Lessons from a pediatric neurologist

One of my sons has epilepsy, and has taken five different medications over the past few years. 

Each time we try a new medication, his pediatric neurologist (who will be sainted after she dies, I’m pretty sure) discusses the range of medication dosage with me and my husband. 

And then, every time, she says: “But we should start at the minimum viable dose.” 

In other words: If my son could take between .5 and 2 mL per kg of bodyweight, let’s start at the bottom and only increase if necessary. 

Greater dose, most people agree, comes with more side effects. 
So start with the minimum viable dose.

One of my consistent observations as a life coach has been: Most of us do not start at the minimum dosage. 

Of course, this observation is not new. We take on too much, we exhaust ourselves, blah, blah, blah. 

But recently, I’ve had a new insight about it: Many of us lack the imagination for what a minimum viable dosage *could* be. 

…

Here’s the thing: my son’s neurologist knows, for a fact, the range of suggested ml/kg of body weight that can be effective. For most of the medications my son has taken, it’s typically already been established in the research literature. 

For us in the non-medical world, I think part of the problem is that we *think* we’re doing a small dose. We think 30 minutes a day of exercise or writing or journaling, for example, is doable and sustainable — while also being efficacious towards our goals.

But what if that’s nowhere near the minimum viable dose? 

One of the great joys of working with my 1:1 clients, is that from my experience and skill, I can give them outrageously doable assignments that nonetheless help them achieve their goals. But today, I just want to offer that idea for you to chew on: 

“30 minutes a day” might become “30 minutes once a week.” 

“Actually do three things this week” might become “Just make a list of three things you could do, this week.” 

“Take the next key step” might become “identify the next key step, and just think about it each day this week.”

Over and over and over, my clients make more progress with me than they would on their own. There’s many reasons for that, but think it’s not so dissimilar from what my son’s neurologist knows: 

With greater dose, comes more side effects. 

I keep the dose quite low, minimize side effects, and my clients are better able to reap the positive effects of the “treatment” (to use that medical metaphor.) 

…

So I would offer you this week: How could you significantly lower your dosage? 

In my clinical experience, it still might be quite potent. 

…

As always, I’m rooting for you in the week ahead. You’ve got this.

Katie




p.s. The most successful people in the world have coaches — from CEOs to Olympic athletes. Which makes sense; successful people get that way by being open to discovering blind spots, re-examining old beliefs, and trying new things.

Why not you?

If you'd like to work with me 1:1 — learn more here.

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