How to Escape the Tyranny of the ‘Shoulds’

Do you find yourself trapped by the expectations and pressures of what you think you “should” be doing? Is there a voice in your head, berating you for not living up to their standards? If so, you might be experiencing the tyranny of the shoulds.You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. But it turns out that hearing others' stories can help you realise that your struggles are common. Also, if you rely on others for feedback it’s important to know whom to ask and when, so you don’t end up with an over-eager cheerleader or someone who’ll burst your bubble before its time.In this episode, Charlotte Housden discusses her research on successfully navigating change and how we can escape that nagging, finger-wagging presence we all have from time to time.That voice of doubt and fear can trap us in a cycle of unhappiness and unfulfilment. It might mean we miss out on opportunities for growth, personal development, and finding true satisfaction in our lives and careers. But by remembering that you are not your thoughts, you can start to free yourself from the tyranny of the shoulds.Listen to this episode toGain insights from interviews with 108 people in 27 countries on successfully navigating change in life.Understand the importance of hearing others' stories, and how it can make you feel less alone.Get the resources you nee to facilitate and sustain change.Episode highlights[00:06:50] The importance of knowing you're not alone[00:09:27] Stories and consequences of change[00:11:14] How to give feedback[00:17:15] Delaying gratification on a new project[00:18:59] What to do when you feel you need to change everything at once[00:23:46] Job crafting[00:25:51] The shift in the psychological contract[00:29:10] The tyranny of the shoulds[00:33:39] Midroll[00:36:12] The three musts[00:37:39] You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather[00:40:32] You are not your thoughts[00:43:42] What most medical students aren't taught about their own thoughts[00:47:51] What doctors need to make it to the top[00:50:11] The key to greater productivity[00:52:50] Charlotte's top tipsAbout the guestCharlotte is a chartered coaching psychologist helping individuals to navigate their organisations and careers. She has interviewed 108 people in 27 countries identifying how they successfully navigate change and is the author of Swim Jump Fly: A Guide to Changing Your Life.LinkedIn | WebsiteResourcesTHRIVE Weekly PlannerWhat Happens When We’re Really Listened to – Episode 180, with Tom DillonHow to Avoid Becoming the Second Victim – Episode 92, with Dr Caraline Wright & Dr Lizzie SweetingJob Crafting for Happiness – Episode 144, with Kirsten Armit, Dr Colin Lindsay, and Dr Daljit HothiSwim Jump Fly: A Guide to Changing Your Life – Charlotte’s bookCharlotte’s Tyranny of the Shoulds...

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The podcast for GPs, hospital doctors and other professionals in high-stakes, high-stress jobs who want to thrive rather than just survive. You studied for years, you’re really good at what you do but you’ve noticed that you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, overworked and under-resourced. You may be comparing yourself to a frog in boiling water - the heat has built up so slowly that you haven’t noticed the extra-long days becoming the norm. You may feel on the edge and trapped in the very job that you’ve spent years working towards. Here’s the problem, frogs only have two choices; stay and be boiled alive, or jump out of the pan. The good news is that you are not a frog. You have many more choices than you think you do. You don’t have to quit, and nor should stress and burnout be inevitable. It is possible to be master of your own destiny, to craft your work life and career so that you can thrive even in the most difficult of situations. There are simple changes you can make which will make a huge difference to your stress levels and help you enjoy life again. Your host is Dr Rachel Morris, GP turned Executive Coach and Specialist in Resilience at Work who knows what it’s like to feel like an exhausted frog. In the podcast, she’ll be talking to friends, colleagues and experts all who have an interesting take on resilience for clever people in high-stakes, high-stress jobs so that together you can take back control to beat stress and burnout, survive and thrive.