# **A Case for Rethinking Time Management: Insights from a Physician**
Time management is frequently regarded as the cornerstone of success in both personal and professional realms. Physicians, in particular, face expectations to adhere to stringent schedules, enhance productivity, and adeptly manage multiple duties. Nonetheless, Dr. Laura Suttin, a family physician, questions the established beliefs surrounding time management. In her article on KevinMD, *”A Case Against Time Management,”* and in her discussion on *The Podcast by KevinMD*, she argues convincingly for placing energy management above rigid approaches to time management.
## **The Burdens of Conventional Time Management in Healthcare**
The field of medicine is infamous for its intense demands and extended working hours. From residency training to clinical roles, physicians are habitually expected to navigate busy schedules with scant consideration for personal well-being. The medical culture frequently glorifies self-denial, with many doctors prioritizing patient care, paperwork, and administrative duties over their own health.
Dr. Suttin illustrates how this unyielding emphasis on time efficiency can lead to physician burnout. The push to maintain constant productivity often results in feelings of inadequacy, fatigue, and ultimately, a decline in quality patient care. Physicians are not machines—they experience biological requirements, emotional struggles, and varying energy levels throughout the day. This is why she believes that conventional time management strategies may not be effective or sustainable in the long term.
## **The Extreme Cold that Altered Everything**
Dr. Suttin’s view on time and energy management shifted dramatically during a severe cold snap in South Texas. The harsh weather resulted in extended power outages, disrupted her daily routine, and compelled her family to slow down. Stripped of electricity, internet, and the usual modern distractions, she became more attuned to her body’s natural rhythms.
During this unexpected pause, she recognized her need for significantly more sleep to manage the energy-sapping cold. She found herself craving different foods and had to modify her daily routines according to the availability of daylight. This experience solidified her understanding that human beings function on natural cycles—cycles that traditional time management practices often overlook.
## **Transitioning from Time Management to Energy Management**
Rather than fixating on strict schedules and squeezing the most out of every minute, Dr. Suttin promotes a transition towards **energy management**. This approach entails aligning daily tasks with natural energy fluctuations, rather than compelling oneself to conform to rigid timelines.
Some essential suggestions she provides for physicians (and professionals more broadly) include:
– **Attuning to the Body**: Recognize the indicators of fatigue, stress, or burnout and take appropriate action.
– **Prioritizing Rest and Recovery**: Incorporate breaks, ensure sufficient sleep, and allocate time for both physical and mental recuperation.
– **Flexibility in Scheduling**: If feasible, modify work hours and obligations according to when energy peaks occur.
– **Reassessing Priorities**: Rather than striving to accomplish everything simultaneously, concentrate on tasks that match one’s available energy.
– **Adopting a Holistic View**: Factor in emotional, physical, and psychological well-being when planning a daily agenda.
While the medical field and other demanding professions often insist on strict schedules, incorporating small changes that embrace energy-focused time management can foster greater and more sustainable productivity.
## **Barriers to Shifting the Mindset**
One significant hurdle to embracing an energy-centric work approach is the pervasive culture of overwork within medicine. Physicians are often taught over years of training to link long hours with commitment and success. Many struggle to challenge societal and institutional norms that prioritize efficiency at the expense of health.
Moreover, there tends to be a generational divide in physicians’ perspectives on work-life balance. Younger doctors increasingly champion well-being and boundary-setting, whereas some older practitioners perceive these initiatives as indications of reduced commitment. Nevertheless, as research increasingly exposes the adverse effects of burnout, medical institutions are starting to recognize the urgency for systemic reforms that promote physician wellness.
## **Incremental Steps Towards Improved Work-Life Balance**
Dr. Suttin suggests that meaningful change does not need to be radical. Even minor modifications, such as taking regular lunch breaks or granting brief moments for mindfulness activities, can yield significant benefits. Some practical approaches include:
– Allowing time for self-care without guilt
– Mastering the art of saying “no” to excessive demands
– Pursuing organizational backing for scheduling modifications
– Advocating for more humane working hours within healthcare environments
## **The Prospects for Physician Well-Being**
Fortunately, there is a heightened recognition of physician burnout, and certain health systems are implementing initiatives to better support doctors. Many organizations are hiring physician coaches, launching wellness programs, and investigating alternative scheduling solutions. The transition from strictly managed time to energy-conscious work frameworks can ultimately enhance the experience for both physicians and their patients.
Dr. Suttin emphasizes to her peers that prioritizing their health should not be viewed as a flaw but rather as a vital necessity. A well-rested and energized physician is far better prepared to deliver quality care.