Part 1 — Making a Change: Taking Ownership of Personal and Professional Growth

Whether it’s adapting to a new electronic health record (EHR) system, transitioning to a new shift, or choosing to prioritize your own work-life well-being, deciding to make a change is rarely as simple as flipping a switch.

When you work in healthcare, your habits and routines are often deeply ingrained — and for good reason. Routines keep patient care safe and efficient. But when a habit or mindset no longer serves you, changing yourself requires more than just willpower. It takes preparation, readiness, and a clear plan.

If you are looking to initiate a meaningful personal or professional change, here is how to set yourself up for lasting success:

1. Gauge Your Readiness.

Success in personal change depends heavily on where you are in your journey. Are you still weighing the pros and cons, or are you truly ready to take action? Trying to implement a new routine — like building a habit of leaving work on time — before you’ve clearly defined your goals can lead to frustration. Take the time to plan before jumping straight into action. 

2. Focus on One Transition at a Time.

When we feel burnt out or overwhelmed, it's tempting to try fixing everything at once. Resist that urge. Choose one specific change to start with — such as taking a dedicated 10-minute break during your shift or committing to a brief walk before starting your commute home. Mastering one small change builds the confidence and momentum needed to tackle larger ones later.

3. Create a Clear, Positive Vision.

What will your day look like once this change takes hold? Will you feel less rushed during rounds? Will you have more energy for your family after your shift? This vision is your "why." Keep it at the front of your mind to stay motivated when old habits start creeping back in.

4. Build the Routine with Small Steps.

Big goals can feel daunting, especially during a high-stress workday. Break your target down into micro-steps:

• To increase physical activity: Start with a 5-minute walk before or after your shift.
• To improve mental boundary-setting: Commit to turning off work notifications on your phone at a specific hour each night.
• To build stronger team communication: Make a point to give one piece of genuine positive feedback to a colleague each day.

5. Harness Support and Expect Setbacks.

Change doesn't happen in a vacuum. Share your goals with a trusted colleague, partner, or peer who can offer encouragement and keep you accountable.

If you hit a roadblock — like missing a week of your new routine due to an unexpectedly demanding schedule —don't view it as a failure. Treat it as valuable data. Ask yourself: What triggered the slip? How can I adjust my environment to make the habit easier next time? Modify your approach, give yourself grace, and keep moving forward.

Need Support Navigating Life’s Changes?

Whether you are trying to make a personal habit change, adapt to professional shifts, or manage the stress of life transitions, you don't have to do it alone. As a VITAL WorkLife member, register/log in to access confidential counseling, coaching, and well-being resources designed specifically for healthcare professionals and their families.

Navigating the waves of change is a 3-part series for healthcare professionals. Learn more in Part 2  — Embracing a Change: Transforming Operational and Life Transitions into Opportunities and  Part 3 — Coping with Change: Protecting Your Physical and Emotional Health Amid Unavoidable Stress.