You Are Not A Frog

We’re kicking off our summer replay series with Dr Richard Pile, and his take on how to reconnect with your meaning and purpose in life. In this conversation, he shares why finding fulfillment can play a critical part in your well-being - and shares a brilliant framework to help you work out your own purpose.Episode 94Podcast linksSign up for the FREE Summer Holiday Working Survival Guide!Check out the Permission to Thrive CPD membership for doctorsSign up now for the Shapes Toolkit Programs to help you take control of your workload, feel better, and beat burnout.Create your ideal week using the THRIVE Week Planner!Books to help you find your purpose:Fit For Purpose by Dr Richard PileDrive by Daniel H. PinkThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerIkigai TribeWellbeing For Real Life Podcast with Dr Richard PileConnect with Richard: Twitter | YouTube | WebsiteFor more updates and episodes, visit the You Are Not A Frog website.You can also tune in on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Sign up

We all know the overwhelm that comes from working in healthcare. But we often overlook the toxic combination that is stress and boredom. This happens when we choose to play it safe and instead ditch things that challenge us.Growth and development are keys to a thriving and well-lived life. When we enable ourselves to learn and grow, only then can we become happier, more successful, and more fulfilled.In this episode, Rachel discusses how to address and navigate the toxic combination of stress and boredom in the workplace. She talks about the role of learning in living a self-actualised life. Rachel also shares some recommendations you might find helpful for learning.If you want to learn how to make learning a habit in your life, stay tuned to this episode.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out the consequences of indulging in the toxic combination of stress and boredom.Learn ways to fit growth and development into your schedule.Discover the impact of prioritising self-develo

Healthcare professionals and people in demanding careers often accept stress as a way of life. However, unchecked stress will someday lead to burnout and create more problems for everyone involved.Our bold solution to this relentless problem is to start becoming obsessed with relaxation! We all know we need to calm down and relax, but how many of us actually do it? John C. Parkin joins us today and encourages us to say 'f**k it' more in our lives! Not everything is important, and sometimes we try too hard to live up to society's excessive expectations. John shares how overcoming stress and setting boundaries often results in overthinking and feelings of guilt.Let’s learn to finally prioritise relaxation in our lives and see how much better we become through it.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover the power of saying ‘f**k it’.Learn how to say ‘f**k it’ — even in situations that matter.Understand the importance of relaxation and why it should be a daily priority.Episod

Have you seen stuff at work that has affected you deeply? Do you sometimes wonder if keeping calm and carrying on as usual is possibly not the best thing to do?Working on the frontline comes at the expense of many things, physically, mentally, and emotionally. However, this should not be the case. We need to take time and be kind to ourselves in these situations before we could go out and do our jobs.Dr Caroline Walker joins us again in this episode to discuss how trauma affects healthcare professionals working on the frontline. We talk about some steps we can take to help ourselves and each other process traumatic situations in healthy ways.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out what things cause a trauma response in us.Learn the difference between a normal acute trauma stress response and PTSD.Discover the three things you should do immediately following any traumatic event.Episode Highlights[05:31] The Inherent Trauma in the Field of Healthcare[10:05] Trauma in the Profes

While taking time away from work, you may realize that your career path is not what you wanted it to be. You might find that many things need to change in order for you to pursue your ideal life. Fortunately, returning to work can be your opportunity to make changes in your life. Have the intention to take the steps to avoid burnout and live out your ideal life.In this episode, Dr. Katya Miles and Rachel continue their talk about what you can do after returning from a break at work. You might find that with proper planning and intention, your return is just what you need to start making some changes. From self-care to checking in, you can take this opportunity to live your ideal life and career. If you want to find out more about planning a working life you want, listen to this episode of You Are Not a Frog.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Discover how planning and being intentional can keep you on track to your ideal life and career.Learn how self-care doesn’t benefit onl

When major issues occur in your life, it’s often necessary to take a break and deal with them, and of course there’s also the other reasons we take significant time off work - maternity or parental leave, taking a sabbatical or taking a career break. Whatever the reason for being off work, being off for a prolonged period can lead to a loss of confidence and anxiety when you are finally able to return, which may cause you to worry that you’re just going to slip back to where you were….In this episode, the first in our series about ‘What to do after burnout’, Rachel talks with Dr Katya Miles about how to return to work after a long absence and how to thrive again. They explore the fears and doubts people often face and how to overcome them. You’ll learn Katya’s tips on how to regain confidence and prevent burnout happening all over again.If you want to find out how to thrive in your work again, this episode is for you!3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn the common struggles with

Many of us spend most of our days within the four walls of our home and workplace. With everything we have to do, it seems challenging to set aside a few minutes out of our indoor spaces. But when you find the time to connect with nature, you might discover new perspectives and insights into your life.Henri Stevenson joins us to talk about the ways connecting with nature can shift our thinking and open up new solutions. We discuss the differences in our thoughts and feelings when we're in nature versus within artificial walls. She shares her stories of finding metaphors for life situations reflected in nature and what she learned from them. Henri reminds us that sometimes, the solutions to our problems may show up in quiet spaces when we take a few moments to connect with nature.Curious about how to take time to learn and connect with nature? Learn how and much more when you tune into this episode!3 Reasons to Listen:Find out the importance of taking some time to relax and take your thoughts on a walk.Learn t

In this episode of You Are Not a Frog, Annie Hanekom guides you through how to say no and deal with the inevitable pushback. She shares the importance of language — are you using pain language or power language? We’ll also be discussing how to employ power language to set boundaries and how to use your values to get over the pain of saying no.If you also struggle with saying no and dealing with pushback, tune in to this episode to know how you can set boundaries, enforce them and make your work life happier!3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Understand why saying ‘no’ is a kindness — even if people are put out by it.Discover the difference between pain and power language.Learn how to set your boundaries and deal with pushback.Episode Highlights[06:02] The Universal Challenge of Saying No[09:52] Benefits of Saying No [11:24] Why We Struggle with Saying No[16:24] Using the Pause[23:47] Practical Prioritisation[31:59] The Power of Language[40:00] How to Deal with Pushback[48:58] Top Tips on

Change can definitely be scary. However, it doesn’t always have to be a difficult and terrifying experience. Dr Claire Kaye is back on the podcast to talk about change. Whether you dislike change or thrive on it, her insights and enlightening tips will help you make the most of the changes in your life.Are you undergoing a difficult change right now? Learn more about how to change when change is absolutely scary in this episode of You Are Not a Frog.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out why your approach to change, whether you hate it or love it, can define your experiences.Discover opportunities and gifts from experiencing change.Learn how you can persevere through and embrace changes in your life, no matter how impossible it seems.Episode Highlights[06:00] How to Approach Change[07:42] Enforced VS Created Change[10:45] How to Face Barriers in Change[14:03] The Process of How to Change[19:16] Going Through the Five Stages[22:13] Leading Change[26:32] Coping With Change: Fi

Do you truly know what it means to live a life without regrets? Too often, we get stuck chasing dreams that aren't even our own or don't take action to improve our lives because we're hoping for something better.If you only had a year left to live, would you really be spending it at the office?Georgina Scull joins us in this episode to talk about what she learned from writing the book, Regrets of the Dying: Stories and Wisdom That Remind Us How to Live. She shares the three common regrets of people dying: not being able to make other people happy, living up to other people’s expectations, and trying to rewrite history. We walk you through practical steps you can use to reflect on your inner desires and live a meaningful life.If you want to know how to live a life without regrets, stay tuned to this episode.Episode Highlights[05:30] The Story Behind Regrets of the Dying[10:04] How Georgina Changed Herself[15:33] The Need for Change [17:31] Learning from Others [22:28] Three Common Regrets [28:03

Joining us to talk about finding happiness in your workplace is Sarah Metcalfe. The founder of Happiness Coffee Consulting shares the importance of being happy at work to reduce workplace stress and perform better. She gives her top tips on simple things you can do to pursue happiness and share it with others. In a high-stress job like medicine, choose happiness and spread it.If you want to learn more about how and why we should be happy at work, tune in to this episode.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Get to know the positive effects of happiness and positivity in the workplace.Learn how results and relationships can help you be happy at work.Find out how you can be a leader who leads your team with happiness.Episode Highlights[05:18] Happiness in Purpose[08:16] Searching for Happiness at Work[13:49] The Difference Between Well-being and Happiness[16:39] Finding Happy Times[23:00] The Happiness Effect[29:41] Reflecting Happiness[35:43] Leading With Happiness[42:58] Choosing to

In this episode, Corrina Gordon-Barnes joins us to discuss the common struggles of working parents and the things we need to unlearn. She shares how to take radical responsibility as a parent and delegate responsibilities from housework to emotional load. We also teach you how to stay in your zone of genius and accept help when you need it. It’s time to live a life you love and enjoy, even amidst all your responsibilities!If you’re struggling to balance work and parenting, stay tuned to this episode.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn how to let go of unhealthy thoughts and behaviours like parenting guilt, rescuer tendencies, and gender normative expectations.Discover the importance of delegating housework and the family’s emotional load.Understand how staying in your zone of genius can make you happier.Episode Highlights[04:55] Introducing Corrina[07:54] Struggles of Working Parents[13:04] Differences in Becoming a Parent[16:03] How to Manage Parenting Guilt[19:04] Balancin

Are you sick of spending all day in front of your screen? While it is convenient to conduct online meetings, it can also feel tiring not meeting people face to face. But love them or hate them, online meetings are here to stay. We need to find ways to make them work.John Monks joins us to discuss designing better online meetings and interactions. We discuss how to create online meetings that energise and infuse rather than demotivate. We also teach you why simple exercises on limits and boundaries in these interactions can improve problem solving and creativity.If you want to know how to make the most out of online meetings, stay tuned to this episode.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn tips for engaging people in online meetings.Discover tips and exercises for making every minute of online workshops valuable.Understand the future of work meetings.Episode Highlights[06:24] Online Meetings as a Norm[09:06] How John Began Improving Virtual Meetings[13:19] Recalibrating Curve’s

What do you tend to do when you're feeling overwhelmed by negative thoughts or stress? Most of us want to "fix" negative emotions – but this approach usually makes it worse! Dealing with negative emotions isn't always about fixing them; sometimes, acknowledging and recognising them is enough. Handling your mental health matters isn't always a long, drawn-out process. Our guest for this episode shares how you can start managing negative thoughts and feelings — in as little as 10 minutes!Dr Lee David joins us to discuss practical tools for managing our negative emotions healthily. She shares the GROW model, which anyone can perform in just 10 minutes. We also talk about how labelling your experience through words and images can help organise your thoughts. Lee also shares how to be actively compassionate towards ourselves. Your mental health matters; working on your mental and emotional health for a few minutes daily can do wonders. If you want to know how to manage and address your mental health matters,

Every workplace has a hierarchy. Whether you are a trainee, a colleague, or a boss (or all three!), the hierarchy can influence everything from everyday working practices to relational dynamics. However, sometimes, it can feel much harder communicating upwards than down. Factors like fear and under-confidence can lead you to speak up less and be more hesitant to discuss issues. But building trust, and putting your voice out there will benefit your team as well as you.Today, we have two guests on You are Not a Frog: Dr Claire Edwin and Dr Keerthini Muthuswamy. They talk about their experiences working within a hierarchical system as junior doctors and share what they have found to be essential if you want to build trust and foster good relationships with your seniors, your juniors, and your peers. If you want to know how you can build trust and influence your workplace, and manage upwards and sideways this episode is just for you!3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Find out why a hierarchy

Some problems are a breeze to solve, but others can leave you dithering for ages. Ignore them for too long, and they’ll catch up, but face them without planning, and you won’t progress. However, what you may not realise is that can find the solution within yourself.In this episode, Rachel talks with Claire Kaye about self-coaching. They explore the framework and questions to guide you on your self-coaching journey. You’ll learn Claire’s tips on gaining confidence, control, and success in every aspect of your life.If you want to learn how self-coaching can empower you in your life and career and how to do it successfully, this episode is for you!3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Learn the right questions to ask yourself when practising self-coaching.Discover how to assess your emotions and what to do when you’re stuck.Learn how to solve problems with the 3 R’s.Episode Highlights[05:10] Self-Coaching for Career Development[08:01] How to Change Your Approach to Work[11:18] The Definition of Coa

This week, Steve Pratt joins us to discover the benefits of mindfulness. We talk about how mindfulness is used to be able to live happier and less anxious. We also teach you how you can develop mindfulness practices and incorporate them into your life.ResourcesSign up for the Resilient Team Academy to join a supportive and thriving community of leadersListen to a previous episode on mindfulness with Graham Lee Try out the Headspace app Get the book by Mark Williams Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World [5:46] Steve’s ExperiencesSteve has been a GP appraiser for 35 years, both as a managing partner and now a mentor for other GPs on the fellowship scheme.He spent 25 years teaching evidence-based medicine.[9:34] How To Be Less Stressed And Burnt OutMindfulness is not just about becoming more resilient, although it is part of resilience courses.Tune in to learn more about how to be less stressed or less burnt out in the full episode![17:02] The Skill Of NoticingThe ac

Do you ever find yourself questioning whether you’re on the right path? Or maybe you’re struggling to find meaning in what you do? So many of us feel like we are stuck in a neverending climb in our careers. Whenever you get to a point like this, it may be time to re-assess and reprioritise your life. When faced with unwanted events, go back to your ‘why’ to discover how you can change your circumstance or perspective.Dr Maddy Du Mont joins us in this episode to discuss how her COVID-19 experience changed her life away from clinical practice. Although difficult at first, her reprioritisation made her feel free and at peace. She shares questions that will help you find clarity on your priorities. Change doesn’t require a life-changing event, nor does it have to turn your life upside down. It be can just simply changing your mindset and feeling at peace with your decisions.If you want to know how to find peace and happiness in your life, stay tuned to this episode.ResourcesConnect with Maddy: WebsiteGe

Doctors and healthcare professionals are so busy that they would rather do other things than spend hours working on their appraisals. However, appraisals are a vital part of your medical career. This process allows you to reflect on your past experiences and figure out how to move forward. Dr Susi Caesar joins us to talk about how you can elevate and enjoy your professional life with annual appraisals. She shares the purpose of appraisals and how they can help you choose the best way forward in your career and personal life. Dr Susi also gives her top tips on what you can do to make this process more meaningful.If you want to know more about appraisals and how you can benefit from them, stay tuned to this episode.Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Understand the purpose of appraisals and why you need to take part in it.Get tips on how you can make a good appraisal.Find out how your appraiser can help you identify problems, solve them and plan for the future.ResourcesGet a FR

Dr Ed Pooley joins us in this episode to discuss what we should do when we see inappropriate behaviour like badmouthing. He shares how we can manage difficult conversations with the intent of helping others. We also discuss the importance of recognising triggers through the SCARF model.ResourcesGet in touch and book a slot with us for live program courses of the Shapes Toolkit. Bookings are open for Autumn 2022, with only a few openings left for Spring 2022Learn more about Dr Ed Pooley on the Ten Minute Medicine website and Facebook.Join the FB Group about difficult conversations in medicine.David Bradford and Carole Robin wrote the book https://connectandrelate.com/, inspired by their legendary Stanford Business School course Interpersonal Dynamics. Dive deeper into the SCARF model with The Handbook of NeuroLeadership by Dr David RockHero on a Mission by Donald Miller.  Looking for advice on a dilemma? Email us at hello@you'renotafrog.com.THRIVE Weekly PlannerEpisode Highlights[04:16] Why Tough Con