Make the Second Thought Count

In a recent podcast interview, I was asked what I thought about charting when I was trying to finish my work after hours. There were many thoughts – charting was annoying. Charting was a waste of my time. It was impossible to get my charts done at a decent hour.

Did those thoughts help me get through the misery of charting late at night or on the weekends? No. As I was believing those thoughts, I was even more annoyed at myself. There was immense frustration. I felt stuck and trapped. It was unfair that I poured out my energy and my heart to serve, only to get my patient documentation and administrative work to do – instead of having the mental capacity to connect with patients.

I allowed that main thought – it was impossible to get my charts done at a decent hour – to become my belief for a long time. Besides feeling defeated, it seemed pointless to try new things, because I had already tried “everything” and nothing worked. Unless I somehow switched to part-time, or completely quit my clinical job, I would always be haunted by the extra hours of charting and inbox messages.

The critical moment that changed my life forever was when my coach challenged me to question if that belief was true. Was it true that it was definitely impossible to get my charts done on time? I was not working in one of the mill clinics where one physician sees over 40 patients a day. What if it was possible to cut down on the charting time? I allowed myself to be open to entertain that idea. Gradually, I was spending more time thinking of this second thought, the thought that started my transformational journey.

The moment you believe there is a possibility of something that you thought was impossible, hope is ignited in you. Do not underestimate the power of hope. Hope is the starting fuel to take your first step. Hope changes your perspective from impossible to possible.

When I embraced that second thought of the possibility of finishing my work day on time, I felt different. There was hope. There was excitement. A fire started burning inside, keeping me warm. That was when I allowed myself to be more curious and more willing to try new things. Apparently, I had not tried “everything” yet.

The more I thought about this second thought, the more I believed it, and the more I was willing to take steps toward my goal of completing my work on time. Eventually, it happened. It was not overnight. It was not a sudden switch. It took about 3 months. Leaving work by 5 pm is liberating. It is not just about the time I spend in seeing the patients and doing the charts, it is about my overall well-being. I gained back more than the time. I rediscovered the joy in medicine. I re-established meaningful connection with the patients.

It all started with focusing on the second thought, the thought that is helpful, the thought that makes a difference in my life.

Our minds are constantly coming up with ideas. When you have a first and dominant thought about something, acknowledge it. Notice how it makes you feel and what actions you are taking based on that thought. Then ask yourself if that is helpful. Based on your initial thought, are you moving closer to your goal? If not, then challenge your initial thought and come up with a second thought, a thought that is helpful. A thought that is generating more pleasant energy. A thought that is bringing you closer to your goal. Remind yourself of that thought throughout the day. How do you feel about it? What actions are you taking as a result of that second thought? Make the second thought count.