A newly minted MD was grinding through 84-hour study weeks, preparing for the exam that would determine her residency placement abroad. Despite her medical expertise, the pressure was paralyzing her progress.

During our virtual coaching sessions in 2020, I noticed a pattern: she could diagnose any patient’s stress-related symptoms, yet couldn’t see her own. I posed a simple question that became our breakthrough: “If you were treating yourself as a patient, what would you prescribe?”

The irony wasn’t lost on either of us. Here was a doctor who knew exactly what healthy habits looked like but wasn’t practicing them herself.

Within three months, we restructured her study approach and daily routines. She passed her exams and secured the residency she wanted.

Key takeaway:

Even the most accomplished professionals can benefit from an outside perspective. Sometimes we’re too close to our own challenges to see the solutions clearly.

The best leaders don’t just manage others—they learn to lead themselves first.

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