertainty or burnout), reach out⁠ here.⁠ It'll start mid-Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks. If you want to talk one on one, click ⁠here ⁠to schedule your complimentary discovery call. I'm also writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), so ⁠sign up on my website⁠ with your email and you'll get periodic updates and sneak-peeks.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

There are things I've done (and I see PAs do) that are not only unhelpful, they sabotage our happiness and create a deeper pit of despair and stuckness than is necessary. Some of these are obvious, but that's the problem. They're so obvious and common (because we all do them) that we're not even aware we're doing them.

I'll also share the time I thought I killed a patient and what I did about it.

If you'd like to be in my next ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠group coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for healthcare providers (for those experiencing career uncertainty or burnout), reach out⁠ here.⁠ It'll start mid-Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks.

If you want to talk one on one, click ⁠here ⁠to schedule your complimentary discovery call. I'm also writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), so ⁠sign up on my website⁠ with your email and you'll get periodic updates and sneak-peeks.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

In this eye-opening interview with Amy Story, a PA who's transitioned out of clinical medicine into a very satisfying career with various healthcare technology companies, you'll learn how to reframe what you currently do as a PA into skills you can use in almost any job. I had no idea there were PAs doing what Amy's done, and she generously shared so many valuable pearls. I had a page of notes!

Key points:

1. Ask yourself if you can see yourself doing this in ten years?  If you can’t, go on a journey of “what’s out there?”

2. You know yourself better than anyone.  Are you numb?  Itching to grow and change?  Have you lost your sense of self? Does your internal temperament match with what you’re doing day to day?  

3. You can stay stuck or figure out a way out.  Acknowledging that you have agency is empowering and will give you a different mindset 

4. When you’re considering what to do next, look at the things that drive you crazy at work and that you think you’d be well suited to handle.  (processes, patient experience, communications etc)

5. Build your network, which is really just a community of people you talk to.  

6. When you read a job description, spend time translating all the skills listed into what you already do as a clinician.  

7. Once you make a career transition, know that you’ll have to change how you approach this job.  Give yourself grace to ease into a new role and a new mindset.  

8. Know yourself.  Don’t accommodate yourself to fit into a mold.  What’s in your best interest.  

9. When you first start out  you might have to take something that’s not the perfect role, but allows you to utilize your skills you’re good at and enjoy, then you can grow from there

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

When I started my podcast, the idea was to share stories from women who'd done brave things, some had crazy career pivots, some had clawed their way back from the edge of disaster, others had made scary leaps into the unknown. What I didn't realize was that each woman, while she shared her words of wisdom, was mentoring me in the process. The podcast helped give me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and to gather enough strength and courage to make it through burnout. This podcast then morphed into helping others find their way through the dark and scary forest of burnout.

Join me as we celebrate my 200th episode!

If you liked what you heard and want help with your own burnout journey,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ I'd love to talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'm writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), and I have a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠group coachin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠g starting mid-August after my wild kids go back to school.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

#199: I’ll explain how to use my favorite tool to help you make confident decisions. You already have answers inside, but your fear-based brain gets in the way, arguing why you “should” choose x,or z. The heart, however, knows what’s truly best. How do you discern the difference in the midst of overwhelm or burnout? I’ll demo this tool. This, my listeners, is a game changer in your journey. It changed my life, no joke.

If you liked what you heard and want help with your own burnout journey,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ I'd love to talk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'm writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), and I have a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠group coachin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠g starting mid-August after my wild kids go back to school.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

Tajuana is one of the easiest people to talk to, she made it seem like we’d known each other forever. If you’re feeling stuck, her zen vibe and can-do attitude will pull you out of your rut on this episode. Tijuana’s ⁠FB link ⁠ and her ⁠email⁠

Key points:

1. Give when you’re able, inspire when you can.  Serving others can give  you a sense of purpose.  
2. Burnout can look like being Irritable, not wanting to meet the day, not being fully present in your life, and physical symptoms like being achy and inflamed.  
3. Try mixing iti up with doing lots of different things both for your career and otherwise. . Burnout is lower in clinicians who work more than one job.  
4. Add in creativity, it engages you in a new way.   
5. Listen to those inner pulls for each season of life.  Allow yourself to be gung ho and then phase out, 
6. Even if your new endeavors don’t resonate with those around you, allow yourself to be a unicorn and do things that light you up. 
7. Have fun, figure out what feels rewarding.  Then try it out and learn about yourself in the process.  
8. You can’t control circumstances in life but you can add in intentional practices like setting a timer twice a day to take a deep breath, stretching, yoga, or walks outside. 
9. Have grace for yourself, sometimes you’ll make decisions that feel like mistakes.  No one has all the answers, forgive yourself for the missteps and move forward, don’t be afraid to seek out help or take steps in a new direction.  
10. You don’t have to just have one lane in life, you can have lots of identities, in fact, it will probably be more fulfilling.

If you liked what you heard and want help with your own burnout journey,⁠⁠⁠⁠ I'd love to talk⁠⁠⁠⁠. I'm writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), and I have a ⁠⁠⁠⁠group coachin⁠⁠⁠⁠g starting mid-August after my wild kids go back to school.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

Have you heard of the 8 C’s (hint: Dr. Richard Schwartz came up with this)? The 8 C’s describe how to see your situation with new eyes, how to work on your situation without changing anything external. This type of therapy changed my life. I recommend all his books, but you can also find plenty of free videos and free podcasts with him doing demonstrations of this type of work.

Other book mentioned: Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

If you liked what you heard and want help with your own burnout journey,⁠⁠ I'd love to talk⁠⁠. I'm writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), and I have a ⁠⁠group coachin⁠⁠g starting June 11th.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

What happens when you pour your heart (and money, time, and effort) into becoming a PA and you fall out of love with medicine? Can you salvage your career?

I'll tell you how!

If you liked what you heard and want help with your own burnout journey,⁠ I'd love to talk⁠. I'm writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), and I have a ⁠group coachin⁠g starting June 11th.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

John is an inspiration, especially if you've thrived at the top of your game only to realize it wasn't "filling your cup." John realized he was letting work be the driver of his life, and it was leading to burnout and unhappiness. He made the courageous decision to talk to management and admit he was burned out, but they weren't willing to make changes. So he decided it was up to him to make the change. Hear how he made the shift to academics and the effect this had on the other areas of his life.

You can find John on Linked In or FB. He's also sharing his email if you want to contact him!

If you liked what you heard and want help with your own burnout journey, I'd love to talk. I'm writing a book on how to heal from burnout (due out 1/25), and I have a group coaching starting June 11th.

If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, hope.cook@gmail.com

I'll share an embarrassing story of me yelling at a stranger and what it taught me about myself. I'll also share how to pinpoint what's underneath the scowl and how to keep a toolbox of mood flippers handy

Group coaching for a very discounted rate? Click here, the next session starts June 11.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠my website⁠⁠⁠ for more "words of Hope." My book is coming out later this year, and if you'd like to be on my list of first readers or beta readers, please let me know!

Please share the episode with a friend or fellow PA and subscribe so you'll never miss an episode. If you found it helpful, it would also make me so happy if you'd leave an Apple review. Thank you!

I hear this question a lot. Someone starts a job or maybe they've been at a job for a while and they get this horrible feeling that they made a mistake. Some freak out and jump ship, others go into shut-down mode. Here are 10 things you can do if you find yourself in this situation.

Thank you for listening! I'd love to get to know you; send me an email at hope.cook@gmail.com or visit ⁠⁠my website⁠⁠ for more "words of Hope." My book is coming out later this year, and if you'd like to be on my list of first readers or beta readers, please let me know!

Are you interested in having me ⁠⁠speak⁠⁠ at your event? Do you want to hear more about ⁠⁠group coaching?⁠

Hi! Thank you for listening! I'd love to get to know you; send me an email at hope.cook@gmail.com or visit ⁠my website⁠ for more "words of Hope." My book is coming out later this year, and if you'd like to be on my list of first readers or beta readers, please let me know!

Are you interested in having me ⁠speak⁠ at your event? Do you want to hear more about ⁠group coaching?

Key points:

1. Think about career choices in terms of sustainability, what needs to happen to allow you to work in medicine for years to come?
2. You don’t have to sacrifice your needs and your health for your patients and your job 
3. Ask yourself what YOU need first and foremost.  Only then can you serve others. You can’t provide compassionate care if you’re burned out.   
4. Create a margin between what you spend and what you make so you’ll have the freedom to walk away if you need to. 
5. First ask yourself which values matter the most to you.  Then look at how you show up on an average day, does this support your values and how you want your life to be?
6. Pay attention to your health.  Your body will let you know when your values and priorities are misaligned.  
7. Don’t become so entangled in your identity as a PA that you lose sight of your own self-worth.  
8. Let go of guilt over making job changes.  We’re all adults, we’re free to make choices and live lives without regret.  
9. This job is not your “one shot.”  We add exceptional value to the healthcare system both as providers to our patients and colleagues with the doctors we work with.  

Tracy Bingaman’s info:

⁠Website⁠, ⁠FB⁠ ⁠Instagram, ⁠

⁠Tracy’s free quiz on burnout

You asked for more ideas on how to change the giant ship that is your life, your career, and your struggles. So here are about a dozen other ways you can steer the ship toward a new shore, including how to manage your time and money.

Thank you for listening. I'd love to get to know you; send me an email at hope.cook@gmail.com or visit my website for more "words of Hope." My book is coming out later this year, and if you'd like to be on my list of first readers or beta readers, please let me know!

Are you interested in having me speak at your event? Do you want to hear more about my mastermind?

This episode is full of small, almost too-simple changes I've made over the years to help me still like seeing patients and shift the way I think about my "have to" list.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple iTunes so others can find it!

Want more Words of Hope? My burnout book will be coming out later this year and I'd love for you to be a beta reader or on my list for first-readers. Sign up on my website (in the comments, let me know if you'd like to be a reader). ⁠⁠⁠www.coachhopecook.com⁠⁠⁠

If you or someone you know is a PA with an inspiring story or words of wisdom to share, please reach out via my website.

If you're interested in working together, ⁠⁠⁠please reach out!

Michele knew nothing about YouTube, but she knew there was a gap in the PA world. Cool and unique PA careers exist, but no one seems to know about them. Thus began her journey to educate PAs and NPs about all the options out there by interviewing PAs doing interesting jobs. Her Youtube channel is The Medicine Couch and here's her LinkedIn profile.

Take home points:

1. If a job is a "bad fit" use it as valuable information about what to steer away from rather than beating yourself up
2. If what you seek isn't out there, consider creating it yourself
3. Notice what piques your interest, then investigate it with books, podcasts, blogs, or other PAs
4. Be okay with imperfection; it will help you grow into a better version of you
5. There's no reason to be stuck when it comes to medicine; the options are plentiful. Don't give up, keep exploring options
6. Consider niching down in your practice. Figure out what interests you and make that your "thing."
7. The sunk cost principle is a fallacy. You never waste the time, energy, and money you've put into your job, it will serve you in some capacity at some point.
8. Support each other; we're all on the same team.

Enjoy today's episode> Share with a friend and subscribe to my podcast. Want to discuss speaking engagements with me? Reach out via my website or email, hope.cook@gmail.com

Remember dear listseners, there is always Hope.

After spending time dreaming and getting to know the new you, post burnout, you'll get to a point where you're ready to make big changes. Maybe you change specialities or maybe you stay put and work part-time or change your duties. How do you know what to do? Because this is a frequent question, I decided to put all my answers in an episode to help you navigate the changes and decisions that lie ahead.

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple iTunes so others can find it!

Want more Words of Hope? My burnout book will be coming out later this year and I'd love for you to be a beta reader or on my list for first-readers. Sign up on my website (in the comments, let me know if you'd like to be a reader). ⁠⁠www.coachhopecook.com⁠⁠

If you or someone you know is a PA with an inspiring story or words of wisdom to share, please reach out via my website.

If you're interested in working together, ⁠⁠please reach out!

The good news is that you won't stay in the "barely surviving" stage of burnout forever. At some point, the smoke clears, and you rise from the ashes. But you're a different version of yourself. How do you decide who you'll be going forward? What will be different?

You may be surprised at the answer!

If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend and leave a review on Apple iTunes so others can find it!

Want more Words of Hope? My burnout book will be coming out later this year and I'd love for you to be a beta reader or on my list for first-readers. Sign up on my website (in the comments, let me know if you'd like to be a reader). ⁠www.coachhopecook.com⁠

If you or someone you know is a PA with an inspiring story or words of wisdom to share, please reach out via my website.

If you're interested in working together, ⁠please reach out!

Get ready for some ah-ha moments with these powerful questions. I've noticed a pattern when I ask PAs these magic questions, and I've included them in this episode. Sit and listen when you're free of distractions so you can see what bubbles to the surface as I ask them.

Being married to a forester, we talk about controlled burns, what measures need to be taken beforehand and what they do to prevent the fire from getting out of control. Listen and reflect on your own work life and burnout.

Want more Words of Hope? My burnout book will be coming out later this year and I'd love for you to be a beta reader or on my list for first-readers. Sign up on my website (in the comments, let me know if you'd like to be a reader). www.coachhopecook.com

If you or someone you know is a PA with an inspiring story or words of wisdom to share, please reach out via my website.

If you're interested in working together, please reach out!

Did you enjoy today's podcast? Share it with another PA and subscribe! If you want more information about healing from burnout or want more resources and information (including my free mini book on recovering from burnout), come on over to my ⁠⁠site⁠⁠. Find out more about coaching or upcoming events. I'd love for every one of you to pop over and say hello!

Take home points:

1. Be intentional about relationships and invest in them early on and throughout your career.
2. PAs have a remarkable skill set that transcends the practice of medicine. We can literally work in any industry (sales, communication, tech, publications, research, leadership, etc.)
3. Always look for a sense of joy in what you do. Misery is not an option. If you're miserable, stop doing what you're doing and find something else as soon as possible.
4. Prioritize balance in your life. Know what you want in your center. Live with intention and purpose
5. Figure out WHAT you want, HOW you're going to achieve it, WHY it matters to you, and WHEN you want to do it.
6. Time is finite. Allocate the time and resources you have in order of your priorities.
7. Forgetting your core priorities or who you are as a person can lead to burnout. Invest time in contemplating who you are and what matters to you.
8. Life favors the specific ask and punishes the vague wish (quote by Tim Ferris)

For Terry's LinkedIn link, click⁠ here⁠

Podcasts mentioned: ⁠Smart Less⁠, ⁠Tim Ferris Show,⁠ ⁠Huberman Lab⁠, ⁠The Drive with Dr. Peter Attia

Have you noticed that you're hypervigilant when it comes to "making" other people happy? Do you scan everyone else's emotions but rarely think about what YOU need? Does the term "self care" make you mad because you don't have time for that when you're too busy taking care of everyone and everything?

If you answered yes to any of these, you might be mixing up the perfect recipe for burnout. You might be codependent.

I've been there and I still struggle with it. Let's talk about ways to reverse it! Listen to today's episode for tips and tools to combat codependency and burnout.

For those of you who'd like to learn more about healing from burnout or who want more resources and info, come on over to my site. Find out more about coaching or hiring me for a speaking engagement, or pop over to say hello!

Have you ever felt everything inside you say "YES!"? Or maybe "NOOO!" These are huge clues from your subconscious (also known as your gut, your spirit, your intuition, or your essential self). I'll share times in my life when I've had this whole-body knowing and give you tips on how you can access this same knowing in your body.

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 actual book will be published later this year!)

If you'd like to try Magic Mind, those cute little green energy (coffee alternative) drinks, click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ for a 20% discount!

In this episode, I interview my friend and fellow dermatology PA, Archana Sangha. Archana is a past president of SDPA and is currently working as a Medical Science Liaison. Not only does she share how she landed her job, but she also talks about her path to get there and how she managed two little ones, a full-time dermatology job, and held PA leadership positions during the pandemic.

Archana and I met on a Kenya medical mission trip when we were new dermatology PAs, and our most recent escapade was dressing as Tina Turner and Dolly Parton at a Nashville conference. This woman is amazing; you won't regret listening to her interview!

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!)

If you'd like to try Magic Mind, click ⁠here⁠ for a 20% discount!

Do you ever feel like you're bashing your head against a wall? You know what you're doing isn't working out so well, but the idea of making change feels like too much? You end up following the same pattern again and again, blaming everyone around you, and nothing changes?

If this is you, give yourself the gift of 20 minutes to listen to this episode. This episode will help you break that pattern.

If you found this episode helpful, consider leaving an iTunes review (if you didn't, no need to leave a review!) and share it 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!)

If you'd like to try Magic Mind, click here for a 20% discount!

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!)

I recorded an entirely different episode, but the energy was definitely off. It took a walk around the block to decipher why. I was having a hard time with jealousy. Not something I'm proud of, but I decided if I'm struggling with it, maybe some of you are, too.

Here's how I shook it off, used it as good information, and reversed the effects.

If you found this episode helpful, consider leaving an iTunes review (if you didn't, no need to leave a review!) and share it 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!)

I can't believe it took a parenting coach to help me see this. As she was talking about why kids react the way they do, I had a light bulb moment. OMG, that's why I reacted the way I did; that's why I felt the way I did.

If you're a) beating yourself up for feeling the way you feel, b) baffled about why you can't "snap out of it," or c) wondering why your burnout doesn't look like someone else's, this episode is for you!

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.

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.

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!

I woke up at 38 and realized I'd checked all the boxes on my wish list. A boy, a girl, a house, a good job, a cute husband, a degree, and money in the bank. But I'd never felt more lost and bewildered. Why wasn't I happy? I'd gotten exactly what I wanted.

Reading Sue Monk Kidd's When the Heart Waits and Martha Beck's Way of Integrity opened my eyes about why I didn't feel good despite getting what I wanted. In this episode, we talk about wantings vs yearnings. What the brain thinks you want vs what the heart wants.

If you feel empty this Thanksgiving, this discussion will give you a lot to chew on. Reach out if you'd like to discuss coaching, speaking or anything else! hope.cook@gmail.com or check out my website, www.coachhopecook.com

Some of us have experienced painful job situations, awful bosses or coworkers, or had terrible things happen in the past. These aren't the problem. In fact, these can all help us grow into more evolved versions of ourselves The problem occurs when we continue to "fondle" the story over and over, which renders us helpless victims of our circumstances. How to let go of old hurts and get back behind the wheel of your life.

Be sure and subscribe so you'll know when Season 5 starts in January.

Reach out if you'd like to connect! hope.cook@gmail.com or visit my website, www.coachhopecook.com

If you do all the self-care "things" and still feel crappy, this episode will explain why. I'll also give you 3 tools you can use to get reoriented on your path to purpose and joy. This is an episode you might need to save and listen to every few months as a reminder of what your Self really needs.

Here's a link to your free tool card as mentioned in the episode!

If you're a Physician Assistant and feeling burned out and directionless, you might be interested in group coaching starting in January 2024. We'll meet weekly for 6 weeks. I'm screening applicants now, so shoot me an email!

hope.cook@gmail.com

If you ever get the chance to sit down with Dolly, do it! If that's not an option, I highly recommend BEING Dolly. Buy the wig, a sparkly outfit, do your makeup and BE Dolly. Stepping outside yourself and into a beloved icon's story will give you a drastic perspective shift. Don't wait until next Halloween to try this out! Listen to these 10 lessons I learned after getting all "dolled" up at a conference theme night event.

I'm also opening up applications for group coaching in January: PA Burnout Group Mastermind: Should I Resign or Revive?

Email me if interested hope.cook@gmail.com

Think about it. If you're starved or depleted from life, maybe you're not getting soul food. Honestly, how much of your life makes you feel excited, happy, giddy and joyful? What abou the reverse--what makes you feel flat-out awful, drained, and heavy? Here's a shocker--this isn't the direction you want to keep going.

My Body Compass video link mentioned on the podcast

I'm also opening up applications for group coaching in January: Burnout Coaching: Should I Resign or Revive?

Email me if interested hope.cook@gmail.com

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