Necessary Tool for a Fulfilling Life

In today’s interview, we meet a physician who has written the book on strategic quitting. Then, we learn about her career journey, and why she believes that knowing when and how to quit is so important.

Lynn Marie Morski graduated from the St. Louis U. School of Medicine, and completed a Family Medicine residency at Mayo Clinic – Arizona, and Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona. Not satisfied with those educational accomplishments, she then completed her law degree at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law.

She still works part time at the Veterans Administration. But her real joy comes from coaching and speaking about strategic quitting.

Lynn Marie spreads the gospel of strategic quitting, destigmatizing quitting, and giving people permission to quit whatever isn't working for them in their jobs, relationships, or mindsets.

She is the author of the book “Quitting by Design,” which is also the name of her business (see quittingbydesign.com). She is the host of the Quit Happens Podcast, a speaker, coach, and chief medical editor for Prime. And she also runs a Facebook group called Quitopia.

During our conversation she gives examples of quits she has implemented. And she describes how strategic quitting fits into career change, boosts productivity, and enhances our lives.

strategic quitting lynn marie morski

“I love speaking to physicians. First off, I am one. And I feel the same strain and stress that the job brings to many people. But I also know that we are often the most stuck in what we're doing.”

Our Sponsor

The University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA Program, offered by the Haslam College of Business, is the proud sponsor of this podcast. You’ll remember that I interviewed Dr. Kate Atchley, the Executive Director of the program, in Episode #25 of this podcast.

The UT PEMBA is the longest running, and most highly respected physician-only MBA in the country. It has over 650 graduates. Unlike most other ranked programs, which typically have a duration of 18 to 24 months, this program only takes a year to complete. And Economist Magazine recently ranked the business school #1 in the world for the Most Relevant Executive MBA.

University of Tennessee PEMBA students bring exceptional value to their organizations. The curriculum includes a number of major assignments and a company project. Hence, students immediately contribute to their organizations while in the program.

Graduates have taken leadership positions at major healthcare organizations. And they have become entrepreneurs and business owners. If you want to acquire the business and management skills you need to advance your career, contact Dr. Kate Atchley’s office by calling (865) 974-6526 or going to vitalpe.net/physicianmba.

It’s Okay to Quit

Quitting is Lynn Marie’s “super power.” She gives permission to quit and the tools to do it strategically and successfully.

“If I had never strategically quit anything… I would be really unhappy. I think other people want to be happy and fulfilled, and aren't necessarily sure how.”

 

Is It Time to Quit?

Do you have heartburn, anxiety, or other somatic symptoms? What parts of your clinical career aren't working? You may not need to leave your entire clinical career and all of medicine behind. But you'll most certainly need to quit the parts that aren't working for you.

We live so long, there's time to have five different careers in your life. If you change your mind, congratulations! You're human, and you evolved.”

Lynn Marie Morski

If you’re thinking about changing to a non-clinical career, Lynn Marie recommends that you:

  • Follow your intuition;
  • Create a “No List”; and,
  • Visualize what you want to do in the future.

Quitting Perfectionism

Perfectionism often plagues high performers and achievers, such as physicians. At some point, you decided to go into medicine. “If we were perfect, we would be totally happy with that decision. We would love everything we're doing, and we would never consider this non-clinical career.”

Our lives will be so much easier and more productive if we learn to quit perfectionism. Lynn Marie addresses this issue in Episode 28 of her podcast.

Some people think changing their mind means they made a mistake. Different things will appeal to you at different times in your life. “We live so long, there's time to have five different careers in your life. If you change your mind, congratulations! You're human, and you evolved.”

Quitting “Maybes”

People frequently say, “Yes, maybe,” to an invitation. “We're either waiting for something better to come along, or we don't really want to do it.”

“Maybe” doesn’t do anybody any good. “People you've half-made commitments to can't really function properly. Somebody's trying to plan a party. They've got 40 ‘maybes.’ Do they buy one thing or chips for 70?”

Be honest, and say what you mean. Then, everybody benefits. Quit “maybe.” Every decision like this should be a “no”, if it's not a “hell-yes!”

Links for today's episode:

Thanks to our sponsor…

Thanks to the UT Physician Executive MBA program for sponsoring the show. It’s an outstanding, highly rated, MBA program designed for working physicians. It might be just what you need to prepare for that joyful, well-paying career. You can find out more at vitalpe.net/physicianmba.

I hope to see you next time on the PNC Podcast.

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Podcast Editing & Production Services are provided by Oscar Hamilton.

Disclaimers:

The opinions expressed here are mine and my guest’s. While the information provided on the podcast is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, there is no express or implied guarantee that using the methods discussed here will lead to success in your career, life or business. 

Many of the links that I refer you to, and that you’ll find in the show notes, are affiliate links. That means that I receive a payment from the seller if you purchase the affiliate item using my link. Doing so has no effect on the price you are charged. And I only promote products and services that I believe are of high quality and will be useful to you, that I have personally used or am very familiar with.

The information presented on this blog and related podcast is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. It should not be construed as medical, legal, tax, or emotional advice. If you take action on the information provided on the blog or podcast, it is at your own risk. Always consult an attorney, accountant, career counsellor, or other professional before making any major decisions about your career. 

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