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How a Palliative Care Physician Navigated Self-Care and Overcame the ‘Selfish’ Myth
As January rolls in each year, many embark on setting ambitious health goals, only to find them abandoned by February. Dr. Alia Sutton, a mother, palliative care physician, and cancer previvor, shares her journey of understanding the importance of self-care, breaking free from the myth that it’s selfish, and adopting a holistic approach to goal-setting.
Dr. Sutton’s personal revelation came in 2020 when she underwent a preventive bilateral mastectomy and total hysterectomy to mitigate her genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Complications post-surgery left her dependent on her husband, offering a unique perspective into the challenges faced by seriously ill patients. This experience led to the realization that self-care is not selfish but rather a means of self-preservation.
The physician, now an advocate for sustainable health goals, emphasizes four crucial elements for effective goal-setting: understanding one’s ‘why,’ setting SMART goals, embracing accountability, and allowing oneself grace.
1. Discover Your ‘Why’: Dr. Sutton encourages reflecting on personal values, sources of joy, desired feelings, and pivotal life moments to unearth a compelling ‘why.’ For her, the ‘why’ revolves around a strong physical body, a growth mindset, and the capacity to love herself, her family, patients, and community.
2. SMART Goals Are the ‘How’: The SMART framework guides goal-setting by ensuring goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Dr. Sutton advises breaking down goals into clear and well-defined components, making them challenging yet realistic, aligning with values, and setting deadlines for accomplishment.
3. Accountability Is Underrated: Research indicates a 95% higher likelihood of success when individuals have someone to hold them accountable. Dr. Sutton emphasizes the importance of accountability partners, whether friends, family, therapists, coaches, or online communities. Having someone who understands the unique challenges of being a previvor or survivor can significantly impact goal achievement.
4. Acknowledge and Have Grace: Dr. Sutton acknowledges the unpredictability of health, especially for those dealing with genetic mutations or chronic illnesses like cancer. She advocates for acknowledging the season of life, recognizing setbacks as setups, and offering oneself grace. Goal-setting may look different in such seasons, and that is perfectly acceptable.
As the new year encourages goal-setting, Dr. Sutton’s experience and insights offer a compassionate guide for individuals navigating health challenges. She reminds previvors and survivors that it’s okay for their goals to evolve, and setbacks are part of the journey. Embracing grace and a holistic approach to well-being can lead to sustainable and meaningful health goals.
