Succeed in Medicine Time Management Skills That Improve Doctor Work-Life Balance, Part 2 | Ep485
Ready to turn procrastination into productivity and make to-do lists work for you?
Dr. Bradley Block and Dr. Russell Ramsay continue their discussion on time management for physicians. In part two, Dr. Ramsay explores forgiving procrastination through normalization, identifying progressivity (productive avoidance), and breaking tasks into small, actionable steps. He shares tips on using daily planners, keeping to-do lists manageable (2-5 items), and incorporating self-compassion to sustain motivation. While rooted in ADHD strategies, these insights help anyone in high-demand fields like medicine avoid overcommitment and build momentum. Tune in for practical advice on planners, task breakdown, and iterating for success—perfect for shifting work-life balance.
Three Actionable Takeaway:
- Forgive and Normalize Procrastination – Recognize that relapse is 100%, and focus on understanding why it happens (e.g., lack of planning or overcommitment). Dr. Ramsay advises reframing through normalization and self-compassion: acknowledge slip-ups, identify specific causes, and get back on track without self-judgment to minimize future occurrences.
- Avoid Progressivity with Task Prioritization – Identify when you're doing lower-priority tasks (e.g., organizing files instead of charting) as avoidance. Dr. Ramsay suggests making priority tasks more appealing by focusing on hands-on starts, clear endpoints, and small steps—like mowing the lawn before taxes—to build momentum and prevent productive procrastination.
- Optimize To-Do Lists and Planners – Keep lists short (2-5 bite-sized items) and specific (e.g., "run errand" vs. vague goals). Dr. Ramsay recommends using planners for time-blocking, sequencing tasks logically, and iterating if needed; if a task lingers, break it down further into initial steps like "get to workstation" for sustained progress.
About the Show:
Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!
About the Guest:
Dr. Russell Ramsay is a psychologist specializing in the assessment and psychosocial treatment of adult ADHD. With international lectures and over six books, including CBT for Adult ADHD and The Adult ADHD Toolkit, he advises on behavioral strategies for efficiency and well-being. Formerly at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, he focuses on helping professionals, including physicians, manage procrastination and perfectionism.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-ramsay-a8bbb310
Website: https://www.cbt4adhd.com
About the Host:
Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians
Want to be a guest?
Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!
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This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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