The reasons for failure include perfectionism, isolationism, overcommitment, preexisting addictions and financial overextension. Afraid they may not do things perfectly, physicians instead obsess and do nothing. Change must be seen as a process, one that requires only progress, not perfection. If physicians fail to establish a network for support, they have no accountability to follow through on commitments to change. For this reason, good career coaches, therapists or mentors are critical for successful life balancing.
Physicians are typically overly responsible and conscientious.
While these attributes generally serve them well, they have a hard time saying no, and they easily become overcommitted. As a result, they have a hard time focusing and simplifying. Some physicians adapt to the pain of their lives through alcohol or drug abuse, self-administration of prescription medications, compulsive overeating or gambling, sexual compulsivity, or work addiction. Some become addicted to the urgency in their lives, creating an adrenaline rush for themselves by living constantly in crisis. Although American physicians are among the most highly compensated in the world, they receive little or no education in financial planning during medical school and postgraduate training.