How Perfectionism and Shame Lead to Stress and Burnout

Why is it that doctors work themselves to the point of burnout and stress and making themselves sick? In a system that seems to demand perfectionism in healthcare workers, medical professionals aim for impossibly high standards. What happens when they can't meet the standards they set for themselves?

Dr Sandy Miles joins us in this episode to explore the concept of shame and how we respond to it. She also explains why shame breeds perfectionism in healthcare workers. After explaining the concept of shame, we also share practical, actionable tips to overcome shame and have a healthier response to it.

If you want to know how shame fosters perfectionism in healthcare workers, stay tuned to this episode.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

What exactly is shame, and how does it manifest in our daily lives?
Learn common responses to shame and how to overcome it healthily.
Understand why shame causes perfectionism in healthcare workers.

Episode Highlights

[03:31] Introducing Sandy

[05:21] Defining Shame

[12:28] How Identities Are Tied to Shame

[15:39] 3 Ways People Respond to Shame

[18:07] How to Respond to Shame

[27:19] Shame and Perfectionism in Healthcare Workers

[32:17] How to Overcome Maladaptive Perfectionism

[36:49] What You Can Do Today

[44:51] Recognize What You Can Control

[47:35] Sandy’s Advice

Resources

Take an off-grid You’re Not a Frog retreat with us this coming May. Get a special discount when you book before February 10th.
Can’t make it in May? Dr Sandy recommends the Acacia Retreat in September.
You're Not a Frog Episode 92: How to Avoid Becoming the Second Victim with Dr Caraline Wright & Dr Lizzie Sweeting
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay
Books and videos from Brene Brown
Shame and Medicine
Shame in Medicine: The Lost Forest, a 10-part documentary podcast produced by The Nocturnists
THRIVE Weekly Planner
Connect with Sandy: Twitter | LinkedIn | Email (sandy.miles2@nhs.net)

Enjoyed This Podcast?

Write a review and share this with your friends.

Connect With Me

Have any questions? Contact Rachel through these platforms:

LinkedIn: @Dr-Rachel-Morris

Twitter: @DrRachelMorris

Email: hello@youarenotafrog.com

Find out more about our training here.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Anti-Burnout System
Take back control of your time and your workload — before burnout makes the decision for you.

Join FrogXtra
The monthly membership for doctors and busy professionals in high stress jobs, who want to beat burnout, and thrive in work and life.